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School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

BSc (Hons) Environmental Science

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UCAS tariff 104 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

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

    Join us on a journey to discover Earth’s essential natural resources, such as minerals, soils and water. Through engaging laboratory experiments and insightful data analysis, you will explore geochemical cycles and processes to gain a deep understanding of 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

    Explore Earth's ecosystems in this hands-on, interdisciplinary module! Dive into ecology, biodiversity, and conservation through fieldwork and case studies. Learn taxa identification, habitat dynamics, and key ecological processes. Build real-world skills to tackle global challenges and kickstart your career in environmental science and management.

    70% Coursework

    30% Tests

    GEES1304
    Our Polluted Planet

    Dive into the world of environmental chemistry and uncover the science behind pollution and its impact on the environment through the source-pathway-receptor framework. Develop essential scientific research skills with real-world fieldwork, cutting-edge data analysis, and problem-solving skills that will empower you to tackle some of today’s biggest environmental challenges and drive real change.

    60% Practicals

    40% Coursework

    GEES1305
    The Environmental Manager's Toolbox 20 credits

    Discover the essential tools, strategies and concepts you’ll need to tackle the biggest environmental challenges. Learn from industry experts and explore how our modern economy drives these challenges. Study how laws, governance, corporate responsibility, and sustainable practices are being used in imaginative ways to protect our planet. This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to be a future-fit leader.

    70% Coursework

    30% Tests

    GEES1307
    Global Environmental Threats 20 credits

    Study global environmental threats (e.g. volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, landslides, flooding) and sustainable solutions to the emerging issues. Analyze real-world data and apply advanced statistics to answer pressing environmental and societal questions. Uncover solutions and mitigation strategies to tackle these global challenges and develop hands-on experience with some of the world’s most important issues.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    GEES1106
    Our Digital Planet 20 credits

    Explore the biggest challenges facing our planet today and discover how data analysis and visualisation can drive real-world solutions. You will be introduced to data analysis, GIS, and cartographic techniques through engaging, hands-on examples. You will develop essential skills while tackling pressing issues. You will receive personalised support from your tutor to help you excel at 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

    Unlock the skills you need to tackle real-world environmental challenges! This hands-on module trains you in fieldwork, data collection and analysis methods. Design investigations, gather environmental data and interpret results using GIS and statistical tools. With a strong focus on teamwork, problem-solving and professional reporting you’ll be ready to take on independent research and future environmental careers!

    100% Coursework

    GEES2302
    Environmental Expedition 20 credits

    Learn environmental research techniques in unique habitats. Students get ‘stuck in’ by designing and carrying-out their own research in domestic and international field locations. By working with local stakeholders and getting-to-grips with scientific technology, you can help respond to some of the most critical environmental challenges.

    60% Coursework

    40% Practicals

    GEES2303
    Environmental Management and Sustainability 20 credits

    Expand your knowledge and critical thinking skills in key areas of environmental science and management, using insights from ecological economics and environmental governance to explore solutions to real life problems affecting life supporting resources. Learn and apply problem-based learning techniques and team-working skills to address issues related to water, energy security and food, supported by module tutors.

    60% Coursework

    40% Practicals

    GEES2304
    Environmental Issues and Communication 20 credits

    Science isn’t finished until it’s communicated. Learn about some of the crucial challenges we face in communicating scientific data and ideas to create change in society. You will not just discover how to communicate to different groups - including policymakers, children, media organisations and science deniers - but you will also produce innovative multimedia communication pieces too.

    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

    Dive into the exciting world of GIS with this hands-on module. You'll master the theory, methods, and spatial literacy needed to analyse real-world geographic data. Through interactive lectures and practical sessions, you'll explore geospatial data handling and cutting-edge spatial analysis and visualisation techniques. Develop valuable skills through project work, gaining the experience to tackle real-world challenges.

    50% Coursework

    50% Tests

    GEES2305
    Weather and Climate 20 credits

    Studying weather and climate is not just for scientists—it's essential for all of us. In this module you'll gain intellectual and practical skills that will help you understand the drivers of weather and climate. You’ll explore the scientific evidence behind current trends and predictions, equipping you with an understanding of how weather and climate can impact all walks of life and are critical for a sustainable future.

    50% Coursework

    50% Remotely delivered assessments

    GEES2306
    Natural Ecosystems and Their Conservation 20 credits

    UK nature conservation is evolving, embracing cutting-edge ideas like ecosystem services, rewilding and nature-based solutions. You’ll study restoration management best practice, such as beaver reintroductions and temperate rainforest restoration. Get hands on experience of marine animal and plant identification and study animal adaptation to intertidal environments, gaining skills to make an impact in conservation.

