BSc(Hons) Environmental Science (with Foundation Year)

    BSc(Hons) Environmental Science (with Foundation Year)

    Duration4 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 17,000 / Year
    BSc(Hons) Environmental Science (with Foundation Year)

    About

    Introduction

    Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), this course prepares you for a career tackling some of today's most important environmental challenges.

    Accreditations and partnerships:

    Why study environmental science?

    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.

    Why UWE Bristol?

    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.

    Where can it take me?

    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.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    We are pleased to confirm that our New students webpages are now available for students starting this course in September 2025. Here you can find links to useful information about registering, course start dates, arriving on campus what to expect before and when you arrive.

    We automatically send a message via your Welcome website plus an email to notify you once your Preparing to Study information is available. It is important that you regularly check your Welcome website for new messages.

    • Tariff points: 56
    • Contextual tariff: See our contextual offers page.
    • GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English, Mathematics and Double Science, or equivalent.
    • English Language Requirement:

      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'll need in our English Language section. Please visit our English language requirements page.

    • A-level subjects: No specific subjects required.
    • EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: No specific subjects required.
    • Access: No specific subjects required.
    • Baccalaureate IB: No specific subjects required.
    • Irish Highers: No specific subjects required.
    • Welsh Baccalaureate: We accept tariff points achieved from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications.
    • Cambridge Technical: No specific subjects required.
    • T Levels: No specific subjects required.

    We are pleased to confirm that our New students webpages are now available for students starting this course in September 2025. Here you can find links to useful information about registering, course start dates, arriving on campus what to expect before and when you arrive.

    We automatically send a message via your Welcome website plus an email to notify you once your Preparing to Study information is available. It is important that you regularly check your Welcome website for new messages.

    English Program Requirements

    English Language Requirement:

    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'll need in our English Language section. Please visit our English language requirements page.

    Career

    Careers

    Careers / Further study

    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.

    As a graduate, you'll be eligible to apply for a range of postgraduate courses at UWE Bristol, which will give you advanced knowledge and support your career development. These include MSc Forensic Science, MRes Applied Sciences, MSc Sustainable Food Systems, MSc Health Technology, MSc Science Communication, MSc Applied Wildlife Conservation and MSc Conservation Leadership.

    Get inspired

    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

    Fee Information

    BSc(Hons) Environmental Science (with Foundation Year)
    University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)
    University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)
    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Bristol