Please note there are no vacancies on this course for September 2024
Page last updated 23 September 2024
Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), this course prepares you for a career tackling some of today's most important environmental challenges.
The environment we live in is changing rapidly. Solving and managing the problems caused by environmental change is increasingly important.
Drawing on a variety of scientific fields, environmental scientists can help us to unpick the challenges we're up against and put forward the urgent solutions our planet needs.
BSc(Hons) Environmental Science brings together knowledge from a variety of fields to give you a deep understanding of the environmental challenges facing the world today.
Through a practical, hands-on approach that runs through all the modules, you'll gain exposure to the skills and technology employed at the forefront of environmental science.
Carry out your own investigations in our specialist labs, and use the latest mapping software in our dedicated computer suite.
Learn to analyse and interpret complex data, and pioneer environmentally sound, scientifically robust, practical solutions.
You'll be based in Bristol, a hub for environmental innovation and opportunity, where you can tap into diverse projects and collaborations.
Undertake work placements, volunteering roles, field-based work and residential trips in natural and urban environments, in the UK and abroad.
Go on inspiring expeditions to the threatened forests of Madagascar or diving on the coral reefs of Cuba.
If you choose the sandwich course option, you'll get to spend your third year working with a public or private sector employer in this country, Europe or further afield, applying your knowledge to current environmental issues.
Our graduates take their skills into internationally-renowned organisations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Others go into industry, working with employers such as Thames Water, the Environment Agency, Wessex Water, Atkins or charities like the Woodland Trust.
Some become film-makers, or take part in conservation projects around the world, everywhere from the Seychelles to Panama.
You could also continue studying to MSc or PhD level.
The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.
You'll study:
You normally need to pass your foundation year before going into year one.
You'll study:
You'll study:
Plus, optional modules from (the number depending on credit requirements):
If you study on the five year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work placement after year two.
You'll complete a placement learning module.
See the Placements and Fees sections for more information.
You'll study:
Plus, optional modules from (the number depending on credit requirements):
The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we'll inform you.
Get a strong grounding in each topic in lectures, seminars and tutorials. Then enrich and deepen your understanding through laboratory workshops, fieldwork exercises and case studies.
Learn about everything from geology to climate science. Study the problems and solutions linked to our changing environment. Develop the science communication skills to help you stand out from other environmental graduates.
Learn in diverse environments with regular fieldwork and residential field trips (where possible).
Benefit from teaching linked with world-class environmental research.
You'll learn from field leaders, working in areas such as the conservation of bird's nest ferns in rainforests, the decontamination of water in Third World countries and the use of plants to measure radiation levels.
Carry out your own research project, working with an academic supervisor in your chosen area of interest.
Identify and develop the skills you'll need for your ideal career.
Receive one-to-one guidance and feedback from our team of environmental science specialists.
See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.
Approximate percentage of time you'll spend in different learning activities*:
| Year | Scheduled learning and teaching study | Independent study | Placement study |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 24% | 76% | 0% |
| 1 | 32% | 68% | 0% |
| 2 | 28% | 72% | 0% |
| 3 | 20% | 80% | 0% |
*Calculated from compulsory and optional modules (where applicable) each year.
We'll assess your work using a mix of coursework and exams including unseen, open-book and practical exams, essays, practical reports, individual and group projects, oral and visual presentations, case-study analysis, taxonomic collections and problem-solving exercises.
We use different types of assessment to reflect the range of theoretical concepts, knowledge and practical skills we cover on the course.
Learn more about assessments.
Approximate percentage of marks awarded by each assessment method*:
| Year | Written exam assessment | Coursework assessment | Practical exam assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 37% | 60% | 3% |
| 1 | 37% | 51% | 12% |
| 2 | 37% | 53% | 10% |
| 3 | 30% | 60% | 10% |
*Calculated from compulsory and optional modules (where applicable) each year.
Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), this course provides you with the tools to succeed in your future career.
Students who go on work experience tend to graduate with better degrees. Experience also hones your skills, industry knowledge and professional network, making you a sought after graduate.
If you choose the five year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work placement after year two.
We'll encourage you to apply for placements, a paid summer vacation internship and volunteering roles, through our links with industry, government organisations, consultancies and conservation groups.
Our students work with leading employers, such as the RSPB, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, the Environment Agency, MoD, Kew Gardens and Tongariro Natural History Society in New Zealand.
You'll get help to find a placement and support throughout from staff within the School and our award-winning careers service.
Fieldwork is an essential part of studying and understanding environmental issues, so you'll spend a significant part of your time doing fieldwork.
As well as going on short local trips in and around Bristol, with its rich variety of urban and natural environments, we arrange UK and international residential visits each year (where possible). You'll have the opportunity to go to places like Devon, Cornwall, Wales, Madagascar and Cuba.
Benefit from our well-equipped analytical and computer laboratories, glasshouse and dedicated field centre.
Learn more about UWE Bristol's facilities and resources.
Take a virtual tour of the Environmental Science facilities and see what's on offer here for you.
An excellent range of options for all of the Bristol campuses and the city centre.
A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.
There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.
We provide support in the way you need it.
Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.
Environmental issues impact at local, national and international levels, and our students go on to make a valuable contribution in many different areas.
Past students have worked as pollution scientists, water quality experts and environmental managers with organisations including The Environment Agency, Wessex Water and DEFRA.
Some find roles as environmental consultants, working on renewable energy, waste management or the consequences of climate change. Others go into environmental education in schools, field studies organisations or postgraduate study.
Our award-winning careers service will develop your employment potential through career coaching and find you graduate jobs, placements and global opportunities.
We can also help find local volunteering and community opportunities, provide support for entrepreneurial activity and get you access to employer events.
Visit our employability pages to learn more about careers, employers and what our students are doing six months after graduating.
Find out what being a water quality scientist involves.
See also:
UWE - careers in environmental management
The Guardian - what to do with a degree in environmental science
Your overall entitlement to funding is based on how long the course is that you're registered on. Standard funding is allocated based on the standard number of years that your course lasts, plus one additional year.
You'll apply for funding each year that you study and Student Finance will take into account how long the course is in each year that you apply. So if you register for the five year course and then transfer to the four year course, the number of years you can apply for funding will change. Student Finance will reassess your funding based on how many years you have been in study, not just those years for which you received student finance.
Always seek advice before taking any action that may have implications for your funding.
Additional costs
Additional costs are for items you could need during your studies that aren't covered by the standard tuition fee. These could be materials, textbooks, travel, clothing, software or printing.
International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Please visit our English language requirements page.
If you exceed the entry requirements you may be eligible for BSc(Hons) Environmental Science.
If you are an international student your recommended route of study for this degree is through our International College, which upon successful completion to the required level and with good attendance, guarantees entry to year one of the degree.
Read more about entry requirements.
Read more about undergraduate applications.
Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.
UK applicants
Admissions@uwe.ac.uk
International/EU applicants
International@uwe.ac.uk
UK applicants
+44 (0)117 32 83333
International/EU applicants
+44 (0)117 32 86644