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Environmental Science BSc

Study of how the natural world works and how human activity affects it - combining biology, chemistry, and earth science to solve environmental challenges.

YOUR PERSONALITY MIGHT BE:

Scientifically curious

Environmentally concerned

Interdisciplinary thinker

Field-ready

POPULAR CAREER FIELDS

Environmental Consultancy

Research & Academia

Government & Public Sector

Corporate Sustainability

Is this for you?

Environmental Science BSc

Is this for you?

WHAT IS IT?

Study of how the natural world works and how human activity affects it - combining biology, chemistry, and earth science to solve environmental challenges.

CAREER OPTIONS

CURRENT APPRENTICESHIPS, INTERNSHIPS & WORKPLACES

Internships
Internships
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships
Works placements
Uni Open Days
Environmental scientist in nature.

FIND OUT MORE

About the Course

  • What Is an Environmental Science Degree?

    Environmental Science explores the physical, chemical, and biological processes that shape our planet. You’ll learn how ecosystems function, how pollution and climate change affect the Earth, and how science can help protect the environment.


    Why Study Environmental Science?

    This degree is ideal if you enjoy science and want to apply it to real-world issues like climate change, conservation, and sustainability. It offers a balance of laboratory research, fieldwork, and data analysis.

  • Most Environmental Science degrees cover:

    • Ecology and biodiversity

    • Earth systems and geology

    • Environmental chemistry and pollution control

    • Climate change and sustainability

    • Hydrology and soil science

    • Environmental data analysis and modelling

    • Environmental management and policy


    Later in your course, you can often specialise, for example, in marine science, conservation, renewable energy, or environmental technology.

  • Environmental Monitoring – measuring air, water, soil, and ecological conditions in natural and built environments.


    Scientific Fieldwork – collecting samples, conducting surveys, and using environmental instruments.


    Data & Lab Analysis – analysing environmental samples using chemical, biological, and geospatial methods.


    Climate & Ecosystem Understanding – interpreting environmental change, biodiversity, and sustainability challenges.


    Environmental Problem-Solving – developing solutions to pollution, conservation, and resource-management issues.

  • A-levels or equivalent typically including one or two Science subjects (such as Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, or Physics).


    • Show your enthusiasm for science, nature, and environmental protection.

    • Mention fieldwork, volunteering, or projects that demonstrate your curiosity about the planet.

    • Reflect on how you want to use science to tackle global challenges.

    • Include examples like research projects, teamwork, or analytical work.

    • The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert – A powerful look at biodiversity loss and climate change.

    • How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates – Science and solutions for a sustainable future.

    • There Is No Planet B by Mike Berners-Lee – A practical guide to sustainability and environmental change.

    • Earth: An Intimate History by Richard Fortey – The story of our planet’s evolution through geology.

    • Compare courses to find those focusing on areas you enjoy, such as climate, ecology, or sustainability.

    • Attend open days or virtual sessions to explore laboratories and field facilities.

    • Volunteer with environmental groups or citizen science projects.

    • Follow environmental research and climate news to stay informed about global issues.

    • Environmental Consultancy - Environmental scientist, environmental consultant, senior environmental consultant, principal consultant

    • Pollution & Monitoring - Pollution control officer, environmental monitoring specialist, air quality scientist, water quality scientist

    • Climate Change - Climate change analyst, climate scientist, carbon analyst, climate adaptation specialist

    • Renewable Energy - Renewable energy consultant, sustainability specialist, energy analyst, environmental energy consultant

    • Conservation & Ecology - Conservation scientist, ecological consultant, environmental conservation officer, habitat management specialist

    • Soil & Land - Soil scientist, contaminated land specialist, land quality officer, remediation specialist

    • Research & Laboratory - Environmental research scientist, laboratory analyst, environmental technician, field scientist

    • Policy & Regulation - Environmental policy advisor, regulatory officer, environmental protection officer, compliance specialist

  • Do You Need a Masters?


    Yes, if you want senior environmental consultancy, specialist roles (air quality, contaminated land), research careers, or policy positions.


    No, if you're going into entry-level consultancy, environmental monitoring, lab work, sustainability roles, or teaching.


    Popular Masters Options


    • Environmental Science (MSc) – 1 year Broad skillset, consultancy routes. £24,000-£32,000 career progression.

    • Environmental Consultancy/Applied Environmental Science (MSc) – 1 year Practical consultancy skills, industry connections. Best ROI for consultancy careers.

    • Air Quality Management (MSc) – 1 year Atmospheric pollution, modeling, monitoring. Specialist consultancy, £26,000-£38,000.

    • Contaminated Land/Soil Science (MSc) – 1 year Site remediation, geoenvironmental engineering. £25,000-£36,000.

    • Water & Environmental Management (MSc) – 1 year Water quality, catchment management, utilities sector.

    • Environmental Monitoring & Analysis (MSc) – 1 year Analytical chemistry, laboratory management, testing facilities.

    • Climate Change/Carbon Management (MSc) – 1 year Climate science, mitigation, adaptation, policy work.

    • GIS & Environmental Science (MSc) – 1 year Spatial analysis, environmental modeling. High demand, £26,000-£38,000.

    Conversion Masters

    • Renewable Energy Engineering – 1 year If interested in energy sector (£28,000-£42,000 careers).


    Without a Masters


    Good careers available:

    • Environmental Consultant (£22,000-£28,000)

    • Environmental Scientist (industry, £23,000-£30,000)

    • Laboratory Analyst (£20,000-£26,000)

    • Environmental Monitoring Officer (£22,000-£28,000)

    • Sustainability Coordinator (£24,000-£30,000)

    • Water Quality Scientist (£22,000-£28,000)

    • Science Teacher (PGCE, £30,000-£40,000)


    Money Talk


    Masters: £9,000-£16,000. For general environmental consultancy, employers often train graduates. Masters most valuable for specialist areas (air quality, contaminated land) or if aiming for senior roles within 5-7 years.

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