School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

BSc (Hons) Environmental Science

UCAS tariff 104 - 112 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code F850
Institution code P60
Duration

3 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth
Register for open day
Apply at UCAS.com

Environmental scientists are critical to addressing global environmental challenges. We will provide you with the knowledge and skills to identify and develop solutions to a wide range of environmental challenges on land and in our oceans, including climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, conservation and sustainability. Applying the latest techniques in the laboratory and the field, you'll graduate ready to shape the future of fields from ecosystem management to environmental monitoring.

Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022*

The University of Plymouth has been named among the top 5% of universities globally in 2022 for its contribution to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals*, in particular, work on marine issues and on climate change. In the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, sustainability is at the heart of our research and teaching. From sustainable cities, affordable and clean energy, to climate policy, biodiversity, and natural hazards, our academic staff work with partners locally and overseas to help understand, communicate and solve fundamental and pressing sustainability challenges.
Find out more in our press release

50 years of BSc (Hons) Environmental Science

Our environmental science degree first opened in 1973 and has been running continuously for over 50 years.
In that time, more than 6,000 graduates have gone on to build incredible careers, showing the enduring relevance of this field in a changing world.

Careers with this subject
Our environmental science students have tremendous opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in a variety of work settings. Our hands-on approach to teaching and learning throughout the course will provide you with the topical skills and experience that you can apply to the wide range of career options as graduates.

Key features
  • In the 2022 National Student Survey (NSS), 100% of students agreed that staff were good at explaining things and 93% were satisfied with the quality of the course*.
  • Benefit from enthusiastic, supportive staff and teaching informed by our renowned research.
  • Take part in fieldwork in the UK and/or overseas in a variety of locations.
  • Flexible workspace, computing facilities, experimental glasshouses , specialist software, access to microscopes, microscope cameras and bespoke resources.
  • Work placements – enhance your employability by gaining work experience via an optional 6 week or 6–12 month work placement in the UK, EU or further overseas.
  • Take the opportunity to spend your second year studying abroad in Europe, Canada, Australia, USA or elsewhere through our bilateral and ISEP exchange programmes.
  • Qualify as a professional diver (HSE SCUBA) as an additional qualification to your academic studies.
  • Benefit from an Environmental Science Careers Fair to build your all-important employer networks and share career success stories from our graduates.
  • Our tutorial programme provides invaluable transferable skills, small group and one-to-one support. Our externally recognised Peer Assisted Learning (PALS) scheme helps increase your confidence with support from student mentors.
  • A diverse and respectful place in which to work and study is fundamental to everything we do. Find out more about equality, diversity and inclusion in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science .

Course details

  • Year 1

  • From the first day you begin your studies we’ll show you how our wonderful world works and how it is also at grave risk from human threats. We’ll explore soils, water and climate. We’ll study species, biodiversity and ecological change. We’ll celebrate a new 21st Century way of thinking – sustainability science – and how we can best deliver a world fit for the future. Then we’ll also begin exploring how humans have polluted the planet and some of the key global threats for which humans must take some responsibility. At the end of year 1 you’ll be ready and impatient to take the next steps to fixing this broken world.

    Core modules

    GEES1302
    Soils, Water, Climate 20 credits

    You will be introduced to the Earth’s key natural resources including minerals, soils and water, and, with the support of laboratory and data and analytical work, explore geochemical cycles and processes to understand the linkages between Earth systems and our changing climate.

    70% Remotely delivered assessments

    30% Tests

    GEES1303
    Our Ecological Planet: Biodiversity and Ecological Change 20 credits

    You will be introduced to the principles of ecology, including taxa identification, species structure, habitat and biodiversity. You will be familiarised with the concept of environmental disturbance and conservation and, though field studies and data analysis, develop the skills required to understand and investigate global biodiversity and ecological challenges.

    70% Coursework

    30% Tests

    GEES1304
    Our Polluted Planet

    You will be introduced to the global challenge of pollution and study the environmental behaviour and health impacts of significant pollutants. You will develop relevant scientific research skills, including project planning, fieldwork and data analysis, to address environmental pollution challenges.

    60% Practicals

    40% Coursework

    GEES1305
    The Environmental Manager's Toolbox 20 credits

    You will be introduced to the social and economic aspects of global environmental challenges. You will explore solutions through regulation, corporate social responsibility and environmental management systems, equipping you with essential tools to address sustainability issues and drive positive change within organisations, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future.

    70% Coursework

    30% Tests

    GEES1307
    Global Environmental Threats 20 credits

    You will consider the environmental and societal challenges of global threats, such as resource use, volcanoes and earthquakes, in the context of sustainability and be introduced to mitigation strategies while exploring solutions. You will source, analyse and describe scientific data and apply advanced statistical analyses to answer globally relevant research questions.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    GEES1106
    Our Digital Planet 20 credits

    This module explores the challenges and most pressing issues facing our planet today. Students will discover the role of geographic data analyses and visualisation techniques to provide solutions. Data analysis, GIS and cartographic techniques will be introduced using real-world examples. Students will meet with a personal tutor regularly, to support them through tutorials as they adjust to university-level study.

    50% Coursework

    50% Tests

  • Year 2

  • Hot on the heels of your planetary exploration in Year 1, this year will develop your skill sets to reach those higher levels of analysis and communication that will allow you to influence and change the world. You’ll develop research skills both in England and abroad. You’ll learn how best to communicate ideas for the purpose of influence. You’ll also begin your journey of choosing your own path. Optional modules become available to you to specialise in those things that really excite you. Take a look at the list below to get some early insight into where you might go!

    Core modules

    GEES2000
    Placement Preparation 0 credits

    This module explores the role of placements, work experience and volunteering for enhancing employability whilst at university and as a future graduate. It considers placement options (types, durations) and supports students in developing applications and preparing for interviews.

    100% Assessments

    GEES2301
    Environmental Field and Research Skills 20 credits

    Students are guided through environmental study design, data collection, data interpretation and reporting. Students develop their professionalism via collaborative and individual tasks that enhance their teamworking, communication and project management skills. A range of data sources and types are explored, and students gain hands-on experience of field monitoring techniques. This module provides the skills and framework which students can apply to their future independent research.

    100% Coursework

    GEES2302
    Environmental Expedition 20 credits

    Students engage in the full cycle of a research project: literature research, hypothesis development, experiment planning, field/laboratory work, health & safety issues, data analysis and presentation. Personal development planning and professional skills are advanced in preparation for and during field work through contact with professionals in the environmental sector.

    60% Coursework

    40% Practicals

    GEES2303
    Environmental Management and Sustainability 20 credits

    The module covers areas of knowledge essential for all students studying an environmentally focussed degree, including; ecological economics, life supporting resources, environmental policy tools and modes of governance.

    60% Coursework

    40% Practicals

    GEES2304
    Environmental Issues and Communication 20 credits

    Through immersion in contemporary environmental issues, this module develops the knowledge and skills necessary to locate, analyse, evaluate and communicate scientific information in a range of contexts and to a range of audiences. Students develop their professional skills, as well as the skills to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and decision makers, from scientific experts to the general public.

    100% Coursework

    Optional modules

    OS205
    Managing Human Impacts in the Marine Environment 20 credits

    This module will introduce how human activities (such as fisheries, energy supply and mineral extraction) can impact the marine environment, including through pollution and biodiversity loss. The concepts of marine management and conservation will be introduced and methods of preventing and managing anthropogenic impacts will be introduced and evaluated and their role in marine conservation discussed.

    100% Coursework

    OS207
    Scientific Diving 20 credits

    This module allows suitably qualified students (HSE SCUBA or equivalent) to develop industry and research-relevant skills in measurement and monitoring in the underwater environment using professional SCUBA and related techniques. These will then be applied in a multi-disciplinary context to the planning, execution, analysis and reporting of a field-based sampling activity.

    80% Coursework

    20% Practicals

    GEES2108
    Geographical Information Systems 20 credits

    Module provides grounding in theory and practical techniques of GIS. Lectures are on theory, methods and spatial literacy. Practical work covers stages of handling geospatial data, construction of GIS models and automation, provides exposure to a range of techniques in spatial analysis and visualisation, and gives context and experience to spatial literacy concepts. Knowledge and skills are developed in project work.

    50% Coursework

    50% Tests

    GEES2305
    Weather and Climate 20 credits

    Understanding weather and climate is essential for developing in-depth knowledge on how climate is changing today and will change in the future. This module will develop intellectual and practical skills in critical analysis of weather and climate data. In addition, an examination of the scientific evidence for current and predicted effects of weather and climate will be addressed.

    50% Coursework

    50% Remotely delivered assessments

    GEES2306
    Natural Ecosystems and Their Conservation 20 credits

    This module introduces students to natural ecosystems, including (but not limited to) biological adaptation, diversity, conservation, regenerative agriculture, restoration and management.

    50% Remotely delivered assessments

    50% Tests

    GEES2307
    Pollution: Measurement and Mitigation

    This module advances students understanding of the challenges, measurement and regulation, and solutions for tackling environmental pollution including contaminant sources, pathways and impacts.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

  • Optional placement year

  • An optional placement year is available, providing an opportunity to gain work experience through our extensive network of contacts with our alumni, employers and research links with institutes, companies and government organisations. Environmental programmes at Plymouth began in 1973. We were one of the very first in the UK to teach this subject. With nearly 7000 graduates over 50+ years, our alumni are spread all over the world. You’d be sure to find a placement that meets your interests!

