Studying environmental science degree guide

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On an environmental science degree, you’ll combine a lot of different disciplines, drawing on biology, chemistry, geography and Earth sciences among others. These degrees are often quite practical, so you can expect to spend a fair amount of time in a lab, and you may also get to go on field trips to some exciting places.

Find environmental science courses.

What do you need to get on an environmental science degree?

The typical entry requirements for environmental science degrees vary based on the uni and the exact course you want to study. Most courses require between 96 and 165 UCAS points, which can be obtained through the following qualifications:

A-levels: A*AA – CCC
BTECs: D*D*D* – MMM
Scottish Highers: AAAAA – BBBB
Advanced Highers: AAB – AA
International Baccalaureate: 39 – 28

Most unis will want you to have studied a related subject at higher or advanced level. They may ask that you’ve studied subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, geography or maths.

Find out how to apply to uni through UCAS.

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What environmental science degrees can you study?

Some of the environmental science courses available in the UK are:

Learn about the different types of undergraduate courses.

What topics does an environmental science degree cover?

Topics that may be covered in an environmental science degree include:

Analysis of biological data
Biodiversity and conservation
Ecology
Management of natural resources
Physical environments
Plant sciences
Renewable energy
Soil geography
Sustainability

What do you learn studying an environmental science degree?

Studying an environmental science degree, you’ll pick up a lot of subject-specific and transferable skills. Subject-specific skills include:

Awareness and knowledge of various environmental issues
How to analyse and interpret environmental data
Understanding of geohazards, sustainable development policy and biodiversity

Some of the transferable skills you’ll learn are:

Communication
IT and numeracy skills
Organisation
Presentation skills
Report writing
Research skills
Team work

What professional accreditations can you get with an environmental science degree?

Your degree might 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).

What can you do with an environmental science degree?

There are several career paths on offer to environmental science graduates. Some common choices are:

Environmental consultant
Environmental professional
Nature conservation professional
Sustainability consultant
Teacher/lecturer
Water quality engineer

Check out our careers guides here.

How long is an environmental science degree?

Most undergraduate environmental science degrees are three years long. You may have the opportunity to extend your course to a four-year degree. Usually, this is by adding a foundation year, year abroad or year in industry.

How will you be assessed?

How you’re assessed on an environmental science degree depends on the module you’re studying. Typically, degrees are assessed through a combination of: