Environmental Science BSc (Hons)

UCAS code: F750, F751

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Level of study:
Undergraduate
Typical offer:
104 - 112 UCAS tariff points
Start date:
September 2027
Duration:
Three years full-time or four years with placement
Attendance:
Full-time, Placement year
Course delivery:
On-campus (Brackenhurst)

Information for 2027

About this course

Environmental Science is the study of how our planet works — from the air we breathe and the water we drink to the ecosystems that sustain life. It’s about understanding the complex, interconnected systems of the Earth and how human actions are reshaping them.

This subject has never been more important. Our world faces urgent environmental challenges — from climate change and biodiversity loss to pollution and dwindling natural resources. Solving them requires people who can think critically, act creatively, and collaborate across disciplines. That’s where you come in.

At NTU, Environmental Science isn’t just something you learn — it’s something you do. You’ll develop real-world skills in collecting and analysing environmental data, tackling problems from scientific and ethical perspectives, and working in teams on fieldwork, lab investigations, and research that matters. You’ll be supported to take ownership of your learning, explore big ideas, and build the adaptability and confidence to lead in a changing world.

This course prepares you for careers that have real-world impact. You will become the scientists and practitioners of the future, shaping solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing our planet.

If you're driven to protect the planet and create a sustainable future, Environmental Science at NTU is where your journey starts.

We also offer BSc (Hons) Environmental Science (with foundation year). Our integrated foundation degrees offer a unique gateway to our BSc courses for those who currently don't meet the degree-level entry criteria.

Accreditation - the stamp of approval

This degree is fully accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences.
Sustainability is in our DNA

Study at one of the UK's most environmentally friendly universities – NTU has achieved the EcoCampus Platinum award and invested in many environmental-impact innovations.
100%

of our BSc (Hons) Environmental Science graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees (of those available for work or study, latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23).
A positive experience

97% of BSc (Hons) Environmental Science (full-time) students are positive about the learning resources on their course (National Student Survey 2025).

You’ll embark on a journey that takes you from understanding the fundamental workings of the Earth, to becoming a confident, skilled scientist ready to tackle the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in key areas like Principles of Environmental Science, Global Environmental Issues, Biodiversity Conservation, Weather and Climate, Geodiversity and Ecology. These modules give you the essential grounding in both the environmental and human dimensions of environmental science.

In your second year, you’ll deepen your knowledge and technical abilities through modules like Environmental Monitoring and GIS, Sustainability, Technical Skills and, Global Climate Emergency. You’ll begin to critically evaluate how environmental systems interact with human activity, and how policy and science work together to shape real-world outcomes.

By your final year, you’ll be ready to apply your expertise to complex problems. You’ll complete an independent Dissertation based on your own research, and explore advanced topics like Pollution and Remediation, Natural Resource Management and Energy for a Low Carbon Future. You’ll also choose a specialist area to explore further — such as Marine and Freshwater Ecology, Remote Sensing or Introduction to Ecological Consultancy.

Throughout your journey, learning is hands-on and applied. Brackenhurst Campus gives you access to professional labs, cutting-edge technology, and a diverse natural environment to support fieldwork, lab investigations, and environmental data analysis. You’ll develop critical skills in research, communication, project management, and teamwork — all highly valued by employers.

Module information

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the course:

During your Final Year, you will study four core modules and choose one optional module.

Core modules

Optional modules

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

George Lipyeat

Geography and Environmental Science student

“The modules were varied in both content and assessment which kept things more interesting.”
Read George's profile
Piyangi Fernando

Geography and Environmental Science student

“I went on placement which was a transformative experience. I developed communication, organisational and project management skills, and also built a network of valuable connections.”
Read Piyangi's profile
Jack Tilley

Geography and Environmental Science student

“My course covered a wide range of environmental topics including ecology, remote sensing, and environmental law, which I still use today.”
Read Jack's profile
Natasha Chorlton

Geography and Environmental Science student

“I feel lucky to have been on a smaller campus with most of us living in Southwell. I made friends for life and even met my now husband!”
Read Natasha's profile

You will be taught through a variety of methods including group seminars, lectures, practical sessions, lab work, and fieldwork. The course currently includes a residential field trip in both year one and year two, previously these have been to the Peak District and Spain.

You will be assessed by a mixture of reports, reviews, portfolios of practical work, group and individual presentations and a field notebook.

A placement year may be taken between year 2 and year 3 of study.

Please note that field trip locations may vary and are subject to availability and change.

