Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This degree develops understanding of physical, chemical and biological processes that shape the environment and human impacts on ecosystems. You will study a mix of core scientific disciplines alongside applied topics and transferable skills.

• Core scientific foundations: modules in ecology, environmental chemistry, hydrology and soil science that provide the technical basis for analysing environmental problems.
• Practical and laboratory skills: training in sampling techniques, analytical chemistry, biological surveying, environmental monitoring and data quality control.
• Fieldwork: locally focused field studies on the Dorset coastline and inland habitats combined with residential field trips to build survey and mapping experience.
• Data analysis and GIS: statistical analysis, environmental modelling and geographic information systems to interpret spatial and temporal environmental data.
• Environmental management and policy: modules on pollution control, environmental impact assessment, sustainability and environmental law and governance.
• Research project: an independent final-year project or dissertation that integrates knowledge and practical skills, often addressing a real-world problem in collaboration with academic staff or external organisations.
• Professional practice and employability: opportunities to take a placement year or shorter industry placements, and modules that develop communication, report writing and project management.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements take a holistic view of qualifications and experience. Typical academic routes include A-levels, BTEC, Access to HE and international equivalents.

• A-levels: typical offers are within the range commonly expected for UK undergraduate degrees; applicants are advised to include at least one science subject where possible.
• BTEC and vocational qualifications: considered alongside A-levels; applicants should demonstrate relevant laboratory, field or science-related units.
• International qualifications: international qualifications such as the IB are accepted; applicants should check equivalent entry profiles.
• GCSEs: English and mathematics at a pass level (or recognised equivalence) are normally required.
• Non-standard routes and experience: mature students and applicants with relevant work or volunteer experience in environmental, conservation or science roles are encouraged to apply and may be considered through contextual admission routes.
• English language: applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the university's English language requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BSc in Environmental Science progress into a wide range of roles across public, private and third-sector organisations. Typical career paths include:

• Environmental consultant or environmental technician working on monitoring, assessment and mitigation for industry and local authorities.
• Conservation officer, ecological surveyor or habitat restoration practitioner with NGOs, wildlife trusts and government agencies.
• Sustainability officer or environmental manager in businesses and the built environment sector.
• Water quality or pollution control specialist within utilities, environmental agencies or private laboratories.
• GIS analyst, data analyst or modelling specialist using spatial and temporal environmental data.
• Further study and research: graduates often progress to MSc programmes, professional qualifications or PhD research in environmental science and related disciplines.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University emphasises practical, hands-on learning and employability. The programme combines campus-based laboratories and teaching with extensive fieldwork using nearby coastal and terrestrial environments, giving students direct experience of real environmental systems.

• Applied learning: strong focus on laboratory techniques, field survey methods and data analysis to ensure graduates are workplace-ready.
• Placement and industry links: opportunities for professional practice placements and partnerships with local environmental consultancies, conservation organisations and public bodies.
• Interdisciplinary teaching: modules draw on ecology, chemistry, geography and policy, reflecting the cross-cutting nature of environmental problems.
• Supportive campus and facilities: access to modern laboratory space, computing resources and expert academic supervision to support project work and skills development.