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 Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202223
A-levels
ABB including one acceptable science subject
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. An acceptable science is Geography , Biology , Chemistry , Physics , Mathematics , Psychology , Geology , Environmental Science (but not Environmental Studies)
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 one acceptable science subject 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 to include one acceptable science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with minimum 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level to include one acceptable science subject at Higher Level scoring a minimum of 5.
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
An acceptable science is Geography , Biology , Chemistry , Physics , Mathematics , Psychology , Geology , Environmental Science (but not Environmental Studies)
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 BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades A B from two 'A' levels to include one acceptable science subject
DD in BTEC National Diploma plus grade B from one acceptable science A-Level subject
RQF BTEC
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.
Additional information
BTEC qualifications must be accompanied by one acceptable science 'A' level. An acceptable science is Geography , Biology , Chemistry , Physics , Mathematics , Psychology , Geology , Environmental Science (but not Environmental Studies)
QCF BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A B from two A-levels to include one acceptable science subject
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.
Access to HE Diploma
considered on a case by case basis
Access to HE additional information
Acceptable science qualifications are also required. An acceptable science is Geography , Biology , Chemistry , Physics , Mathematics , Psychology , Geology , Environmental Science (but not Environmental Studies)
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including one acceptable science subject
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
AAABBB including one acceptable science subject
Irish certificate additional information
An acceptable science is Geography , Biology , Chemistry , Physics , Mathematics , Psychology , Geology , Environmental Science (but not Environmental Studies)
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 M2 M2 in three Principal subjects including one acceptable science subject
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer where grade D3 can be used in lieu of grade A or M2 can be used in lieu of grade B. An acceptable science is Geography , Biology , Chemistry , Physics , Mathematics , Psychology , Geology , Environmental Science (but not Environmental Studies)
Welsh Baccalaureate
ABB from 3 A levels including one acceptable science subject
or
AB from two A levels including one acceptable science subject and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
An acceptable science is Geography , Biology , Chemistry , Physics , Mathematics , Psychology , Geology , Environmental Science (but not Environmental Studies)
Welsh 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.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall to include one acceptable science subject
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
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our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Science Foundation Year
The Science Foundation Year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.
It could be the right option if you:
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are studying for A levels in subjects other than those we normally ask for
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are a mature applicant with skills and experience from employment and can show recent study
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you come from a part of the world where the education system is different from the British A level system
Find full details on our Science Foundation Year page.
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
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
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
The module will explore risk, hazard, exposure, vulnerability, resilience, and sustainability, all in the context of climate change: how these concepts relate to the Earth's physical and ecological systems, and to cultural and socio-economic structures of...
An introduction to the fundamental processes which determine the environment of the Earth and the general functioning of the Earth as a system.
This module introduces students to the main branches of ecology by considering the various levels at which the subject may be studied: individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. The aim of the practical sessions is to demonstrate how profession...
This module is designed to provide you with hands-on experience of a wide range of contemporary environmental issues and techniques, and an understanding of how we make use of the scientific method to understand the challenges facing the world. The module...
This module focuses on environmental issues across a range of themes and provides a focal point for the first year of the undergraduate Environmental Science programmes, in terms of knowledge and understanding, and study skills. The module considers knowl...
Environmental Scientists need to be able to collect and analyse data relating to a wide range of disciplines, and to be able to interpret this data in relation to “real world” applications. This module introduces you to science in context, with the conten...
You will be introduced to a number of key statistical concepts and data presentation formats. Beginning with exposure to a variety of data types defining the nature and properties of data you are likely to encounter. Emphasis is placed on distinguishing b...
The module will look at the challenges posed to human societies living on a dynamic planet and how these societies adapt (or not) to a range of environmental and socio-economic hazards. Pre-requisite for GEOG2006 and GEOG3047 One of the pre-requisit...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
An understanding of the physical, chemical and biological processes involved during contamination of air, water and soil is essential if society is going to effectively monitor and control the effects of pollution using modern technology and engineering p...
The module will introduce the basic concepts and techniques underpinning geographic information systems.
This module requires you to conduct a literature review which supports your individual project. You will work with your dissertation supervisor to define the scope of the review and discuss effective and appropriate approaches to searching the literature...
What is ‘sustainability’ and who decides? This module will challenge you to develop your own definition of sustainability while considering how it is actioned by the many different actors (from private citizens to governments, NGOs and businesses) who pla...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
This module provides an introduction to the study of animal behaviour taking an integrative approach that addresses animal behaviour from ethological, ecological and evolutionary angles and to review the basic concepts of behaviour as a science.
Coastal zones represent a small fraction of physical space on the Earth, but they are exceptionally important places to study physical and ecological dynamics of environmental change – in natural and anthropogenic systems, alike. This module examines n...
The module takes a problem-based approach in which students are exposed to a real world environmental management challenge and are taught the skills necessary to understand and quantify the key physical parts of the landscape system that contribute to the...
Freshwater Ecosystems initially considers the interplay between the physics, chemistry and biology of freshwater ecosystems. A comparative approach is adopted, in which upland streams, lowland rivers, lakes and other standing freshwater environments are c...
