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Become a leader in addressing environmental change by exploring the causes, impacts, and sustainable solutions for Earth's resources. Explore a range of scientific fields in one degree and develop a range of abilities from communication to research, analysis to leadership which will equip you to succeed. Many graduates find employment in areas far removed from their primary area of study at University.
The best thing about my course is that it teaches me how to communicate and work with people from different academic backgrounds. This is a very valuable skill to develop if you are passionate about multidisciplinary areas like climate science and biomedical applications.
Discover more about your chosen subject at one of our Open Days or by asking us a question.
Join our three-year programme comprising of core (compulsory) and optional modules. Each module will be assessed in different ways depending on the topic you're studying.
In the first year, alongside your chosen your major pathway, you will receive training in the skills that you need to become an interdisciplinary scientist, and be able to work across and between different scientific disciplines. Our year 1 core asks the questions what science is, who science is for, and how science is done.
Pathways options
BSc Pathway A (120 credits): Standard Route (graduate with a major specialism)
OR
BSc Pathway B (120 credits): Option 1 without major specialism
BSc Pathway C (120 credits): Option 2 without major specialism
MSci Pathways:
Choice for Major Employers
‘The Graduate Market in 2024’ report from High Fliers
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
Learn through diverse methods: fieldwork, practicals, and tutorials. Become an independent learner with research-led teaching and comprehensive support.
Taught by academics who are finding innovative solutions to big issues, you will have access to the latest knowledge and thinking by studying at Birmingham.
We use a variety of approaches to help you learn during the course of your degree. Your teaching will involve a mixture of dedicated and innovative small group experiences with fellow Natural Sciences students and studying alongside other students in your Major field or optional modules. Throughout the programme, you will move between different Schools and departments across the University, whilst retaining a home and core support network within the Natural Sciences team.
Depending on your Major area of concentration this may involve some, or all, of large and small lectures, small group seminars and/or laboratory work. You will interact closely with the core Natural Sciences advisory staff and fellow students as part of both your core and extramural development.
You will have access to a comprehensive support system to help you make the transition to higher education when you start at Birmingham:
Personal academic tutors – You will be assigned your own personal academic 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 – Alongside your personal academic tutor, you will also have access to dedicated wellbeing officers who provide professional support, advice and guidance to students across a range of issues.
Our Student Experience Team - Will help you get the most out of your academic experience. They offer research opportunities, study skills support, and help you prepare for your post-university career.
Contact time will vary depending on the modules you select and your level of study. In year one, the Natural Sciences compulsory modules involve 2 hours per week, with your additional contact time dependent on your choice of subjects and portfolio of modules. Typically, formally timetabled work is about 30 hours per week. with the remaining time allocated to research, preparation, and assignments.
As you progress through your studies, you are typically expected to undertake a higher level of independent guided study and your formally timetabled contact hours will adjust accordingly. Contact time for Natural Sciences students is supported by the advice and guidance time scheduled with your personal tutor, and in your final year you receive individual supervision in support of your dissertation or independent research project.
Assessments - you will be assessed in a variety of ways to help you transition to a new style of learning. At the beginning of each module, you will be given information on how and when you will be assessed. Assessments methods will vary with each module and could include: coursework, such as essays. Group and individual presentations and formal exams.
Feedback - You will receive feedback on each assessment, so you can learn from each assignment. You will also be given feedback on any exams that you take. If you should fail an exam, we will ensure that particularly detailed feedback is provided to help you prepare for future exams.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
The following must be taken:
Students must choose 100 Level C modules within the defined programme module listings and subject to the limitations of the timetable. The Natural Sciences Programme Lead (or nominee), in conjunction with the relevant Head of School/Department, will determine which ‘major’ fields are available and which modules may contribute to each major. Students will be involved in discussions regarding which majors might be available to them based upon the modules they wish to study, their credits achieved, and any relevant prerequisites or other academic requirements. Normally no more than 60 credits in one subject will be allowed.
Lecturer in Historical and Cultural Geography: teaching-focused
Staff profile for Dr Lloyd Jenkins, Teaching Fellow in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
AAA including Maths and 1 required science
6,6,6 32 points overall.
BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Subsidiary Dimploma are accepted but subjects are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further guidance.
Number of A levels required: 3
Maths and one from Physics, Chemistry or Biology
General Studies is not accepted but a good performance may be taken into account if you fail to meet the conditions of the offer.
6,6,6 in Higher Level subjects plus 32 points overall
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.
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.
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer. For more information, please contact outreach@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
ABB - Including 1 Required Science
AAB - Including 1 Required Science
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
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.
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2025/26
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.
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.
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
Application deadline for September 2025 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
Recent graduates have found diverse employment opportunities. Many work in fields directly related to their Earth Sciences degree, while others leverage transferable skills in various careers. Graduates often enter environmental planning, land remediation, hydrogeology, and pollution control. Employers include the British Geological Survey, local authorities, museums, and engineering firms. Some pursue teaching or international careers. Nearly half continue with further study, such as an MSc or PhD, before starting their careers.
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
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.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
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.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.