    Core modules

    GEES3000
    Placement 0 credits

    This module is a placement position, where a student undertakes a programme of work within a host company or organisation. The placement occurs within a yearlong period, meeting minimum duration requirements. Students experience applying their degree, experience professional practice, develop enhanced subject-related knowledge and skills, and undergo personal-professional development.

    100% Coursework

  • Final year

  • Be the person you were meant to be! Become the professional. Now, in your final year, you are ready to show us what you can really do. Show us how you research and communicate through your research project. Choose the optional modules that most excite you and follow your nose deeper into the fascinating stories and understanding of the way the world works through specialist content taught by the specialists in those areas. See the list below for where this journey will take you.

    Core modules

    GEES3307
    The Environmental Professional 20 credits

    A series of real-world scenarios, which typical professionals in the environmental sector are exposed to, will be considered in an objective, scientific and interdisciplinary manner, taking into account a range of stakeholders. The material and professional development will be supported with guest speakers, seminar and workshops.

    60% Coursework

    40% Practicals

    GEES3308
    Global Environmental Solutions 20 credits

    In this module students will take an interdisciplinary solution-based approach to contemporary global environmental issues employing ecological economics and sustainability principles along with environmental governance.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    Optional modules

    OS307
    Marine Conservation Policy and Planning 20 credits

    This module explores issues surrounding the maintenance of a healthy marine environment. It will develop an understanding of marine governance, including policy frameworks and agencies responsible for implementing marine conservation strategy. Topics include the range of measures and approaches for successful marine conservation and the importance of taking holistic approaches to management, including policy and planning

    50% Coursework

    50% Remotely delivered assessments

    OS309
    Marine Pollution and Environmental Change 20 credits

    This module will consider the sources, transport, sinks and impacts of a wide range of pollutant types (including nutrients, trace elements, sediments, anthropogenic pollutants and carbon dioxide). Practical field techniques will be introduced and used to assess the environmental condition of estuarine waters. Emphasis will be placed on critical evaluating the links between human activities and marine water quality.

    60% Coursework

    40% Examinations

    GEES3002
    Frontiers in Fieldwork: Unlocking Multidisciplinary Potential 20 credits

    Students embark on novel exploration of critical, real-world challenges in a field context. After exploring key themes, they collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to tackle a core issue through a research project of their own creation. This hands-on experience will sharpen existing expertise and develop transdisciplinary skills, preparing them to face career challenges beyond university with confidence and innovation.

    100% Coursework

    GEES3106
    Long-term Environmental Change 20 credits

    Society is dependent on the environment for sustaining life as we currently know it. This module takes a series of environmental challenges and places them in a long-term perspective to place current disruptions in a longer-term context. The module focusses on how we can learn lessons from the past to manage our current and future environment.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    GEES3107
    Contemporary Arctic and Alpine Challenges 20 credits

    High latitudes and altitudes are warming faster than many other regions of the world. This module takes a contemporary, and forward looking, perspective on the grand challenges that impact the resilience of these landscapes and societies in present and future climates and their associated hazards. Students will learn practical skills to quantify environmental pressures and critically evaluate mitigation strategies.

    60% Coursework

    40% Practicals

    GEES3109
    Big Data & Spatial Analytics 20 credits

    This module provides an overview of advanced spatial analysis concepts and facilitates practice of data processing and management skills. Data manipulation through programming is introduced and the concept of big data is presented. Themes and practice around the acquisition, processing, analysis, visualisation and application of big data are explored, drawing on examples from across the natural and social sciences.

    100% Coursework

    GEES3204
    Environmental and Resource Geoscience 20 credits

    This module investigates the interactions between humans and the subsurface, from the impact of industrial legacies on land quality and water resources, to the role that the subsurface plays in renewable energy storage. Students learn to use industry standard software and workflows to evaluate subsurface sites for energy resources, safe subsurface storage of resources, carbon dioxide or hazardous waste.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    GEES3206
    Environmental Change Through Earth History 20 credits

    This module will demonstrate how the study of past environmental change can be used to help us better understand the impacts of future anthropogenic induced environmental change. Using a range of cutting edge geochemical, palynological, and modelling techniques, students will evaluate past environmental changes events as proxies for the future.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    GEES3305
    Research Project

    An independent research project in a specific aspect of environmental science.

    85% Coursework

    15% Practicals

    GEES3306
    Research Project with English Language Support

    An independent research project in a specific aspect of environmental science. Students will attend English language support sessions that apply scientific language in a research context and that aid adaptation to a different culture/ethos of research and plagiarism. Available to non-UK direct entrant Stage 4 students.

    85% Coursework

    15% Practicals

    GEES3309
    Biological Conservation 20 credits

    This module examines the pursuit of biological conservation. Drawing on a wide range of case study material, in temperate and tropical, terrestrial and aqueous environments, the module examines the drivers and rationales for biological conservation, and the role of stakeholders, policies, legislation and practices in achieving it.

    100% Coursework

    GEES3310
    Climate Change Action 20 credits

    The module introduces climate change adaptation and mitigation. Biotic and technological mitigation will be explored and evaluated in the context of different geographical settings.

    50% Coursework

    50% Remotely delivered assessments

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

104 - 112

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

A level:104–112 points, to include a minimum of 2 A levels and preferably from one of the following subjects: Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Psychology, Geography, Geology, Applied Science, Use of Maths, Applied Science, Biology or Human Biology, Statistics, Science in the Environment, Design Technology. General Studies not accepted.
IB: 26–27 points overall from an International Baccalaureate to include science/technology-related subjects. English and mathematics must be included.
BTEC: 18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: DMM preferably from a science/technology related subject (applied science, animal management, countryside management, forensic science).
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information, we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
GCSE: mathematics grade C required. English language grade C or above.
Access: pass an Access to HE Diploma (science-based) with at least 33 credits at merit, and to include at least 12 credits in a relevant science units at merit. Including GCSE English and Maths grade C or above or equivalent.
T level: Merit, science/technology related subjects.
Applications from international students and those with no recent formal qualifications are welcome and will be assessed on an individual basis.
Direct entry to year two or the final year is possible.
Accepted subject include: applied science, animal management, countryside management, forensic science.
The BSc (Hons) Environmental Science course is also available for Intercalating students .
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary .

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,535
International £18,100 £18,650
Part time (Home) £770 £795
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

Undergraduate scholarships for international students

To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Additional fieldwork and equipment costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,385.
 Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will require the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
Apply for this course on the UCAS website.
For more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, visit the UCAS website.
For enquiries about direct entry to years two and four, contact Admissions Tutor Dr Tim Daley .
Intercalating students wishing to apply for the final year of this course please contact our admissions team on 01752 585858 or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Progression routes

International progression routes

The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk

Environmental science fieldwork

Fieldwork is an important part of studying the environmental sciences. Our programme of residential and non-residential fieldwork enables students to immerse themselves in different environments where they can experience and investigate environmental challenges in a range of national and international locations.
Fieldwork may be subject to change due to staffing and external factors.

Why study environmental science?
Students using a petrographic microscope

Our world-leading new suite of scientific microscopes include touch screen and video capabilities to enhance your learning

Researchers in the arctic

Research in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Student researcher

Careers

Student experience: International students
Ben Ellet, Plymouth Pioneers

Discover why Ben wants to inspire others to save the planet

Academic staff

Find out what our graduates are doing now

Are sunscreens damaging our marine environment?

“I used to feel extremely overwhelmed when trying to juggle the concept of making sure I got sufficient sun protection, whilst also ensuring the sunscreen I was wearing wasn’t harming the ocean.”
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science graduate, Anneliese Hodge, explores how sunscreens impact a range of marine species.
PhD researcher Anneliese Hodge collecting seaweed as part of her studies into the effect of sunscreen on the marine environment Not to be used without permission of Anneliese Hodge

Digging deeper into the science of soil


“When I attended the open day the environmental science ambassadors were inspirational and clearly happy with the course.”
Gain an insight into studying at Plymouth and discover some top tips for your university experience from BSc (Hons) Environmental Science graduate, Harry Barrat, who is now undertaking research as a soil scientist.
Harry Barrat – BSc (Hons) Environmental Science graduate
Lewis Bird

“Buy a decent pair of walking boots that won't leak”

Lewis Bird shares his advice and experiences.
“Plymouth gave me a good heads up of what to expect working in the field. Be it getting drenched during field exercises on Dartmoor or tight report deadlines.”
After graduating Lewis actively pursued a career in the environmental sector. He is now an Environmental Consultant for OHES Environmental Ltd in Birmingham.
Photo of Nim Kwan Cheung
Nurdle
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science graduates Jeff Lamb and Josh Beech
*These are the latest results from the National Student Survey. Please note that the data published on Discover Uni is updated annually in September.
** This course is accredited by the Committee of Heads of Environmental Sciences (CHES), the education committee of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES). CHES is the collective voice of the environmental sciences academic community and serves to enhance the quality of environmental education worldwide. A programme accredited by CHES is assured to meet high standards, contain a strong component of practical, field and theoretical activities, and has excellent opportunities for training, work experience and links to the professional environmental sector. Students enrolled on CHES accredited programmes can apply for free Student Membership of the IES and for a fast-track route to membership once they graduate, starting you on a route towards becoming a Chartered Environmentalist or Chartered Scientist.