About this course
Our exciting and topical Environmental Science degree combines a range of subjects, including geography, law and oceanography. It focuses on applying science to some of the biggest environmental challenges of today and in the future. It will prepare you for a rewarding career in many fields, like environmental management and conservation.
Our BSc Environmental Science consists of theory with practical and project work, and explores sustainable solutions to environmental problems.
At the start of the course, you'll choose one of 5 specialist pathways. This will give you control over your degree and career route. You can change your pathway at the end of the first year.
You can choose to specialise in:
- Sustainability
- Business and the Environment
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Environmental Change
- Water and the Environment
You'll complete a research project in year 3. Industry regularly implements our students’ work. For example, Ordnance Survey has used recommendations from student-designed environmental management systems.
We provide many opportunities for fieldwork, where you'll gain the skills to collect and analyse data. Previous field trips have used drones for remote sensing and studied salt marsh vegetation.
As part of this course you can:
- learn to apply quantitative analysis and field research techniques
- use computer-based geographical information systems to study environmental change
- use specialist facilities including a purpose-built teaching lab and remote sensing equipment
- join our award-winning Enactus society
- boost your skills and employability by spending a year in employment
Our Graduates progress onto further study and/or into a wide range of careers including Environment or Sustainability sectors in public, industrial, and regulatory roles, Consultancy, Conservation, Waste Management, Carbon Footprinting and Water Management.
Foundation year
If you have not studied the required Science subjects for this course, you may be eligible to apply for and enter through our Science Foundation Year.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Accreditations
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202526
A-levels
ABB including one acceptable science subject
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. An acceptable science is Geography,Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geology, Environmental Science (but not Environmental Studies)
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBB including one acceptable science subject and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with minimum 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level to include one acceptable science subject at Higher Level scoring a minimum of 5.
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
An acceptable science is Geography,Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geology, Environmental Science (but not Environmental Studies)
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades A B from two 'A' levels to include one acceptable science subject DD in BTEC National Diploma plus grade B from one acceptable science A-Level subject
RQF BTEC
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Additional information
BTEC qualifications must be accompanied by one acceptable science 'A' level. An acceptable science is Geography,Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geology, Environmental Science (but not Environmental Studies)
QCF BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A B from two A-levels to include one acceptable science subject
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Access to HE Diploma
Considered on a case by case basis
Access to HE additional information
Acceptable science qualifications are also required. An acceptable science is Geography,Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geology, Environmental Science (but not Environmental Studies)
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including one acceptable science subject
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
AAABBB including one acceptable science subject
Irish certificate additional information
An acceptable science is Geography,Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geology, Environmental Science (but not Environmental Studies)
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 M2 M2 in three Principal subjects including one acceptable science subject
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer where grade D3 can be used in lieu of grade A or M2 can be used in lieu of grade B. An acceptable science is Geography,Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geology, Environmental Science (but not Environmental Studies)
Welsh Baccalaureate
ABB from 3 A levels including one acceptable science subject or AB from two A levels including one acceptable science subject and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
An acceptable science is Geography,Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geology, Environmental Science (but not Environmental Studies)
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
T-Level
An overall distinction with grade A in the core element in the Science T-Level
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) and Mathematics at minimum grade 4/C.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
- skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Science Foundation Year
The Science Foundation Year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.
It could be the right option if you:
-
are studying for A levels in subjects other than those we normally ask for
-
are a mature applicant with skills and experience from employment and can show recent study
-
you come from a part of the world where the education system is different from the British A level system
Find full details on our Science Foundation Year page.
For Academic year 202425
A-levels
ABB including one acceptable science subject
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. An acceptable science is Geography , Biology , Chemistry , Physics , Mathematics , Psychology , Geology , Environmental Science (but not Environmental Studies)
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBB including one acceptable science subject and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: BBB including one acceptable science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with minimum 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level to include one acceptable science subject at Higher Level scoring a minimum of 5.
