Environmental Science BSc

Environmental Science is at the forefront of tackling global challenges, from the conservation of species and combatting climate change, to developing renewable technologies and creating a sustainable future.

Our Environmental Science degree offers a thorough understanding of fundamental physics, chemistry and biology of the Earth’s environmental systems across a range of scales and will equip you with the knowledge and tools required to identify and solve the key environmental issues facing mankind.

Our wide range of expertise allows us to offer interdisciplinary insights into real-world environmental problems.

You’ll be trained in field and laboratory skills, including data collection and analysis. You will be taught by practicing experts and will get the opportunity to engage in frontier science through an independent research project during your final year.

Our graduates are well placed to enter employment or postgraduate education, with deep knowledge and valuable transferable and environmental skills.

Course highlights

• You’ll be taught by internationally renowned academics working at the forefront of their fields, who are passionate about the subjects they teach.

• You’ll join a large and vibrant school, which brings together expertise ranging from environmental science, meteorology and climate science, paleobiology, geology and geophysics to environmental social science.

• The content of your course is shaped by our world-leading research.

• Fieldwork is a key part of all our degrees, where you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience.

• Our theoretical modules are supported by extensive practical sessions in the laboratory, which are designed to reinforce the material taught to you in lectures.

• Throughout your studies you’ll benefit from a structured support system, with a personal tutor who will offer help and advice about your approach to studying and how to become adept at independent learning.

Programme team

Dr Alex Dunhill is Programme Leader for Environmental Science and a lecturer in Palaeobiology in the School of Earth and Environment. His research focuses on large scale macroevolutionary and macroecological processes through deep time with a particular emphasis on late Palaeozoic and early Mesozoic mass extinction events and the accuracy of biodiversity data obtained from the fossil record. He is also a member of the Earth Surface Science Institute and the Palaeo@Leeds Research Group.

The wider programme team is made up of academics and researchers from across the School of Earth and Environment, who work within the School’s research institutes and groups.

Specialist facilities

You’ll benefit from excellent teaching facilities including extensive lab space and equipment such as in our Earth Visualisation Lab which is home to 85 polarising microscopes for rock analysis, a number of binocular stereo zoom microscopes for micropalaeontology and ore genesis work and the extra-deep desks are suitable for laying out large geological maps for teaching 3D thinking skills.

Find out more about our facilities.

Enhancing your degree

During your time at Leeds, you can decide to study abroad or undertake an industrial placement.

Accreditation

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.

This programme is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) so you can be assured that it meets high standards, contains a strong component of practical, field and theoretical activities, and has excellent opportunities for training, work experience and links to the professional environmental sector.

Enrolling on this programme means you can apply for free student membership of the IES and for a fast-track route to membership once you graduate, starting you on a route towards becoming a Chartered Environmentalist or Chartered Scientist.

Our modules cover a broad range of environmental issues, covering the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere, allowing you to tailor your degree to your interests.

Discovery modules are available in all years of your degree, as long as you are not required to take all the foundation science modules in Year one and that you are taking enough credits of your own subject each year.

Year one

You’ll explore all the principles that underpin the broad subject matter of the environmental sciences. The core level one environmental science modules will form the basis of your degree studies and cover the fundamentals of the biosphere, the hydrosphere, the atmosphere and the geosphere and how society interacts with each.

Alongside these core topical modules, you will also undertake training in academic and fieldwork skills, which includes academic writing, presentation, experimental design and coding skills. You will also undertake fieldwork in every year of your study at Leeds.

Year two

You will continue to develop your key academic skills with the continuation of the fieldwork and tutorials modules as well as further refining your skills via core modules focusing on environmental measurements in the field and data analysis and visualisation using computer coding and GIS.

The second year gives you a greater degree of freedom when it comes to topical modules. At this point you can choose to specialise in one of two broad areas for the rest of your studies; Applied Environmental Science or Earth System Science.

Applied Environmental Science focuses on regional scale issues of human interaction with the environment with a clear solutions-based approach to dealing with land contamination and remediation as well as atmospheric pollution and managing biodiversity.

The Earth System Science pathway focuses on the Earth’s natural cycles and how humans influence them on a global scale. You will cover topics from climate change and meteorology to oceanography. The modules from each pathway are not mutually exclusive and it is possible to pick and choose from each pathway.

Year three

You will specialise further with more optional module choices. The only core module focuses on a continuation of your academic and field skills. You can then choose from a range of optional modules on either pathway from environmental risk assessment and practical weather forecasting to ice in the Earth system and biogeochemical cycles.

Your third year also involves your research dissertation which accounts for a considerable proportion of your third year mark and facilitates you becoming immersed in the research culture of the school. You are given the freedom to select a topic that interests you and devise a research project in collaboration with an academic expert within the school who will act as your mentor and supervisor. As the School of Earth and Environment is such a large department with such a broad and diverse range of expertise within it, we are sure you will find a like-minded supervisor, whatever your interests!

Fieldwork

Fieldwork will be an essential element of your degree, and is one of the most enjoyable and sociable parts of the course for students and staff alike. The Environmental Science programme at Leeds includes a variety of field course destinations in the UK during years one, two and three that are an important part of the programme and are very closely integrated with lectures and module coursework.

We offer local day trip and longer residential fieldwork opportunities at each level of study and they provide a great opportunity to study a fascinating subject in contrasting environments away from the University. In year one you will use Leeds as your ‘laboratory’, carrying out group work around the city you live in and in years two and three you will have the option to undertake international and local field work.

