About this course
Our exciting and topical Environmental Science degree combines a range of subjects, including geography, law and oceanography. It focuses on applying science to some of the biggest environmental challenges of today and in the future. It will prepare you for a rewarding career in many fields, like environmental management and conservation.
Our BSc Environmental Science consists of theory with practical and project work, and explores sustainable solutions to environmental problems.
At the start of the course, you'll choose one of 4 specialist pathways. This will give you control over your degree and career route. You can change your pathway at the end of the first year.
You can choose to specialise in:
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Aquatic Environments and Resources
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Environmental Change
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Biodiversity and Conservation
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Sustainable Environmental Management
You'll complete a research project in year 3. Industry regularly implements our students’ work. For example, Ordnance Survey has used recommendations from student-designed environmental management systems.
We provide many opportunities for fieldwork, where you'll gain the skills to collect and analyse data. Previous field trips have used drones for remote sensing and studied salt marsh vegetation.
As part of this course you can:
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learn to apply quantitative analysis and field research techniques
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use computer-based geographical information systems to study environmental change
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use specialist facilities including a purpose-built teaching lab and remote sensing equipment
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join our award-winning Enactus society
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boost your skills and employability by spending a year in employment
This degree is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES).
Accreditations
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
A-levels
ABB including two acceptable science subjects
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
BBB including two acceptable science subjects and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
BBB including two acceptable science subjects
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with minimum 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level to include two acceptable science subjects at Higher Level scoring a minimum of 5 in each
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A B in two acceptable science A-level subjects
BTEC additional information
BTEC qualifications must be accompanied by two acceptable science 'A' levels
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
You'll take both core modules in environmental science and specialist modules related to your chosen pathway.
Your specialist pathways options are:
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Aquatic Environments and Resources - exploring how humans, water and aquatic ecosystems interact
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Environmental Change - studying past and present environmental change, both locally and globally
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Biodiversity and Conservation - focus on the diversity of living organisms and their relationship with the environment
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Sustainable Environmental Management - discover the scientific principles, theories and methods used to resolve environmental problems in sustainable ways
Year 1 overview
All students will take core modules and learn:
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the principles of environmental science
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quantitative research methods
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practical skills needed for fieldwork
Your remaining modules will depend on your chosen pathway. They include:
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marine ecology
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dynamic landscapes
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ecology and evolution
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earth systems
You'll also take a residential trip to boost your knowledge and critical skills, and help you bond with other students.
You can choose to change your specialism pathway at the end of the first year.
Year 2 overview
All students will take core modules and study:
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pollution
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how to assess environmental impact
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geographic information systems (GIS)
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sustainability
For your specialist pathway module, you'll look at one of these topics:
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population ecology
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freshwater ecosystems
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impact of global climate change
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geohazards and earth resources
You'll choose your remaining modules from a wide range of options.
You'll take a low-carbon, overseas trip to a European destination as part of the Environment and Sustainability module.
Year 3 overview
You'll complete a research project, with support from a supervisor in your chosen area. Previous projects have included:
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the conservation of turtles in Mexico
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the environmental impact of warfare in sub-Saharan Africa
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flood control in Gloucestershire
All students will study environmental law and management.
You'll choose modules from a wide range of options, with topics like:
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marine fisheries
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human-caused global change
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glaciers and glaciation
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sustainability as a profession
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Katherine Parks is the course leader.
Careers
As a graduate of this bachelor of environmental science, you'll have many career fields available, these could include:
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carbon management
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biodiversity
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water management
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environmental consultancy
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sustainability strategy and policy
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nature conservation
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waste management
Recent graduates are pursuing a career in environmental science at organisations including:
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Atkins
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BP
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Environment Agency
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Natural England
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WWF
Throughout your degree, you'll benefit from guest speakers from industry, government and environment groups. We have connections with many organisations such as the Environment Agency, DEFRA, AECOM and The Wildlife Trust. Together we will help you build your networks and prepare you for your next steps after graduation.
Our students play an important part in Southampton University's award-winning Enactus society. It is a global nonprofit organisation that helps improve the lives of people around the world.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
You can boost your employability by spending a paid year in employment in the industry of your choice, between your second and third years.
This is a great opportunity to:
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apply your skills and knowledge in a real industry setting
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try out a potential career
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demonstrate personal development to future employers
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £22,760.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: F900
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