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
An acceptable science is Geography , Biology , Chemistry , Physics , Mathematics , Psychology , Geology , Environmental Science (but not Environmental Studies)
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in BTEC National Extended Certificate plus grades A B from two 'A' levels to include one acceptable science subject DD in BTEC National Diploma plus grade B from one acceptable science A-Level subject
RQF BTEC
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Additional information
BTEC qualifications must be accompanied by one acceptable science 'A' level. An acceptable science is Geography , Biology , Chemistry , Physics , Mathematics , Psychology , Geology , Environmental Science (but not Environmental Studies)
QCF BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus A B from two A-levels to include one acceptable science subject
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Access to HE Diploma
considered on a case by case basis
Access to HE additional information
Acceptable science qualifications are also required. An acceptable science is Geography , Biology , Chemistry , Physics , Mathematics , Psychology , Geology , Environmental Science (but not Environmental Studies)
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including one acceptable science subject
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
AAABBB including one acceptable science subject
Irish certificate additional information
An acceptable science is Geography , Biology , Chemistry , Physics , Mathematics , Psychology , Geology , Environmental Science (but not Environmental Studies)
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 M2 M2 in three Principal subjects including one acceptable science subject
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer where grade D3 can be used in lieu of grade A or M2 can be used in lieu of grade B. An acceptable science is Geography , Biology , Chemistry , Physics , Mathematics , Psychology , Geology , Environmental Science (but not Environmental Studies)
Welsh Baccalaureate
ABB from 3 A levels including one acceptable science subject or AB from two A levels including one acceptable science subject and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
An acceptable science is Geography , Biology , Chemistry , Physics , Mathematics , Psychology , Geology , Environmental Science (but not Environmental Studies)
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
T-Level
An overall distinction with grade A in the core element in the Science T-Level
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) and Mathematics at minimum grade 4/C.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
- skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Science Foundation Year
The Science Foundation Year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.
It could be the right option if you:
-
are studying for A levels in subjects other than those we normally ask for
-
are a mature applicant with skills and experience from employment and can show recent study
-
you come from a part of the world where the education system is different from the British A level system
Find full details on our Science Foundation Year page.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
You'll take both core modules in environmental science and specialist modules related to your chosen pathway.
Your specialist pathways options are:
- Aquatic Environments and Resources - exploring how humans, water and aquatic ecosystems interact
- Environmental Change - studying past and present environmental change, both locally and globally
- Biodiversity and Conservation - focus on the diversity of living organisms and their relationship with the environment
- Sustainable Environmental Management - discover the scientific principles, theories and methods used to resolve environmental problems in sustainable ways
Year 1 overview
All students will take compulsory modules and learn about:
- the principles of environmental science
- ecology and conservation
- quantitative research methods
- practical skills needed for fieldwork
Your remaining modules will depend on your chosen pathway. They include:
- marine ecology and evolution
- dynamic landscapes
- earth systems
You'll also take a residential trip to boost your knowledge and critical skills, and help you bond with other students.
You can choose to change your specialism pathway at the end of the first year.
Year 2 overview
All students will take core modules and study:
- pollution
- how to assess environmental impact
- geographic information systems (GIS)
- literature review and research skills
For your specialist pathway module, you'll look at one of these topics:
- population ecology
- freshwater ecosystems
- impact of global climate change
- geohazards and earth resources
You'll choose your remaining modules from a wide range of options.
You'll take a UK-based residential field course to develop your research skills while avoiding the high carbon emissions associated with flying.
Year 3 overview
You'll complete a research project, with support from a supervisor in your chosen area. Previous projects have included:
- Environmental science versus political influence: which is most significant in controlling UK environmental law?
- Barriers to sustainable dietary behaviour for families.
- Investigating the effects of plastic debris deposition on the abundance, distribution, and characteristics of UK salt marsh vegetation.
- A life-cycle assessment for estimating web page carbon dioxide emissions.
- Impact of the environment on the cognitive learning of bumblebees.
- The impact of land use on beetle morphological traits in Malaysia.
- Microfibres in the aquatic environment: Joshua Birkenhead (BSc Student), Freya Radford, Jessica Laura Stead, Andy Cundy and Malcolm Hudson - Validation of a method to quantify microfibres present in aquatic surface microlayers, 2020, Scientific Reports, 10 (1).
All students will study environmental law and management.
You'll choose modules from a wide range of options, with topics like:
- marine fisheries
- human-caused global change
- glaciers and glaciation
- sustainability as a profession
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Earth and Ocean System
An introduction to the fundamental processes which determine the environment of the Earth and the general functioning of the Earth as a system.
Ecology and Conservation
This module introduces students to the main branches of ecology by considering the various levels at which the subject may be studied: individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. The aim of the practical sessions is to demonstrate how profession...
Environmental Field Techniques and Applications
This module is designed to provide you with hands-on experience of a wide range of contemporary environmental issues and techniques, and an understanding of how we make use of data to answer environment related research questions. The module is primarily ...
Environmental Science: Concepts and Communication
This module focuses on environmental issues across a range of themes and provides a focal point for the first year of the undergraduate Environmental Science programmes, in terms of knowledge and understanding, and study skills. The module considers knowl...
Exploring Urban and Natural Environments
Explorers visit and observe different places in order to further understand the physical and cultural phenomena they encounter. This module will introduce you to methods enabling you to explore physical and human environments, in order to collect data wh...
Geographies of Risk
The module will explore risk, hazard, exposure, vulnerability, resilience, and sustainability, all in the context of climate change: how these concepts relate to the Earth's physical and ecological systems, and to cultural and socio-economic structures of...
Introduction to Marine Ecology and Evolution
Quantitative Methods
You will be introduced to a number of key statistical concepts and data presentation formats. Beginning with exposure to a variety of data types defining the nature and properties of data you are likely to encounter. Emphasis is placed on distinguishing b...
The Earth System
The module will look at the challenges posed to human societies living on a dynamic planet and how these societies adapt (or not) to a range of environmental and socio-economic hazards. Pre-requisite for GEOG2006 One of the pre-requisites for GEOG...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
Environmental Impact Assessment
This module examines the process of assessing the potential impacts of major developments on the environment- known worldwide as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The module has two major themes. In the first part of the module emphasis is placed ...
Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
The module will introduce the concepts and techniques underpinning geographic information systems.
Research Project Preparation
This module prepares students to undertake an independent research project as part of their final undergraduate year. In the first section of the module students will participate in a series of workshops covering a range of methods which they may wish to...
Researching the Environment
This module enables you to build on your research skills in preparation for running your own research in part 3. Building on the research skills learnt in part 1, you will work in small groups to first refine a broad research question into a testable and...
Water Pollution
An understanding of the physical, chemical and biological processes involved during contamination of air, water and soil is essential if society is going to effectively monitor and control the effects of pollution using modern technology and engineering p...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
Advanced Geographical Information Systems
The module will look at the conceptual, practical and methodological issues associated with using GIS for environmental and socio-economic applications.
Animal Behaviour
This module provides an introduction to the study of animal behaviour taking an integrative approach that addresses animal behaviour from ethological, ecological and evolutionary angles and to review the basic concepts of behaviour as a science.
Evolution
The module seeks to: - explore the main evolutionary processes - consider evolution at the phenotypic as well as the molecular level - consider evolutionary processes occurring at different time scales
Freshwater Ecosystems
Freshwater Ecosystems initially considers the interplay between the physics, chemistry and biology of freshwater ecosystems. A comparative approach is adopted, in which upland streams, lowland rivers, lakes and other standing freshwater environments are c...
Geohazards
Global Climate Change: Science, Impacts and Policy
The topic is addressed from three perspectives: the science of climate change, impact and adaptation, and policy towards adaptation and mitigation. One of the pre-requisites for GGES3019
Global Sustainability Challenges
The global challenge that is 'sustainability' impacts every dimension of all of our lives. Regardless of your degree, the social, cultural, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability have important implications for your studies, your daily ...
Global Tipping Points
This module will explore how humans have been impacting the planet over recent millennia, and how more recently the increased impacts are leading to tipping points in many global systems, from biogeophysical to social. As such the module will discuss a ra...
Introduction to Energy in The Environment
Is it necessary -- and is it possible -- for the UK and other countries to make the change from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources? And what sort of changes would be involved, on a global, national and personal scale? Is there any one renewable ener...
Long-term Environmental Change
GGES2004 examines long-term environmental change through the period of the glacial-interglacial cycles. These dramatic shifts in Earth's systems are fascinating to study because they show us how the environment reacted to rapid climate change in the past ...
