Out in the field
50 years of impact
Real-word experience




Details
Year 1

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
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
GEES1105
Sustainable Futures
20 credits
Explore critical global sustainability challenges and solutions at local, national and international scales. Learn about core sustainability principles and their application to energy, biodiversity, land management, marine, travel, and personal behaviour. Sustainability sector experts share their experience, and students develop knowledge and teamwork skills through a tutor-supported group research project.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
Year 2

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

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

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% Examinations
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
Experience
Protecting tomorrow
“I'm studying environmental science because I want to ensure what we've got is still here for future generations. I’m passionate about educating others on how they can play their part in preserving the environment.”
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science

Digging deeper into the science of soil
“I wanted hands-on environmental science and the course promised that through a variety of field trips and industry connections. I’ve commented on reports that inform policy and I would love contribute more to the political sphere.”
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science

Global perspectives
Find out more from our international students:Graduate Nim Kwan Cheung shares her experience
Fieldwork to exciting destinations



Facilities to support your learning
- Drones: Available for use in final research projects.
- Handheld sensors: Collect and analyse your own air quality data.
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LABplus Resource Centre : A flexible learning space offering access to equipment and bespoke samples to support your studies and practical skills. -
Laboratory for Environmental Observations (LEO) : Use sensor data gathered from around the South Coast for your final year projects. -
Paleomagnetic Laboratory : Equipped for magnetic analysis of rocks, sediments and environmental materials for research projects.


HSE Professional SCUBA diving course

Learn from experts
Individual staff engage with a wide range of other departments in universities and research institutes from around the world.
Meet your lecturers

Dr Angela Milne
Lecturer in Environmental Science

Dr Paul Lunt
Associate Professor in Environmental Science

Dr Jessie Woodbridge
Lecturer
Do more of what you love – Join EnviroSoc

Life in Plymouth
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Current student



Careers
The course was 100 per cent of the reason that I chose Plymouth to study; the accreditation of the course and its excellent reputation has helped me get a job so quickly.
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science graduate

Fees and funding
Tuition fees
£9,535 per year
£795 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
£18,650 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Additional costs
Fund your studies
Supporting students with the cost of living

Apply
Entry requirements
104 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
A level
BTEC
BTEC National Diploma modules
All Access courses
T Level
International Baccalaureate
Extended entry requirements
Ready to apply?
F850
P60
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Full-time
Plymouth
Other routes into this course
The following courses are available as routes into this programme.

Environmental scientists tackle global challenges. Gain skills to address issues like climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. With hands-on lab and field training, you’ll graduate ready to lead in conservation, sustainability and more.
Entry requirements
104 UCAS points
BSearch entry requirements for your country
English language requirements
Ready to apply?
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
F850
P60
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Full-time
Plymouth