About This Course
There has never been a better time to study our Environmental Science degree. The world is facing hugely important environmental issues, and the need to solve these will bring considerable opportunities, as well as challenges. Completing this degree will give you a high-level Masters qualification in this topic, which will put you in a very select group of people.
Environmental Science brings together a number of disciplines to look at these environmental issues in a comprehensive way, and explores how technology, research, behavioural change, regulations and a robust scientific approach can be brought together to find solutions.
This degree covers biology (giving you an understanding of organisms, their environments and their communities), chemistry (providing an understanding of many natural environmental processes and pollution), earth science (giving you a background in global processes), and land and water resource management. This combination of subject areas, combined with many practical sessions and field trips, creates a degree that is both fascinating and rewarding.
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ has to be one of the best-placed universities for you to study Environmental Science. We have access to a wide range of natural environments ranging from the coast, to the varied landscape of Snowdonia National Park with its long history of multiple land use, mining and quarrying. Field trips are central throughout this degree. As well as local trips, we have residential trips further afield.
We have close links with local, national and international organisations that employ environmental scientists, helping us to ensure that our degree is relevant and up to date.
This degree is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Science (IES). This will improve your employability and you will receive benefits such as a monthly newsletter and magazine with opportunities to publish articles current issues, news about jobs, and free or reduced entry to relevant events. It is also the first step on an environmental career path which could take you to Chartered Status.
For this 4-year Master of Environmental Science (MEnvSci) degree, Years 1 and 2 are the same as the BSc degree; but you won’t undertake an Honours Project in Year 3 - instead you’ll choose more optional modules. You will complete a Masters-level independent research project on a topic of your choice. You will undertake a work placement of at least 4 weeks at a location of your choice. You will also undertake modules which focus on the importance of environmental sustainability for modern business and Strategic Environmental Management, which will give you professionally recognised skills.
Why choose Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ for this course?
- Steve Backshall the TV presenter is now part of our teaching team.
- Many of our staff have received awards to acknowledge their contributions to teaching and pastoral support Ìý
- This degree draws on our strengths in biological sciences, ocean sciences and chemistry.Ìý
- Our location makes this an ideal place to study environmental science as we have a natural laboratory on our doorstep. ÌýFrom the coast to the varied landscape of the Snowdonia National Park with its long history of multiple land use, mining and quarrying.
- Field trips are a key element of this degree.
- Many staff recognised by various awards for their enthusiasm and expertise in teaching.
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Additional Course Options
This course is available with a Placement YearÌýoption where you will study for 1 additional year. The Placement Year is undertaken at the end of the second year and students are away for the whole of the academic year.
The Placement Year provides you with a fantastic opportunity to broaden your horizons and develop valuable skills and contacts through working with a self-sourced organisation relevant to your degree subject. The minimum period in placement (at one or more locations) is seven calendar months; more usually you would spend 10-12 months with a placement provider.ÌýYou would normally start sometime in the period June to September of your second year and finish between June and September the following year.ÌýPlacements can be UK-based or overseas and you will work with staff to plan and finalise the placement arrangements.Ìý
You will be expected to find and arrange a suitable placement to complement your degree and will be fully supported throughout by a dedicated member of staff at your academic School and the University’s Careers and Employability Services.
You will have the opportunity to fully consider thisÌýoptionÌýwhen you have started your course at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ and can make an application for a transfer onto thisÌýpathway at the appropriate time. Read more about the work experience opportunities that may be available to you or, if you have any questions, please get in touch. Ìý
This course is available with an International Experience YearÌýoption where you will study or work abroad for 1 additional year.Ìý You will have ‘with International Experience’ added to your degree title on graduating.
Studying abroad is a great opportunity to see a different way of life, learn about new cultures and broaden your horizons.ÌýWith international experience of this kind, you’ll really improve your career prospects. There are a wide variety of destinationsÌýand partner universities to choose from. If you plan to study in a country where English is not spoken natively, there may be language courses available for you at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ and in your host university to improve your language skills.Ìý
You will have the opportunity to fully consider thisÌýoption at any time during your degree at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ and make your application. If you have any questions in the meantime, please get in touch.Ìý
Read more about the International Experience Year programme and see the studying or working abroad options on theÌýStudent Exchanges section of our website.
Course Content
Our wide variety of teaching methods include lectures, practicals, fieldwork, seminars and tutorials. Between them, they will give you theoretical and practical skills that employers look for in graduate Environmental Scientists. You will finish the degree with a deep understanding of the subject area, and be able to bring together relevant information from a range of different disciplines to tackle environmental issues and explore environmental gains. We integrate the latest findings from our own research and that of others into the course, as well as the latest from policy and legislation; ensuring that your course is always fresh and current. Throughout the degree, the relaxed and informal atmosphere also encourages lively discussion of current environmental issues so that you and your peers will very much be part of the teaching.
You will study 120 credits in each year, through a range of modules. Some modules are compulsory, others are optional, allowing you to expand your studies into new areas or develop specialisms that interest you.
Courses are assessed using a variety of methods, with an average split of 60% coursework and 40% examination. In the final year, it is almost all assessed via coursework. We develop your skills in crucial areas such as presentations, report-writing, and interviews; helping to prepare you for employment. We regularly invite guest speakers to give lectures, and you will also meet potential employers during fieldtrips.
What will you study on this course?
Year 1 & 2
During this time, you will come to understand the foundations of Environmental Science, and deepen your understanding of the topic. A range of interesting and exciting modules will bring alive this fantastic topic for you! You will see and hear first-hand about world-leading research projects being conducted at our school as we integrate research into our teaching.
