Environmental ScienceBSc

• Global fieldwork opportunities - exciting opportunities for you to explore the world through field trips, in diverse locations such as Germany, Switzerland, Wales and the Peak District. Compulsory travel and accommodation costs are covered so that you can focus on getting the most out of your experience.
• Real-world connections – our relationships with industry such as Public Health England, the Environment Agency and Wildlife Trusts provide research opportunities for student projects, and mean you’ll graduate with directly applicable skills to those needed by top employers in the field.
• Facilities fit for the future – our resources include an ‘eco lab’ for the study of river systems, and the BiFOR facility in Stafford dedicated to advancing our understanding of how forests respond to environmental changes.
• Accreditation - Our programmes in Environmental Science are accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), meaning they meet high standards for teaching and learning, and develop graduates ready for the world of work.
• Research-led teaching – our research feeds into teaching across our Environmental Science programmes as the world’s understanding of environments continually evolves. Our research at Birmingham was ranked third in the UK for earth systems and environmental sciences in the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021).

Placement Years 

Consider a placement year as part of your degree programme at Birmingham, offering a year-long work experience with an external organisation. Gain valuable skills and experience in sectors related to or outside of your discipline. Past placements include finance companies, the Highways Agency, environmental charities, travel companies, and food manufacturers. You can decide on this option after joining us, with support from our teams on campus. The placement takes place between your second and third year.

• Within our Collaborative Teaching Laboratory you'll work in diverse lab types, including biological, wet-chemical, dry-rock, and e-laboratories. Here, you will receive advanced training in environmental analysis, mastering skills such as risk management, calibration, quality control, experiment design, and replication.
• Fieldwork starts with a 4-day trip to the Peak District National Park in your first year, where you will study geology, soil, vegetation, habitats, land use, and water chemistry. In your second year, you can choose from diverse field courses, such as freshwater ecology in North Wales, mountain environments in Switzerland, urban environments in Germany, and inter-tidal ecology in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
• Your final year research project is designed to foster independent scholarship and enhance employability. Building on advanced training in year two, where you'll develop a comprehensive skills portfolio through the Advanced Research Methods module, you'll embark on a project that showcases your expertise.

Support during your studies

You will have access to our comprehensive support system to help you make a smooth transition to university-level study.

Personal academic tutors – You will be assigned your own personal tutor who will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at Birmingham.

Wellbeing Officers - We have dedicated wellbeing officers who provide professional support, advice and guidance to students across a range of issues. 

Academic Skills Centre - The centre aims to help you become a more effective and independent learner through a range of high-quality support services. The centre offers workshops on a range of topics, such as note-taking, reading, academic writing and presentation skills.

Student Experience Team - Our Student Experience Team will help you get the most out of your academic experience. They will offer research opportunities, study skills support and help you prepare for your post-university careers. 

Contact hours

In Years 1 and 2 of your Environmental Science degree you can expect between 12-17 contact hours per week with additional tutorials and fieldtrips. In your final year, more of your time will be spent on independent study and research; therefore, you can expect between 7-10 hours of contact time, depending on your choice of modules

Assessment methods and feedback

The Environmental Science degree assessment methods vary by module and may include individual or group projects, exams, oral presentations, library or web-based research, and fieldwork assessments.

At the start of each module, you'll receive details on assessment methods and timelines. Feedback is provided within four weeks to help you improve for future modules.

To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.

Number of A levels required: 3

Accepted Science Subjects

Biology/Chemistry/Computing/Electronics/Environmental Studies/Further Maths/Geography/Geology/Human Biology/ Maths/ Physics/ Psychology/Statistics

 

General Studies

General Studies is not accepted but a good performance may be taken into account if you fail to meet the conditions of the offer.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects plus 32 points overall.

BTEC qualifications

BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma are accepted but subjects are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further guidance.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

• TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing.
• IELTS*: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills.
• Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015)***: C1 Advanced - Minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component.
• Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 25 in each skill.
• Trinity ISE II: Distinction all skills.
• Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill

The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535 for UK students.  If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay.  If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.

Undergraduate loans

To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries

At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.

View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.

Careers Network

Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.