Environmental Science at University of Southampton - UCAS

University of Southampton

Degree level: Undergraduate

Environmental Science

This course is subject to validation. You can still apply for this course while it is being approved.

University of Southampton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

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Open days

8Nov

University of Southampton - Virtual Open Day

Undergraduate

15Nov

Winchester School of Art - Open Day

Undergraduate

Course summary

About this course Explore some of the biggest environmental challenges of today and the future, on a course ranked 7th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2026), where you'll delve into how science can be applied to protect our planet in one of five specialist pathways: Business and the Environment, Biodiversity and Conservation, Environmental Change, Water and the Environment, or Sustainability. You'll graduate with extensive theoretical and practical experience, which you'll have mastered on our many fieldwork opportunities. In your first and second year you'll go on UK-based residential field courses to learn and apply a range of practical skills. These are included as part of your course fees. In your third year, we offer a range of optional international field trips where you'll see how our research is changing the world for the better. Current projects are in Namibia, Cambodia, and Switzerland. Key features of the course:

Study a degree orientated around employability and accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences

Specialise in your chosen pathway whilst exploring a wide range of subjects including environmental science, geography, ecology, geology, law, and oceanography, to shape your degree to your individual interests, passions, and career goals, with wide ranging and frequently updated module choice

Develop the knowledge and skills required to tackle the complex major environmental challenges of the twenty-first century and integrate theory-based learning with practical and project work, to work towards sustainable solutions to environmental problems

Gain real-life skills suited to industry, with our extensive range of field trips and modern equipment used by working professionals, to enhance your employment prospects

Join a University where 100% of Environmental Science graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2021/2022 and 2022/2023, published in 2024 and 2025).

Student support Your Personal Academic Tutor will work with you throughout your degree. They will act as your first point of contact for pastoral support. They will also help you decide on optional modules, and discuss your future career plans. The degree is orientated to employability, and your core modules and assessments are aligned with the needs and practices of the professional environment sector. As such, the degree is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences. Support and development of employability skills starts in the first year. As part of your tutorials, you will develop a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and discuss career opportunities related to your pathway. You will also have access to the University’s Career Services which include online resources and toolkits to develop your CV and interview techniques. You will retain access to these services for up to 5 years after graduating. Further information This course is open to UK and international applicants and is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences. The flexibility of the programme develops throughout your studies and includes field trips and optional opportunities such as study abroad.

Modules

In each year of study, you will complete compulsory modules, plus a further number relating to your chosen pathway. We have a varied range of modules for all years, which gives you the opportunity to tailor your studies to your passions and to equip you with the skills and experiences needed for success as a graduate. A full list of modules is available on the course page on our website.

Assessment method

Your learning is delivered, and assessed, through a wide range of methods to ensure you develop a broad variety of skills that will set you up for success after graduation. You will be assessed through coursework; laboratory reports and essays; design and problem solving exercises; individual and group projects; written and practical exams; creative projects; oral presentations; dissertation. Throughout, you'll be supported by a personal academic tutor, your peers, and have access to a senior tutor.

How to apply

14Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:: F900

Institution code:: S27

Campus name:: Main Site - Highfield Campus

Campus code:: -

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - ABB

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD

Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits P: 15 credits

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) - DDD

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) - DD

Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) - D

Scottish Advanced Higher

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 for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information. Applicants are also required to have achieved a pass in Maths and English at Standard Grade Grade 3 or National 5 Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/Grade 4.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points

Typical offer: Pass, with overall score of 32 points, with 16 points required at Higher Level, including a minimum of 5 in one higher level science. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): The University of Southampton accepts the IBCP for entry to their degree programmes, recognising the value of combining academic skills with practical skills, providing a solid preparation for university level work. Offers will be made on the individual components of the IBCP. Applicants not taking the full IBCP but presenting with a combination of a Level 3 vocational qualification and IB Certificates may still be considered. 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.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - B

Extended Project - A

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, M2, M2

to include one science subject from Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Geology, Environmental Science and Environmental Studies. 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 D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A and M1 can be used in lieu of A-level grade B.

T Level - D

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/environmental-science-degree-bsc#entry-requirements

English language requirements

Test	Grade	Additional details
IELTS (Academic)		IELTS requirements to be confirmed

English Language proficiency for international students: All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. For more information on the University of Southampton’s English Language entry requirements, please see the English Language Proficiency webpage.

All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in English. All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England	£9535*	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£9535*	Year 1
Scotland	£9535*	Year 1
Wales	£9535*	Year 1
Channel Islands	£9535*	Year 1
Republic of Ireland	£9535*	Year 1
EU	£30300	Year 1
International	£30300	Year 1

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page

Provider information

Visit our website

University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ

Course contact details

Visit our course page

General Admissions

[email protected]

023 8059 4732

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Undergraduate Admissions - Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences