About this course Explore some of the biggest environmental challenges of today and the future, on a course ranked 7th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2026), where you'll delve into how science can be applied to protect our planet in one of five specialist pathways: Business and the Environment, Biodiversity and Conservation, Environmental Change, Water and the Environment, or Sustainability. You'll graduate with extensive theoretical and practical experience, which you'll have mastered on our many fieldwork opportunities. In your first and second year you'll go on UK-based residential field courses to learn and apply a range of practical skills. These are included as part of your course fees. In your third year, we offer a range of optional international field trips where you'll see how our research is changing the world for the better. Current projects are in Namibia, Cambodia, and Switzerland. Key features of the course: - Study a degree orientated around employability and accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences - Specialise in your chosen pathway whilst exploring a wide range of subjects including environmental science, geography, ecology, geology, law, and oceanography, to shape your degree to your individual interests, passions, and career goals, with wide ranging and frequently updated module choice - Develop the knowledge and skills required to tackle the complex major environmental challenges of the twenty-first century and integrate theory-based learning with practical and project work, to work towards sustainable solutions to environmental problems - Gain real-life skills suited to industry, with our extensive range of field trips and modern equipment used by working professionals, to enhance your employment prospects - Join a University where 100% of Environmental Science graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2021/2022 and 2022/2023, published in 2024 and 2025). Student support Your Personal Academic Tutor will work with you throughout your degree. They will act as your first point of contact for pastoral support. They will also help you decide on optional modules, and discuss your future career plans. The degree is orientated to employability, and your core modules and assessments are aligned with the needs and practices of the professional environment sector. As such, the degree is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences. Support and development of employability skills starts in the first year. As part of your tutorials, you will develop a Curriculum Vitae (CV) and discuss career opportunities related to your pathway. You will also have access to the University’s Career Services which include online resources and toolkits to develop your CV and interview techniques. You will retain access to these services for up to 5 years after graduating. Further information This course is open to UK and international applicants and is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences. The flexibility of the programme develops throughout your studies and includes field trips and optional opportunities such as study abroad.
A Level: ABB | Typical offer: ABB, including one science subject from Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Geology, Environmental Science and Environmental Studies. | T Level: D | An overall distinction with grade A in the core element in the Science T-level | Scottish Higher | We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4. | Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF): DD | plus B, in one acceptable science A Level subject. | Access to HE Diploma: 30 UCAS points | Access to HE Diploma: 15 UCAS points | Access to HE Diploma: 15 UCAS points | Access to HE will be considered on a case by case basis. The Access to HE should be in a science subject, or applicants must meet science requirements from additional A Level equivalent qualifications. | Scottish Advanced Higher | Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information. Applicants are also required to have achieved a pass in Maths and English at Standard Grade Grade 3 or National 5 Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/Grade 4. | Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF): DDD | We do not accept the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma without one acceptable science subject. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be DDD + B at A-Level (or equivalent), to include one acceptable science. | Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF): D | plus AB in one acceptable science A Level subject. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): DD | plus B, in one acceptable science A Level subject. | Extended Project: A | Typical offer: BBB, to include one science subject from Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geology or Environmental Studies, and Grade A in Extended Project Qualification. | International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: 32 UCAS points | Typical offer: Pass, with overall score of 32 points, with 16 points required at Higher Level, including a minimum of 5 in one higher level science. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): The University of Southampton accepts the IBCP for entry to their degree programmes, recognising the value of combining academic skills with practical skills, providing a solid preparation for university level work. Offers will be made on the individual components of the IBCP. Applicants not taking the full IBCP but presenting with a combination of a Level 3 vocational qualification and IB Certificates may still be considered. Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): DDD | We do not accept the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma without one acceptable science subject. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be DDD + B at A-Level (or equivalent), to include one acceptable science. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016): D | plus AB, in one acceptable science A Level subject. | Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015): B | Typical offer: AB in one A-level science subject from Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geology and Environmental Studies, and grade A in the WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. | Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal: D3M2M2 | to include one science subject from Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Geology, Environmental Science and Environmental Studies. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A-levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A and M1 can be used in lieu of A-level grade B.
IELTS requirements to be confirmed
Year 1: Environmental Science core knowledge, concepts and skills. Year 2: Explore, specialise and gain hands-on experience within your chosen pathway. Year 3: Undertake original research, explore environmental policy, and further specialise within your chosen pathway. A full list of modules is available on the course page on our website.
Please see our website for further details and updates regarding tuition fees. We anticipate that international tuition fee levels for 2027 entry will be confirmed in August 2026. — UG 2027 Entry - Home Confirmed, International TBC
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