The topic is addressed from three perspectives: the science of climate change, impact and adaptation, and policy towards adaptation and mitigation. One of the pre-requisites for GEOG3057
Water has played a key role in shaping the way humans have evolved and how we have in turn shaped our environment. This module will focus on how water resources enables and constrains our activities and wellbeing, and those of natural ecosystems. We will ...
This module provides an understanding of plant function and development at a molecular, cellular and whole organism level.
This module aims to introduce you to the variety of demographic experiences in low and middle-income countries across the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and, Asia. We will explore the patterns of historical and...
The module studies key population issues specific to high income countries, such as international migration, population ageing and low fertility. The module examines the causes, consequences and policy implications of the current population processes. Th...
This module builds on the basic principles of population ecology introduced in year 1, to achieve a broad appreciation of current theory and practice in population and community ecology. Lectures and practicals will explore the processes involved in the d...
The Quaternary period is the last 2.6 million years of changes on Earth, and includes multiple ice ages. The syllabus can be divided into three main parts, and includes a number of lectures, practicals and seminars: Section 1 Section one provides an i...
The module will look at the basic theory and practical application of remote sensing for monitoring the terrestrial environment. Pre-requisite for GEOG3065
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
This module will enable students to apply their understanding of environmental problems and assess potential solutions through the application of law, policy, and management. The lecture sessions will introduce and analyse the theoretical development and ...
The Individual Project is a learning experience that enables you to carry out research and bring together many of the concepts that you have learnt over the first two years of the course as well as the knowledge and skills learnt during part III. You w...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
GEOG3057 is a multidisciplinary unit designed for students with an interest in how individuals and societies understand and respond to environmental shocks and stresses, and their different capacities for adaptation. The focus of the module is on climate ...
The module has been designed to impart the scientific knowledge required to tackle the many problems associated with air and other types of environmental pollution, including how to identify and assess the nature, sources and effects of pollutants, how to...
This module provides a broad introduction to the applied use of plants in the modern world. The module will cover the production of transgenic (GM) plants and their applications in a variety of areas including medical biotechnology, nutrition, phytoremedi...
Behavioural ecology considers the evolutionary pressures that shape behaviour. This module will explore animal behaviours from evolutionary biology and population ecological perspectives. Each week, lectures will consider a different behavioural ecology t...
This module concerns global biodiversity, what we understand by it and why it is in crisis, and current efforts to conserve and manage it. We begin with an appraisal of different values of diversity at scales from genetic to species, communities and ecosy...
Biogeography aims to understand the origin and distribution of species and the processes that cause them to change over time. During the lectures we will discuss classic biogeographical theory and current research topics such as biological invasions and s...
The coastal zone supports the livelihood and well-being of hundreds of millions of people, valuable ecosystems and vital industry, trade links and energy networks. The movement of coastal sediments by natural processes and human interventions continually ...
Some of the biggest uncertainties in climate change predictions come from our lack of understanding of the impact of some of the smallest airborne dust particles. These dust particles are transported between continents from some of the hottest and most u...
Health and the provision of health care are important issues in our everyday lives. Many of the debates surrounding health are inherently spatial in nature and as such geographers are well placed to play an important role in informing research and providi...
This course seeks to make use of innovative and cutting edge technologies in the field of Earth surface process monitoring to address the real world challenges encountered by commercial and/or governmental organisations. Students on this module will ta...
Evolution typically happens over long time periods, with organisms being selected based on their environments. But climate change and human factors can also increase the rate of evolution. In this module we show how organisms evolve in terms of their envi...
To investigate the modern research into glacial processes, to investigate analytical approaches to test contemporary controversial problems and to show how these processes formed the present day landscape
This module will consider human-caused global challenges and their impact on marine and terrestrial ecosystems. We will discuss the main causes of global change, including greenhouse gases, changes in temperature and rainfall, and human land use, as well ...
GEOG3062 is a multidisciplinary unit designed for students with an interest in human migration and development and the interaction between the two. The module will emphasise the importance of place and scale in its approach to these themes, although it wi...
To develop an holistic approach to river basin management and restoration based on an understanding of physical processes and human modification of natural river systems.
This module provides you with skills that are scientifically fascinating as well as important for employability. The offshore industry is crying-out for graduates that understand seafloor surveying. In the past few years many OES students have gone on to...
If we are to address society’s waste problem we need to fully understand the environmental, occupational, public health, technical, fiscal, social, cultural, demographic and political influences on waste collection, reuse, recycling, minimisation and prev...
The Sustainability Professional is a high-level skills practical module delivered in partnership with a range of contributors from local and regional environmental and sustainability consultancies and other organisations. This module aims to provide stude...
This module will provide first-hand experience of ecology and conservation in a tropical environment and give you a foundation in a range of topics including biodiversity, community ecology, ecosystem processes, anthropogenic impacts, in-situ and ex-situ ...
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
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- creative projects
- design and problem-solving exercises
- dissertations
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- creative projects
- design and problem-solving exercises
- dissertations
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- creative projects
- design and problem-solving exercises
- dissertations
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
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 non-profit 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 £23,720.
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
