Program Overview

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Environmental Science BSc

Overview

Our course explores the relationship between humans and the environment. You'll develop the skills to tackle environmental problems and help deliver a sustainable future.

We need scientists to respond to some of the biggest environmental challenges:

• climate change
• biodiversity loss of species and habitat
• environmental pollution

Study a wide range of subjects including geography and biology with the flexibility to specialise in your area of interest.

All environmental sciences students will complete fieldwork and gain practical skills. This real-world experience allows you to apply your knowledge and develop the skills which are in demand by the environmental sector.

Course Details

Qualification

BSc Hons

Entry Requirements

ABB

Start Date

September 2026

UCAS Code

F900

Duration

3 years full-time

Fees

£9,535*

Course Information

Topics Include:

• environmental impact assessment
• renewable energies
• environmental policy
• pollution monitoring

Practical Work

Alongside the theory and background, we'll teach you a lot of practical skills. You'll gain experience in surveying techniques commonly used as an environmental consultant, such as monitoring environmental pollutants. Day trips, field work and visits to local sites will include activities such as:

• bat surveys
• phase one habitat surveys
• sustainable homes
• renewable energy
• winter tree ID

Why Choose This Course?

• Passionate teaching: You'll be taught by active researchers who work with environmental consultancies on bioenergy technology projects.
• Study abroad opportunity at the University of Nottingham Malaysia for a semester or a whole year as part of your degree.
• Placement opportunity: Get real-life experience with a possible industry placement year.
• Training by ecologists: Ecologists from local consultancies deliver training and expertise
• Fully accredited: This programme is accredited by CHES

Indicative Modules

Year One

• Academic Skills
• Building a Habitable Planet
• Earth, Atmosphere and Oceans
• Environmental Science and Society
• Geographical Information Systems for Environmental Monitoring
• Principles of Ecology

Year Two

• Climate Change Science
• Ecological Surveying
• Ecosystem Processes
• Environmental Geochemistry
• Research and Professional Skills
• Soils

Year Three

• Research project in Environmental Science
• Applied Bioethics 1: Animals, Biotechnology and Society
• Arctic Ecology Field Course
• Climate Change Mitigation
• Computer Modelling in Science: Applications
• Engineering Sustainability
• Environmental Biotechnology
• Environmental Pollutants: Fate, Impact and Remediation
• Palaeobiology
• Plant Ecophysiology
• Environmental Pollution Field Course
• Sustainable Soil Management
• Tropical Ecology and Conservation

Assessment Methods

• Coursework
• Group project
• Lab reports
• Oral exam
• Poster presentation
• Research project
• Written exam

Careers Overview

You could work for conservation organisations, environmental consultancies, alternative energy companies, local authorities and government agencies.

Roles include:

• environmental education
• officers
• consultants
• marine biologists
• nature conservation officers
• hydrology, recycling and sustainability officer

These degrees can also lead into roles in teaching, scientific journalism or further research degrees.

Job Prospects

• Average starting salary and career progression: 86.40% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Science secured employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £27,834.

Additional Costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

• There are no additional costs for day visits and the non-residential field courses.
• Students are currently asked for a contribution of £250 towards the cost of the optional residential field course in Sweden.
• You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies. If you do these would cost around £40.
• Due to our commitment to sustainability, we don’t print lecture notes but these are available digitally. You will be given £5 worth of printer credits a year. You are welcome to buy more credits if you need them. It costs 4p to print one black and white page.
• If you do a work placement, you need to consider the travel and living costs associated with this.
• Personal laptops are not compulsory as we have computer labs that are open 24 hours a day but you may want to consider one if you wish to work at home.

Scholarships and Bursaries

• International students: We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.
• Home students: Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.