Skip to content Accessibility statement
Home>Study at York>Undergraduate>Courses 2025/26>Environmental Science (BSc)

BSc (Hons) Environmental Science

Understand and manage human impacts on the environment using a multidisciplinary approach.

Year of entry: 2025/26
Show year of entry: 2024

UCAS code

F900

Institution code

Y50

Length

3 years full-time (plus optional placement year)

Typical offer

ABB (full entry requirements)

Start date

September 2025 (semester dates)

UK (home) fees

£9,250 per year

International and EU fees

£31,100 per year

Sign up for updates

Be the first to know when new on-campus events are announced.

Book your place

Learn how the earth operates and reacts to human actions.

You'll study the broader social, political and economic aspects of managing the environment. This will help you to manage the environment for long-term sustainability. You'll gain expertise to tackle environmental issues. These include climate change, air pollution, and shifts in energy usage.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences.

Strong links

Our Department has strong links to global policy makers including UNEP and the World Health Organization.

Course content

You'll build a strong foundation of knowledge in the physical sciences. This will provide you with knowledge you need to make informed judgements about environmental issues.

Study abroad

There are opportunities for you to spend time abroad during your course. For all our programmes we offer the opportunity to spend year 3 of your degree abroad, studying at one of our partner universities. You will then return to complete your final fourth year with us.

Placements

You can apply to spend a year in industry as part of this course.

Year 1

The first year modules give you an introduction to the fundamentals of environmental science, providing you with a foundation for more advanced material in the following years. 

Core modules

Academic integrity module

In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.

Year 2

You'll take a range of core modules to develop your knowledge of environmental science. You can then begin to tailor your degree to your own interests with a choice of option modules.

Core modules

Option modules

You will study two option modules. Examples can be found below. Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course.

Year 3

You specialise further in Year 3 with your independent research project, and a range of core and option modules.

Core modules

Option modules

You will study two option modules. Examples can be found below. Some option module combinations may not be possible. The options available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course.

Elective modules

You may be able to replace one option module with an elective module, studying a complementary subject or an interdisciplinary topic.

Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.

Learning by design

Every course at York has been designed to provide clear and ambitious learning outcomes. These learning outcomes give you an understanding of what you will be able to do at the end of the course. We develop each course by designing modules that grow your abilities towards the learning outcomes and help you to explain what you can offer to employers. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Students who complete this course will be able to:

  • Debate, interpret and explain current and emerging issues in environmental science occurring on a range of scales using appropriate methods and norms, and engage critically with best evidence on the impacts and management of climate, environmental and land use change, pollution and development [Knowledgeable and Aware]
  • Obtain, synthesise and critically evaluate complex information on environmental science and related areas from a wide range of reliable sources [Independent learner]
  • Cut across disciplinary boundaries to link knowledge and experience from a wide range of natural, physical and social sciences to understand the complex interactions occurring within and between natural and human environments [Interdisciplinary thinker]
  • Plan, design and execute research as an individual or as part of a team to address environmental questions and problems using critically-selected field, survey and laboratory methods at appropriate temporal and spatial scales [Creator of new knowledge]
  • Critically analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data using appropriate scientific and technological information and tools such as geographical information systems (GIS) and statistical packages to draw meaningful conclusions from research in the field of environmental science [Analytical]
  • Effectively communicate knowledge, complex ideas and persuasive arguments to professional and non-specialist audiences using verbal, written, visual and digital media [Effective communicator]
  • Recommend sustainable solutions to environmental problems that consider the broader social, political and environmental contexts, and the ethical implications of their application by applying knowledge, theories and approaches from environmental science and related disciplines [Problem solver]
  • Work responsibly as part of a team or as a team-leader to set challenging yet attainable goals and make an important contribution to defining the way in which our environment functions, understanding how it will respond to human activities and developing sustainable solutions [Team player]

Fees and funding

Annual tuition fees

UK (home) International and EU
£9,250 £31,100

Fees for students starting in the 2025/26 academic year.

UK (home) or international fees?

The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.

Fees for subsequent years

  • UK (home) fees may increase within the government fee cap in subsequent academic years. We will notify you of any increase as soon as we can.
  • International fees are subject to increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).

More information

For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding.

Additional costs

Field work is integral to your course and includes both residential and day trips. In year 1 and 2 there are core residential and day field trips. The travel and accommodation costs of these core trips are included in your student fees. Optional field trips are not paid for, and you will be asked to contribute to the cost of these. The destinations of our residential field trips do undergo change to meet the requirements of our students, acknowledge the pressing environmental challenges we face and meet our commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.

 

Funding

We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2025/26 throughout the year.

Living costs

You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.

Teaching Excellence Framework Gold Award

Gold-standard education

Our teaching, learning and student experience is outstanding, recognised by a Gold rating from the Office for Students in the 2023 national assessment (Teaching Excellence Framework).

Why we’re gold-rated

Teaching and assessment

You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.

Teaching format

You'll be taught through a combination of field-based learning, research-led teaching and a more traditional combination of lectures, tutorials, and seminars. Practical work is a key feature, both in individual projects and in groups.

Field work is integral to your course and includes both residential and day trips. In year 1 and 2 there are core residential and day field trips. The destinations of our residential field trips do change to meet the requirements of our students, acknowledge the pressing environmental challenges we face and meet our commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.