During field trips you will learn essential fieldwork and team working skills and transferable skills that will prove invaluable to your future career.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

Most modules combine lectures with practicals, workshops or seminars, depending on the subject. These are enhanced with skill focused classes, fieldtrips and small group academic tutorials. You can expect to study in a variety of settings, from large lecture theatres to computer clusters, seminar rooms, tutorials, laboratories and out in the field. Our School building is in the centre of the campus and provides an ideal working environment, and offers quiet study and coffee areas when you are not in class.

We offer research-led teaching across the breadth of our environment and natural science disciplines, from specialists in their field. As Leeds is a research-intensive Russell Group University, you’ll be studying amongst staff who are at the cutting edge of research world-wide, and who will incorporate this expertise into their teaching.

You will have a designated personal tutor throughout your studies at Leeds, who will be an academic member of staff. You will have fortnightly academic tutorials with your tutor throughout your first two years, in your tutor group (of typically 5 students), as well as one-to-one meetings twice per semester. In addition, our excellent student support team is based close to where you’ll work and study to help with anything from academic advice to timetabling and project submission enquiries. You will also receive support from fellow students through our peer mentoring scheme.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

Watch our taster lecture to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds:

• ‘Fantastic beasts and why to conserve them’

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You'll be assessed through a variety of methods, specifically designed to help students learn, whatever their preferred learning style. We use both coursework and exams, but with a general progression from an emphasis on exams in year 1 towards an emphasis on coursework in your final year.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB including two from Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Physics, one of which must be in mathematics or a science subject.

Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): We recognise the value of this qualification and the effort and skills required to undertake it, where an applicant is taking the EPQ this may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. The EPQ taken with A-Levels, for example, could be BBB with an A in the EPQ.

GCSE: English and Mathematics at grade C (4) or above, or an equivalent English language or Mathematics qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.

• Access to HE Diploma

  Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, 30 credits with Distinction and the remaining 15 credits with Merit or above.

• BTEC

  DDM in Extended Diploma/3 Subsidiary Diplomas in two relevant subjects. We will accept a combination of BTECs and A-Levels. Please contact the School's Undergraduate Admissions Team for more information.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3, M2, M2 including two relevant subjects, one of which must be in mathematics or a science subject.

• International Baccalaureate

  34 points overall, with 16 points at higher level to include 5 points in two relevant subjects, one of which must be in mathematics or a science subject.

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  AAABBB/H2H2H2H3H3H3 in two relevant subjects, must be in mathematics or a science subject.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AABBB overall with BB in 2 Advanced Highers (AH). For non-AH applicants AABBBB. To include 2 relevant subjects one of which must be in a mathematics or a science subject.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: BBC plus a pass in the Access to Leeds scheme.

For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each section.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Read our guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Visit Days

If you receive an offer to study with us, we’ll invite you to attend one of our visit days. You’ll have the opportunity to meet our academic staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course and what it’s like to be a student at Leeds.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £25,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Additional cost information

<p>Because we recognise the value of field experience, the school heavily subsidises or covers transport and accommodation costs for compulsory taught field courses and many optional field trips. You will have to supplement the cost of some optional field trips.</p>

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

A degree from Leeds and the experience you'll gain here will give you the edge to find the career you want. Your course will give you the experience and knowledge that employers are looking for to help you secure a graduate job.

University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2021, High Fliers’ Research.

Studying Environmental Science at Leeds opens the door to a wide range of careers. The solid science basis of the programme and the fieldwork associated with it add value to your degree in areas including environmental monitoring, consultancy, land remediation and environmental protection. The transferable skills you gain will also help you to succeed in the wider graduate employment market.

Our graduates have secured positions including:

• Air Quality Consultant, TRL Ltd

• Operational Meteorologist, Met Office

• Environment Officer, Environmental Agency

• Research Scientist, ITM Power

Our strong research tradition means that our graduates are also found working as researchers in government organisations and universities around the world.

Read our alumni profiles to find out more about where our students are working.

Careers support

At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.

You will be supported throughout your studies by our dedicated Employability team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and industrial placements, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.

You will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Visit our Careers and employability page to find out more.

There are also plenty of exciting ways you can volunteer during your time at Leeds. Find out more at the Leeds University Union website.

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.

The optional study abroad year takes place between years two and three and will extend your studies by 12 months. You will return to Leeds to complete your final year of study.

Find out more on the Study Abroad website.

You may also be interested in our integrated Masters degree. On this course, your year abroad replaces the third year of your degree and you will return to Leeds in your fourth year to study Masters-level modules.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

An industrial placement year is a great way to help you decide what kind of career you might like when you graduate. As well as giving you the opportunity to develop your skills, you’ll gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector.

With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can choose to undertake a salaried industrial placement year at one of the 100+ companies that we work with. If you decide to undertake a placement year this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

Below are examples of placements our students have recently completed:

• WeatherNet Ltd - Meteorological Assistant

• Arcus - Weather Data Analyst

• National Environment Agency Singapore – Project Officer

• Green School, Bali, Indonesia – Environmental Support Assistant

• CEH - Centre for Ecology & Hydrology – Environmental Research Placement

• CPW Services Limited - Environmental Placement

During your industrial placement you will have an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout your placement.

The optional placement year takes place between years two and three.

Find out more about Industrial placements.