Environmental Science BSc

Our BSc Environmental Science course offers a thorough understanding of the Earth's physical and chemical processes, and the interaction between the many aspects of our environment.

Our wide range of expertise allows us to offer interdisciplinary insights into real-world environmental problems. You’ll have contact with practising experts – staff and visiting speakers.

You’ll encounter the issues confronting environmental managers or aid workers. You’ll learn the skills you need to understand scientific issues and apply scientific techniques to environmental problems.

You’ll be trained in data collection and analysis and will refine your research skills in a major project, and will also receive hands-on field training.

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

Extending this degree

You can convert your 3-year degree into a 4-year degree by spending an additional year on an industrial placement or overseas, before returning to Leeds to complete your final year of study.

We also offer an Integrated Masters (combining bachelor and Masters level study), where you spend a year studying abroad at a partner university and return to Leeds to study Masters-level modules in your final year. Read Environmental Science (International) MEnv, BSc.

Accreditation

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, focused upon Earth science, the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the biosphere and ecology, and environmental management. This allows you to tailor the degree to your interests.

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.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Environmental Science BSc in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

Most modules combine lectures with practicals, workshops or seminars, depending on the subject. These are enhanced with skills 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, visualisation suites and out in the field. Our state-of-the-art 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 business 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.

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.

GCSE: English and Mathematics at grade C (4) or above, or an equivalent English language or Mathematics qualification.

• 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.

• 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 Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  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 an alternative 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 alternative admissions.

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 any component. 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. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU 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

Offerholders will be invited to a post-application Visit Day as this gives you the opportunity to meet our staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course. During the day you’ll find out more about studying at Leeds, have your questions answered and have an informal one-to-one meeting with an academic member of staff, to check that it’s the right course for you and your career plans.

After you apply we will send you a link to book your place on the applicant day, if you are unable to attend ​or have previously attended an admissions event at Leeds then please let us know.

Admissions policy

Faculty of Environment Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2020

Fees

UK/EU: See fees section below

International: £23,750 (per year)

Tuition fees for 2020 entry 
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2020, the fee for 2020/21 will be £9,250. 

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK and non-UK EU undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2020/21 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's planned exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

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.

Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's planned exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

Additional cost information

<p>While the School heavily subsidises or covers the cost of all compulsory taught fieldcourses, you may have to supplement these trips depending on the destination you choose. There will however always be a free option for you to select. You may incur some costs for some optional fieldtrip modules. Full details are available on request.</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 about additional costs

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.

Scholarships available.

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

If you wish to continue with further study, you could enhance your employment prospects even further by taking a vocational MSc degree in Leeds – with industry sponsored scholarships and other funds available.

Careers support

The School of Earth and Environment is committed to enhancing employability and offers a range of initiatives to ensure our students receive the highest level of support throughout their studies. Read about careers and employability on the School website.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Study abroad

You can convert your 3-year degree into a 4-year study abroad degree by spending an additional year overseas, before returning to Leeds to complete your final year of study. You don’t apply directly to this course, instead you can register your interest with us once you’ve enrolled on the 3-year degree.

To be eligible for Study Abroad you’ll need to maintain a good average in your assessments in years 1 and 2 and, for some destinations, you may have to show you have the necessary language skills.

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

You may also be interested in our integrated Masters, which includes a year studying in Australia, Canada or the USA. Read Environmental Science (International) MEnv, BSc

Year in industry

You can convert your 3-year degree into a 4-year industrial degree by spending an additional year on an industrial placement, before returning to Leeds to complete your final year of study. This allows you to gain valuable hands-on experience, and earn a salary, before you complete the final year of your degree.

The School has strong connections with industry and will help you through the search, application and interview process. You may end up working in or near Leeds, near your home, or perhaps overseas. The School will provide guidance and assistance throughout the process and will support you during your placement, liaising with your employer to ensure that your work is of value to your academic development.

Find out more about the Year in industry.

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 1 and 2 that are an important part of the programme and are very closely integrated with lectures and module coursework. Optional field trips and a research project in Year 3 offer you the chance to undertake specialist field research in a topic area of your choice.

Because we recognise the value of field experience the school covers the transport and accommodation costs for all compulsory taught fieldcourses and many optional field trips.