Contact hours

For each 20-credit module, you’ll spend about 200 hours learning overall. Around 40 of those hours will be taught in lectures or seminars. The rest of the time is for independent study, reading, research, or working on assignments. You will also spend time on practical sessions.

Sally Little

Senior Lecturer

Dr Sally Little is an aquatic ecologist working from source to sea across the freshwater to marine continuum. She is Course Leader for BSc Environmental Science and teaches modules including Marine and Freshwater Ecology and the Marine and Coastal Ecology Field Course.
Visit Sally Little 's staff profile
Louise Gentle

Principal Lecturer

Dr Gentle is a Principal Lecturer and Leader of the Conservation and Zoology provision for the School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences. She teaches modules on Behavioural and Evolutionary Ecology and Experimental Design & Data Analysis. Louise’s research interests include behavioural ecology and ornithology, and popular science communication.
Visit Louise Gentle's staff profile
Marcello Di Bonito

Associate Professor

Dr Di Bonito is the former Course Leader for BSc (Honours) Geography. He is the Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a personal tutor for students.
Visit Marcello Di Bonito's staff profile
Nicholas Midgley

Senior Lecturer

Dr Nicholas Midgley is a senior lecturer in physical geography.
Visit Nicholas Midgley's staff profile
Aimee Brett

Senior Lecturer

Dr Aimee Brett is the Course Leader for BSc (Hons) Environmental Science.
Visit Aimee Brett's staff profile
Dr Helen Hicks

Senior Lecturer

Dr Helen Hicks is a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Sciences. She currently teaches Geodiversity and Environmental & Wildlife Law & Policy.
Visit Dr Helen Hicks's staff profile
Lucy Clarke

Senior Lecturer

Dr Lucy Clarke is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Animal, Rural & Environmental Sciences at NTU specialising in fluvial geomorphology, flood mitigation & GIS
Visit Lucy Clarke's staff profile
Esther Kettel

Senior Lecturer

Dr Esther Kettel is course leader for MSc/MRes Biodiversity Conservation. She teaches a range of modules including Principles of Ecology, Environmental Assessment & Consultancy and Wildlife Management. Esther has research interests in population dynamics and the monitoring of species.
Visit Esther Kettel's staff profile
Raihana Ferdous

Senior Lecturer

Dr Raihana Ferdous is a Senior Lecturer in Geography at NTU, specialising in energy, emerging technology, environmental justice and critical development.
Visit Raihana Ferdous's staff profile
Anna Champneys

Senior Lecturer

Dr Anna Champneys is the Course Leader for BSc Wildlife Conservation and teaches modules including Behaviour, Biodiversity Conservation and Protected Species Surveying. Anna’s research interests include small mammal ecology and conservation.
Visit Anna Champneys's staff profile

Entry requirements

UK students

Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including an A-level Science subject or equivalent.

Contextual offer: 104 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including an A-level Science subject or equivalent.

For this course we accept the following Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Human Biology and Physics. We also consider science modules as part of BTECs and other qualifications.

To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.

Additional requirements for UK students

There are no additional requirements for this course.

Contextual offers

If you don’t quite meet our entry requirements, we might be able to make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and your individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer, and we get data from UCAS to help make these decisions. We do this because we believe everyone with the potential to succeed at NTU should have the opportunity to do so, no matter what barriers you may face.

Meeting our entry requirements

Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.

Other qualifications and experience

NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.

We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.

Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.

International students

Academic entry requirements: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications, including an A-level Science subject or equivalent.

We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.

English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Additional requirements for international students

If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Foundation preparation course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City campus.

English language requirements

View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.

If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.

Other qualifications and experience

If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.

You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.

Sign up for emails

Sign up to receive regular emails from the International Office. You'll hear about our news, scholarships and any upcoming events in your country with our expert regional teams.

Getting in touch

If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

Fees for the 2027/28 academic year are yet to be agreed but, as a guide, the fees for 2026/27 are below:

£9,790 per year

If you choose to do a placement year or year abroad, you'll pay a reduced fee for that year:

Placement year - £1,905
Year abroad - £1,430

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including NTU bursaries and scholarships.

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees, including the placement year and study abroad options are subject to government policy and may change in future years of study.

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but we don’t want you to feel anxious or confused about it. Visit our fees and funding pages if you have any concerns.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.

Fees for the 2027/28 academic year are yet to be agreed but, as a guide, the fees for 2026/27 are below:

£17,950 per year

If you choose to do a placement year or study abroad placement year, you'll pay a reduced fee for that year:

Placement year - £1,905
Year abroad - £1,430

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees might increase from the second year of your undergraduate course, in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.

