Environmental and earth sciences

Single Honours 

• Environmental Science 

• Geology 

• Geography 

• Earth Science 

Joint Honours 

• Environmental Science and Biology 

• Geography and Geology 

• Environmental Science and Chemistry 

• Earth Sciences and Oceanography 

SOURCE: COMMON DEGREE TITLES FROM WHATUNI

 Alternative options 

• Foundation years A foundation year is a one year course which is great for those who don’t meet the entry requirements for an undergraduate degree. It also offers an opportunity to improve general academic skills and enhance english language proficiency. 

• Sandwich degrees A ‘sandwich’ year is typically taken between Years 2 and 3 of an undergraduate degree and allows you to gain practical experience through work placements and internships or expand your horizons with a study abroad program. 

• Integrated Master’s These programs typically extend by an undergraduate degree by one year and offer deeper specialisation in environmental and earth sciences, resulting in a postgraduate qualification at relatively little extra cost. 

• Degree apprenticeships There are many good reasons to consider a degree apprenticeship instead of an undergraduate degree. You’ll earn a wage while you learn on-the-job skills, and your employer will even pay for your tuition fees. Courses generally last three to six years. 

SOURCE: WHATUNI

A strong grounding in STEM subjects is essential, and you’ll benefit from choosing A-levels (or equivalent) like mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and geography. Entry grades can vary between universities, and the more competitive courses usually don’t accept general studies and critical thinking A-levels. 

An environmental and earth sciences course offers a long list of specialisms, as diverse as the Earth itself. From the physical processes by which the planet exists to the policies trying to preserve the future of its ecological systems, there are a huge range of options. Specialised areas include: 

• Environmental chemistry This specialism focuses on natural chemical processes. It involves a detailed understanding of how chemistry works in air, soil, and water environments, and can be used to assess the long-term risks of pollution and contaminants. 

• Hydrology Hydrology looks into the distribution and properties of water. It explores topics such as precipitation, runoff, infiltration, groundwater flow, and water quality, with implications for water resource management, flood control, and environmental conservation. 

• Plate tectonics Plate tectonics is the study of the dynamic processes that shape the earth's crust and surface. It explores the movement and interactions of vast tectonic plates which define our oceans, continents, and geological features such as mountains, volcanoes, and earthquakes. 

• Atmospheric physics Our atmosphere is governed by physical conditions which include temperature, pressure, humidity, and air circulation. This field encompasses the study of weather patterns, atmospheric dynamics, and the behaviour of gases and particles which have huge implications for our understanding of climate change. 

• Environmental policy and management As we better understand climate change, it is important to develop strategies to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability. This rapidly growing field involves evidence-based policy analysis, and the design of new regulatory frameworks to protect ecosystems for future generations. 

• Climatology 

• Soil science 

• Oceanography 

• Environmental conservation 

• Atmospheric physics  

• Environmental impact assessment 

• Geographical information systems (GIS) 

• Geological hazards 

When studying environmental and earth sciences, you'll explore topics such as climate change, natural resource management, geological hazards, and environmental conservation while also developing practical skills in fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation.  

Through field trips, practical projects, and research projects, you'll apply theoretical knowledge to real-world environmental challenges, in preparation for a wide selection of career pathways in environmental research, consultancy, policymaking, and education. 

Transferable skills you’ll pick up along the way include: 

• Fieldwork techniques 

• Data analysis 

• Presentation  

• Problem-solving 

• Teamwork 

In the UK, environmental and earth science programs may be accredited by the Institute of Environmental Sciences (IES). In this case, you’ll be able to apply for free student membership of the institution. Degrees may also be accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).  

If you're interested in environmental and earth sciences but want to explore alternative degree options, you could consider related fields such as: 

• Geography 

• Environmental engineering 

• Geophysics 

• Environmental management 

• Marine biology 

Whether you’re looking to teach future students of environmentalism or develop strategies to preserve and promote heathy ecosystems and biodiversity, a degree in environmental and earth sciences is a great place to start. It opens doors to career opportunities in environmental consultancy, research, conservation, and education. Graduates can pursue roles such as: 

• Soil scientist 

• Geologist 

• Sustainability consultant 

• Environmental policy analyst 

• Hydrogeologist 

• Climate change analyst 

• Environmental educator 

• Geological surveyor 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You'll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in environmental and earth sciences, or a related subject.