Marine Benthic Ecology
Marine Vertebrates
Monitoring Coastal and Estuarine Environments
Phytoplankton and Primary Production
Plant Development and Function
This module provides an understanding of plant function and development at a molecular, cellular and whole organism level.
Population Change in Low and Middle Income Countries
This module aims to introduce you to the variety of demographic experiences in low and middle-income countries across the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and, Asia. We will explore the patterns of historical and...
Population Processes in High Income Countries
The module studies key population issues specific to high income countries, such as international migration, population ageing and low fertility. The module examines the causes, consequences and policy implications of the current population processes. Th...
Pure and Applied Population Ecology
This module builds on the basic principles of population ecology introduced in year 1, to achieve a broad appreciation of current theory and practice in population and community ecology. Lectures and practicals will explore the processes involved in the d...
Remote Sensing for Earth Observation
The module will look at the basic theory and practical application of remote sensing for monitoring the terrestrial environment.
Zooplankton Ecology and Processes
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
Environmental Law and Management
This module will enable students to apply their understanding of environmental problems and assess potential solutions through the application of law, policy, and management. The lecture sessions will introduce and analyse the theoretical development and ...
Individual Project
The Individual Project is a learning experience that enables you to carry out research and bring together many of the concepts that you have learnt over the first two years of the course as well as the knowledge and skills learnt during part III. You w...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
Adapting to Climate Change and Weather Hazards
GGES3019 is a multidisciplinary unit designed for students with an interest in how individuals and societies understand and respond to environmental shocks and stresses, and their different capacities for adaptation. The focus of the module is on climate ...
Advanced Arid Environments Field Course (Namibia)
This advanced field course module is delivered as a residential fieldcourse to Namibia (primarily based at the Gobabeb Namib Research Institute). It is designed for students interested in all aspects of physical geography and environmental change, but wi...
Advanced Geographical Information Systems
The module will look at the conceptual, practical and methodological issues associated with geospatial analysis for environmental and socio-economic applications.
Air Quality and Environmental Pollution
The module has been designed to impart the scientific knowledge required to tackle the many problems associated with air and other types of environmental pollution, including how to identify and assess the nature, sources and effects of pollutants, how to...
Applied Plant Biology
This module provides a broad introduction to the applied use of plants in the modern world. The module will cover the production of transgenic (GM) plants and their applications in a variety of areas including medical biotechnology, nutrition, phytoremedi...
Arolla Fieldcourse: Geographical Research in Alpine Environments
To enable students to design efficient and effective field, modelling, laboratory and data analytical approaches to conducting research on a range of physical geographical problems, with a particular focus on mountain environments
Behavioural Ecology
Behavioural ecology considers the evolutionary pressures that shape behaviour. This module will explore animal behaviours from evolutionary biology and population ecological perspectives. Each week, lectures will consider a different behavioural ecology t...
Biodiversity and Conservation
This module concerns global biodiversity, what we understand by it and why it is in crisis, and current efforts to conserve and manage it. We begin with an appraisal of different values of diversity at scales from genetic to species, communities and ecosy...
Biogeochemical Cycles in the Earth System
This module looks at the operation of the Ocean as a biogeochemical entity within the larger Earth System. There is a strong focus on how the Earth System will respond to anthropogenic impacts and global change.
Biomedical Technology
This course is designed to illustrate the ways in which the theoretical principles of biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology presented in previous courses can be applied to yield important commercial or therapeutic products or processes.
Coastal Sediment Dynamics
The coastal zone supports the livelihood and well-being of hundreds of millions of people, valuable ecosystems and vital industry, trade links and energy networks. The movement of coastal sediments by natural processes and human interventions continually ...
Data Collection and Research Methods for Sustainability and Environmental Science
GGES3006 Data Collection & Research Methods for Sustainability and Environmental Science, is a module which aims to equip students with the skills necessary to plan and undertake independent research as part of their studies and later in their chosen care...
Deep Sea Ecology
This module examines the patterns of life in deep-sea environments & the processes that govern those patterns.
Environment and Health
Health and the provision of health care are important issues in our everyday lives. Many of the debates surrounding health are inherently spatial in nature and as such geographers are well placed to play an important role in informing research and providi...
