Overview
Environmental scientists deal with the big questions facing humanity.
If you want to tackle climate change and preserve Earth's natural resources, this BSc (Hons) Environmental Science degree, accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), will prepare you for the challenges ahead.
If you want to tackle climate change and preserve Earth's natural resources, this BSc (Hons) Environmental Science degree, accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), will prepare you for the challenges ahead. You'll gain an understanding of the human threats to the natural world and develop the skills to reduce impacts and find solutions needed for a sustainable future.
Course Highlights
- Work in our labs using the same technology as the world's leading environmental researchers – including plasma spectrometry and electron microscopy
- Boost your professional experience by doing a work placement
- Acquire key environmental monitoring and laboratory skills in our highly equipped analytical labs – including nutrient autoanalysers and heavy metal analysis via ICP-OES and ICP-MS
- Develop research skills – learning from world-leading environmental science experts
- Gain essential skills on field trips across various settings, including terrestrial and freshwater habitats in Somerset, rocky shore ecology at Lulworth Cove, island environments in Malta and tropical ecosystems in Malaysia
- Build experience on a one-year work placement in industry, or study abroad at one of our partner universities in Canada, Australia, Germany, Poland, Spain, Malta, Slovakia, Hungary or France
- Develop additional practical skills through RYA power boating and PADI-certified scientific and technical diving courses
Careers and Opportunities
Environmental science is at the forefront of our efforts to preserve and protect the natural world. As our understanding of environmental cause and effect continues to develop, environmental scientists are in high demand, including within the many sectors and industries tasked with reducing their environmental footprint.
In the UK, the number of environmental jobs has increased by 91% compared to 2016, and those entering the environmental field can expect to earn at least 12% above the national average annual wage.
Tackling the environmental challenges our world faces
On this BSc Environmental Science, you’ll explore how the environment is changing and discover new ways to minimise our impact on the planet. You'll examine the physical and social aspects of environmental issues and develop practical skills to carry out your own environmental research, including analysing pollutants, soil structure and water quality.
Once you graduate, you'll be ready to go after jobs in academia, business or government in a wide range of environmental specialties, including conservation, pollution control, waste management, sustainability, climate change and energy resources.
You'll be able to apply for Associate Membership of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) and with more experience, you could work to become a Chartered Scientist (CSci) or Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv). Chartered Membership of the IES is required in many environmental careers.
You could also continue your studies at postgraduate level, such as on our MSc Geological and Environmental Hazards or MSc Environmental Geology and Land Contamination.
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- environmental chemist
- environmental technician
- environment and sustainability coordinator
- geographic information scientist
- hydrologist
- climate change modeller
- chemical risk advisor
- marine scientist
- ecologist
- conservation officer
- environmental policy officer
- waste management manage
Organisations our graduates have gone on to work for include:
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS)
- Alcatel Submarine Networks
- Rentokil Initial
- Eurofins
- Network Rail
- Portsmouth Water
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