    50% Remotely delivered assessments

    50% Tests

    GEES2307
    Pollution: Measurement and Mitigation

    Explore the science behind pollution and how we tackle it in the real world. From air quality to nuclear contamination, this module unpacks the sources, impacts, and cutting-edge strategies for pollution mitigation. Through real-world case studies and the latest environmental research, you’ll develop the expertise to measure pollutants, assess risks, and understand the regulations shaping a cleaner, safer future.

    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

    Develop the skills and knowledge essential for a career in the environmental sector. Engage with real-world challenges, work on industry-relevant projects, and learn from expert guest speakers. Build problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills while gaining hands-on experience in impact assessments, risk analysis, project pitching and stakeholder engagement. Maximise your potential for professional success.

    60% Coursework

    40% Practicals

    GEES3308
    Global Environmental Solutions 20 credits

    Explore interdisciplinary approaches to addressing contemporary global environmental challenges and enhance your skills in critically evaluating environmental policies and political frameworks affecting how environmental problems are managed. Apply ecological economics and sustainability principles to selected environmental issues and examine how research data informs complex environmental decision-making.

    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

    Embark on exploration of critical, real-world challenges in an exciting field context. Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to tackle a core issue through a research project of your own creation. Sharpen your existing expertise and develop important transdisciplinary skills that prepare you to face career challenges beyond university with confidence and innovation.

    100% Coursework

    GEES3106
    Long-term Environmental Change 20 credits

    Discover how lessons from the past can help tackle today’s biggest environmental and societal challenges. Through workshops and lectures, you’ll explore 'grand environmental challenges,' placing current issues in a long-term context - spanning decades to millennia. You’ll also reflect on the power of long-term thinking in shaping sustainability and environmental management for the future.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    GEES3107
    Contemporary Arctic and Alpine Challenges 20 credits

    Investigate the challenges facing some of the Earth’s most climatically extreme landscapes and their societies. Explore rapid landscape evolution, climate-driven geohazards, and sustainable solutions for high latitude and altitude environments. Build practical skills to measure environmental change, quantify risks, and create mitigation strategies that address these challenges and our ability to withstand them.

    60% Coursework

    40% Practicals

    GEES3109
    Big Data & Spatial Analytics 20 credits

    Explore the power of spatial analysis in this practical module. You’ll develop hands-on skills in data processing, management, and programming while diving into the world of big data. Learn to acquire, process, analyse, and visualise datasets through real-world examples from the natural and social sciences. Gain essential expertise and confidence, supported by data, to unlock new insights for societal challenges.

    100% Coursework

    GEES3204
    Environmental and Resource Geoscience 20 credits

    Sharpen your skills ready for industry, tackling some of the most urgent environmental issues facing the world today, from pervasive mining pollution in post-industrial catchments to the role of the subsurface in decarbonisation. You will engage in hands-on workshops, solving problems associated with past industry, as well as getting to grips with state-of-the-art software and real-world datasets.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    GEES3206
    Environmental Change Through Earth History 20 credits

    The Earth’s environments are changing fast. Learn how studying past environmental change helps us understand the impacts of current and future human induced environmental change. Using advanced techniques in geochemistry and palaeontology, you’ll explore past events to predict future impacts, equipping you with the skills to tackle the environmental challenges of tomorrow.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    GEES3305
    Research Project

    Dive into a research project on an environmental science topic that you're passionate about. Whether you choose fieldwork, lab studies, data analysis, or surveys, you'll develop valuable skills that prepare you for your future career. This is your chance to explore original research, tackle real-world challenges, and gain hands-on experience that will set you apart.

    85% Coursework

    15% Practicals

    GEES3306
    Research Project with English Language Support

    Dive into a research project on an environmental science topic of your choice. Whether you choose fieldwork, lab studies, data analysis, or surveys, you’ll develop valuable skills. This is your chance to explore original research, tackle real-world challenges, and gain hands-on experience that will set you apart. If you are a non-UK direct entrant student you’ll also get support for English Language and scientific writing.

    85% Coursework

    15% Practicals

    GEES3309
    Biological Conservation 20 credits

    Are you passionate about conserving the Biosphere and understanding how we might restore it? By engaging with real case studies from diverse environments on both land and water, temperate and tropical - you'll discover the key forces driving conservation and restoration efforts at global and local scales. You'll explore how stakeholders, policies, and real-world practices must work together to protect our living planet.

    100% Coursework

    GEES3310
    Climate Change Action 20 credits

    The time to act is now! Never has there been a more relevant time to equip yourself for the drive to deliver climate action. Here you will be immersed in the most up-to-date understanding of the science and policy, trained in climate risk analysis and shown how to be a valuable agent of climate change action in the professional workplace.

    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

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 UCAS 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 home undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2025/2026 is £1,905.
The fee for home undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2025/2026 is £1,430.
 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.