Environmental Sensing for Real World Geomorphological Challenges
This course seeks to make use of innovative and cutting edge technologies in the field of Earth surface process monitoring to address the real world challenges encountered by commercial and/or governmental organisations. Students on this module will ta...
Environmental and Engineering Geology
This module examines current topics in environmental and engineering geology – the practical application of geoscience principles in the solving of environmental and engineering problems. Through a mix of lecture, discussion and practical sessions, you wi...
Evolution and Genetics
Evolution typically happens over long time periods, with organisms being selected based on their environments. But climate change and human factors can also increase the rate of evolution. In this module we show how organisms evolve in terms of their envi...
Geographies of Nature: food, animals and other nonhuman life
This is a Module not about learning new facts or figures, or necessarily huge swathes of substantive knowledge about food consumption and food production (a dominant theme). Rather it invites you to develop a repertoire of theories and concepts to think c...
Glaciers in a Changing Climate
To investigate the modern research into glacial processes, to investigate analytical approaches to test contemporary controversial problems and to show how these processes formed the present day landscape
Global Challenges in Biology
This module will consider human-caused global challenges and their impact on marine and terrestrial ecosystems. We will discuss the main causes of global change, including greenhouse gases, changes in temperature and rainfall, and human land use, as well ...
Marine Fisheries Ecology
Migration and Development
GGES3020 is a multidisciplinary unit designed for students with an interest in human migration and development and the interaction between the two. The module will emphasise the importance of place and scale in its approach to these themes, although it wi...
Nature Based Solutions
Nature Based Solutions (NBS) – actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems – can play a critical role in mitigating not only climate change, but also increasing other benefits from nature (ecosystem services) that hu...
Palaeoclimate Change
Petroleum Geology and Mineral Resources
River Basin Management and Restoration
To develop an holistic approach to river basin management and restoration based on an understanding of physical processes and human modification of natural river systems.
Seafloor Exploration and Surveying
This module provides you with skills that are scientifically fascinating as well as important for employability. The offshore industry is crying-out for graduates that understand seafloor surveying. In the past few years many OES students have gone on to...
Sustainable Resource Management
If we are to address society’s waste problem we need to fully understand the environmental, occupational, public health, technical, fiscal, social, cultural, demographic and political influences on waste collection, reuse, recycling, minimisation and prev...
The Sustainability Professional
The Sustainability Professional is a high-level skills practical module delivered in partnership with a range of contributors from local and regional environmental and sustainability consultancies and other organisations. This module aims to provide stude...
Water, People and Environment: Cambodia Field Course
The major river systems that drain the Himalayas provide water that sustains the lives and livelihoods of a significant proportion of the global population, but a variety of pressures, including population growth, the motivation to stimulate economic deve...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- creative projects
- design and problem-solving exercises
- dissertations
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- creative projects
- design and problem-solving exercises
- dissertations
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Simon Kemp is the course leader.
Careers
As a graduate of this bachelor of environmental science, you'll have many career fields available. These could include:
- carbon management
- biodiversity
- water management
- environmental consultancy
- sustainability strategy and policy
- nature conservation
- waste management
Recent graduates are pursuing a career in environmental science at organisations including:
- DEFRA
- Environment Agency
- Natural England
- Ordnance Survey
- Ramboll
- Universities, in environment and sustainability roles
- Wildlife trusts
- WWF
Throughout your degree, you'll benefit from guest speakers from industry, government and environment groups. We have connections with many organisations such as the Environment Agency, DEFRA, AECOM and The Wildlife Trust. Together we will help you build your networks and prepare you for your next steps after graduation.
Our students play an important part in the University's award-winning Enactus society. It is a global non-profit organisation that helps improve the lives of people around the world.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
You can boost your employability by spending a paid year in employment in the industry of your choice, between your second and third years.
This is a great opportunity to:
- apply your skills and knowledge in a real industry setting
- try out a potential career
- demonstrate personal development to future employers
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £28,800.
The Government has recently announced changes to UK tuition fees from September 2025 onwards. We will update our website to reflect this shortly.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Related courses
Environmental Science (BSc) is a course in the Geography and environmental science subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:
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PhDs and research degrees
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