Timetabled activities

In your first year, you can expect:

Lectures4-6 hours per week
Seminars1-2 hours per week
Workshops2-4 hours per week
Practicals2-4 hours per week
Field trips1 week

These figures are representative of a typical week. Your contact hours will vary throughout the year due to your module choices, non-compulsory classes, exam periods and changes to scheduled activities.

Outside your timetabled hours, you'll study independently. This may include preparation for classes, follow-up work, wider reading, practice completion of assessment tasks, or revision.

In the UK, full-time students are expected to spend 1,200 hours a year learning. That's about 40 hours of classes and independent study each week during semesters. Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours you spend on independent study will be different to other students on your course.

Facilities

 

Our bespoke building contains purpose-built labs, lecture theatres and seminar rooms.

Teaching location

You will be based in the Department of Environment and Geography, which is based on Campus West.

About our campus

Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can use the fast and frequent bus service. Take a campus tour.

Assessment and feedback

Each module will be assessed either by coursework, closed or open examination, or a combination of both. Coursework can include:

  • podcasts
  • policy briefings
  • practical write-ups
  • reports
  • reflective exercises
  • oral presentations
  • portfolios
  • essays

In your final year, you'll complete an independent research project based on your interests and career aspirations.

Careers and skills

The BSc in Environmental Science will equip you with practical, applied skills for both environment-related employment and more general career opportunities. The department has a track record of providing a springboard to a wide range of careers and postgraduate research. Find out more about careers and employability.

Career opportunities

  • Environmental conservationist
  • Graduate policy analyst
  • Flood risk officer
  • Graduate environmental consultant
  • Environmental engineer
  • Oil and gas analyst

Example employers

  • Network Rail
  • Environment Agency
  • Anglian Water
  • Atkins
  • Department for International Development
  • WSP│Parsons Brinckerhoff Consultancy
  • Defra

Transferable skills

  • Project management
  • Feasibility studies
  • Data analysis
  • Research skills
  • Time management
Having a supervisor at York was invaluable. The pastoral care that the University offers helps with applications and interview skills. York also allows you to be independent and work at your own pace, which really helps when you start doing your own projects in a work environment.
Carmel Parry
Network Asset Strategy Planner
Yorkshire Water

Entry requirements

Typical offer
A levels

ABB including two of the following science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Life and Health Sciences

Access to Higher Education Diploma 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher including Science-related units.
BTEC National Extended Diploma DDM. Please contact us at ug-admissions@york.ac.uk for details on whether your BTEC will be considered for entry.
Cambridge Pre-U D3, M2, M2 including two of the following science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Life and Health Sciences
European Baccalaureate 75% overall including two of the following science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Life and Health Sciences
International Baccalaureate 34 points including two of the following science subjects at Higher Level: Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations), Physics, Psychology or Life and Health Sciences
T levels We will consider a range of T Level qualifications for entry. Please visit our dedicated T Levels page for a full list of accepted T Levels.
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers Advanced Highers - BB in two of the following Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology plus Scottish Highers - BC

We may also be able to consider three Advanced Highers or a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers, where an applicant does not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone. Please contact us to discuss your qualifications.
International foundation programme Foundation Certificate from our International Pathway College or an appropriate alternative.
Other international qualifications Equivalent qualifications from your country

Additional requirements

You should also have GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above, or equivalent.

Alternative offers

Meeting the following additional criteria may qualify you for an alternative offer.

Criteria Adjustment
Widening participation If you successfully complete one of the following programmes, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to two A level grades (or equivalent) below our typical offer: Black Access Programme, Next Step York, Realising Opportunities. More about widening participation.
Contextual offers If you have experience of local authority care or live in an area with low progression to university, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer. More about contextual offers.
EPQ If you achieve C or higher at EPQ, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer.
Core Maths If you achieve B or higher in Core Maths, you may be eligible for an alternative offer up to one A level grade (or equivalent) below our typical offer.

English language

If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:

Minimum requirement
IELTS (Academic) 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
Cambridge CEFR 176, with a minimum of 169 in each component
Oxford ELLT 7, with a minimum of 6 in each component
Duolingo Integrated subscores: 120 overall, with a minimum of 105 in each component
GCSE/IGCSE/O level English Language (as a first or second language) Grade C / Grade 4
LanguageCert SELT B2 with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
LanguageCert Academic B2 Communicator with a minimum score of 33/50 in each component
Kaplan Test of English Language 478 Main Flight score with 444 in each component
Skills for English B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component
PTE Academic 61, with a minimum of 55 in each component
TOEFL 87 overall, with a minimum of 21 in each component
Trinity ISE III Merit in all components

For more information see our undergraduate English language requirements.

If you haven't met our English language requirements

You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.

The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.

After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.

Applying

To apply to York, you will need to complete an online application via UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

All applications must be made through UCAS. There are no formal interviews. Students who are offered a place are encouraged to attend one of the departmental visit days held during the Spring Term.

Next steps

Contact us

Get in touch if you have any questions

Learn more

Department of Environment and Geography

Discover York

Accommodation

We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to premium.

Student life

Explore campus and city life and hear what our current students have to say about living here.

The city

Lively, full of culture and beautiful, York is regularly voted one of the best places to live and visit in the UK.

Meet us

Find out more about York. Chat to staff and students and take the tour, on campus or online.