Scholarships

We offer international scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for a scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money and the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment as part of your offer conditions. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, in order to enrol on the course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about your advance payment, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Your modules will point you to key textbooks and recommended reading. Many are available online, and in our libraries, but some students choose to buy their own copies. You’ll receive resource lists showing where to access eBooks, digital resources and physical copies. Our friendly Library team is always on hand to help you find what you need.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Field trips

Non-residential UK day excursions are included in the tuition fee. You will be charged a maximum of 20% of the price per student cost for any compulsory residential trips or courses in the UK, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and entrance fees where applicable. For example, a typical 5-day UK residential field trip cost would be approx. £500 per student, and we would ask for a £100 contribution from students. You will be charged a maximum of 30% of the price per student cost for any compulsory overseas residential courses, as a contribution towards travel, accommodation and associated trip fees where applicable. For example, a typical 6-day residential overseas field trip cost would be approx. £600 per student, and we would ask for a £180 contribution from students. Other non-compulsory field trip opportunities in the UK and abroad may also be offered, and these will be charged at 80% cost to students. A valid passport and any associated visas will also be required for field trips outside of the UK.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Appropriate outdoor clothing

All students will also be expected to provide their own appropriate fieldwork clothing, including walking boots (with ankle support), wellingtons and waterproof trousers and coat.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, phone the Student Money Team on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

Cost of living in Nottingham

Our student benefits and free services

Money advice for international students

Careers and employability

Your future career

As one of our graduates, you will possess a wide range of academic and transferable skills, including research methodology, problem-solving and attention to detail, in addition to the specific knowledge and skills relevant to an Environmental Science degree.

The skills and knowledge acquired will equip you to pursue a career within organisations concerned with sustainable energy use and generation, the protection of natural resources, and environmental conservation.

100% of our BSc (Hons) Environmental Science graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degrees
(of those available for work or study, latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23).

You could also progress on to postgraduate study.

Placement opportunities

You can choose to take an optional placement year in industry at the end of your second year of study. This work experience will enable you to develop your skills and put your knowledge into practice in a working environment. This experience is highly valued by future employers.

Previous students have undertaken placements in organisations such as:

Environment Agency
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
Severn Trent Water
British Geological Survey
Wildlife Trusts
Local Authorities.

Employability Promise

Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).
Graduate employers

Graduates from this course have successful careers in organisations such as:
- Environment Agency
- NHS
- Anderson Green
- Nottingham Energy Partnership
Our graduates are…

Graduates from this course now work in a wide range of roles such as:
- GIS Technician
- Environmental Consultant
- Genetic Technologist
- Compliance Analyst
Assessed work-like experience

We’ve embedded at least eight weeks of assessed work-like experience into all of our courses. This gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in real-world scenarios, build your confidence, and develop the experience employers are looking for.
NTU Enterprise

If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Where your degree could take you

Discover how our students and alumni used their Geography and Environmental Science degree to further their careers. Take a look at our other profiles and explore the possibilities awaiting you.

Eve’s internship with National Geographic

Learn how the BSc Environmental Science led Eve to her National Geographic and Nature Conservancy internship and seed funded research, and her MSc in Gibraltar.

View Eve Torode's profile
Semir’s role as Lead GIS Analyst

Combining his love of environmental science and computer science, Semir landed a job at Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, a specialist in lithium-ion supply chains.

View Semir Kahrimanovic's profile
How Chloe became an Environment, Health and Safety Officer

Learn about the day-to-day work involved in an environmental health and safety role, and Chloe’s career highlights and struggles.

View Chloe Bottomley's profile

Campus and facilities

As a dedicated home for our animal, rural and environmental science courses, the Brackenhurst Campus has a character all of its own. From the population of almost 2,000 students and staff to the animals themselves — cats and cattle, sheep and horses — it’s all about community. Relax with a coffee in the Orangery; kick back with your coursemates in the Brack Bar; enjoy the peace and quiet of our Victorian walled garden or Eco-Library; grab a pal and wander through 500 acres of stunning countryside.

The rural campus, which acts as an outdoor classroom, is the perfect place to put theory into practice. From geographical information system (GIS) mapping and renewable energy solutions, to flood prevention and weather monitoring, there are a huge range of professional tools, technology and facilities on your doorstep.

Our Brackenhurst Campus sits on the doorstep of Southwell: a picture-perfect market town filled with rustic pubs, cosy cafés, and boutique shops. A little further afield, and served by reliable buses that run late into the night, you’ve got Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. It’s stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.

Applying

UK students

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Keeping up-to-date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page. Good luck with your application!

Apply through UCAS

International students

You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.