Environmental science

Address the climate change emergency - make a difference on issues that really matter
Environmental science

Which undergraduate course?

Welcome to environmental sciences at the University of Plymouth. Environmental experts are at the cutting edge of addressing global environmental challenges. Our range of degrees provide students with the knowledge, expertise and skills to investigate and understand the impact of humans on the environment and start building sustainable solutions. Our academic staff share their pioneering research from a range of fields including climate change, biodiversity, conservation and sustainability, in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Applying the latest techniques in the laboratory and the field, you will graduate ready to shape the future of fields from ecosystem management to environmental monitoring.

Dr Alison Stokes
Programme Leader

Environmental science fieldwork*

Take part in regular UK and overseas fieldwork in destinations such as Dartmoor National Park, Malaysia and Malta, where you will explore and study terrestrial and marine environmental systems.

*We’re not undertaking residential fieldwork during the Covid-19 pandemic, but once the pandemic has passed our residential fieldwork will resume.

Why Plymouth?

  • ( Extensive UK and overseas fieldwork portfolio, including: Dartmoor National Park, Malaysia and Malta*
  • @ 97% of students were satisfied with the quality of the course. (NSS, 2020)
  • " International exchange programme with USA, Canada, Australia and European countries
  • ' Benefit from an extensive network of placement providers
  • < Institution of Environmental Sciences accredited degrees

Discover our range of postgraduate taught programmes and research opportunities

Epic voyages of legacy and discovery

In August and September 2020, scientists from the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences joined an ambitious round Britain voyage. Coordinated by UK-based charity Darwin200, the tall ship Pelican of London set sail from Folkestone and visited the major ports of the British Isles before arriving in London almost seven weeks later.

Dr Charlotte Braungardt and Dr Richard Sandford led a range of scientific experiments in fields including marine plastics, ocean chemistry, plankton, marine ecology and ocean processes. This voyage is a precursor to the global Darwin200 expedition in 2021, which will harness the legacy of Charles Darwin by retracing his journey onboard HMS Beagle.

Find out more about about Dr Braungardt and Dr Sandford's research

Academic staff

*Fieldwork viability is subject to government guidelines in response to COVID-19.