Year 3
As well as the compulsory modules, there is a very wide range of optional modules for you to choose, ensuring the degree is personal to you. These will enhance your skill-set and knowledge as an aspiring Environmental Scientist. The options include a field course to Tenerife, where we study the many different environmental pressures facing the island, and how they can be mitigated.
Year 4
In your final year, you will complete a Masters-level independent research project on a topic of your choice, giving you the chance to demonstrate your potential in delivering a quality piece of work, to a high level. You will undertake a relevant work placement of at least 4 weeks at a location of your choice, anywhere in the world. You will also undertake modules which focus on the importance of environmental sustainability for modern business and Strategic Environmental Management, which will give you professionally recognised skills.
Modules for the current academic year
Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Environmental Science MEnvSci Modules page.
Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.
Facilities
You will have access to fantastic facilities to support your learning:
- Our own University farm, Henfaes Research Centre, where we conduct fieldtrips and you can run your own large-scale experiment for your project
- Renovated, bespoke labs for teaching and research
- A very large range of analytical kit, so that you can learn how to analyse environmental samples both in the field and in the lab
- Our very own geology collection – regarded as one of the best in the country
- Computer laboratories for you to develop your skills in key areas such as digital mapping and environmental modelling
- One of our best facilities is the environment on our doorstep – you will get the chance to visit so many different places on our fieldtrips, which will cement your learning and understanding of topics.
Natural Sciences Facilities
- Natural History Museum with an exceptionally comprehensive collection of vertebrate material, which includes a diverse collection of vertebrate and invertebrate specimens, including primates.
- Extensive marine and freshwater aquaria with a suite of temperature-controlled rooms.Ìý
- Pigeon loft for bird cognition, physiology, and biomechanics research. Ìý
- Treborth Botanic Garden, which covers an area of 18 hectares on the shores of the Menai Strait. It contains Europe's largest underground root laboratory (the rhizotron), a teaching laboratory, formal garden beds, a rock garden, an arboretum and a conservation collection.Ìý
- Rodent and reptile facilities.Ìý
- Our university farm based at Henfaes, about 7 miles from Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ and totals 252 hectares. It provides facilities for research and teaching in lowland agriculture, forestry, hydrology, environmental science and conservation. We conduct fieldtrips and you can run your own large-scale experiment for your project.Ìý
- Alpaca, sheep and bee hives at the University farm at Henfaes.Ìý
- We are on the coast, next to the Irish Sea and the Menai Strait providing a range of habitat types for field courses and study sites for final-year projects.Ìý
- Dedicated reptile facilities including venomous snake rooms. Ìý
- Environmentally controlled spaces for project work.Ìý
- Insect rooms.Ìý
- Woodlands.
- Large modern teaching and research laboratories, and a dedicated student research hub for dissertation work.Ìý
- Imaging facilities.Ìý
- A very large range of analytical kit, so that you can learn how to analyse environmental samples both in the field and in the lab.Ìý
- Our very own geology collection – regarded as one of the best in the country.Ìý
- Computer laboratories for you to develop your skills in key areas such as digital mapping and environmental modelling.
- Wood library.
- Dedicated environmental research labs.
- One of our best facilities is the environment on our doorstep – you will get the chance to visit so many different places on our fieldtrips, which will cement your learning and understanding of topics.Ìý Ìý
- Our biological, chemical, and environmental laboratories are used for a range of teaching and learning. We have specific research-laboratories located in the Environmental Centre Wales, which include: a radio and stable isotope lab, a Category 2 pathogen lab, a darkened microscope room, sample preparation laboratories and a dedicated analytical instrument lab.
General University Facilities
Library and Archive Services
Our four libraries provide a range of attractive study environments including collaborative work areas, meeting rooms and silent study spaces.
We have an extensive collection of books and journals and many of the journals are available online in full-text format.
We house one of the largest university-based archives not only in Wales, but also the UK. Allied to the Archives is the Special Collections of rare printed books.
Learning Resources
There is a range of learning resources available, supported by experienced staff, to help you in your studies.Ìý
The University’s IT Services provides computing, media and reprographics facilities and services including:
- Over 1,150 computers for students, with some PC rooms open 24 hours a day
- Blackboard, a commercial Virtual Learning Environment, that makes learning materials available on-line.Ìý
Course Costs
General University Costs
Home (UK) students
- The cost of a full-time undergraduate course is £9,250 per year (2025/26).
- The fee for all integrated study abroad years is Ìý£1,385 (2025/26).
- The fee for an integrated year in industry as part of a sandwich programme is £1,850 (2025/26).
More information on fees and finance for Home (UK) students.
International (including EU) students
Additional Costs
There are also some common additional costs that are likely to arise for students on all courses, for example:
- If you choose to study abroad or take the International Experience Year as part of your course.
- If you attend your Graduation Ceremony, there will be a cost for gown hire (£25-£75) and cost for additional guest tickets (c.£12 each).
Course-specific additional costs
Depending on the course you are studying, there may be additional course-specific costs that you will be required to meet. These fall into three categories:
- Mandatory Costs: these are related to a particular core or compulsory module that you’ll be required to complete to achieve your qualification e.g. compulsory field trips, uniforms for students on placement, DBS Check.
- Necessarily Incurred Costs: these may not be experienced by all students, and will vary depending on the course e.g. professional body membership, travel to placements, specialist software, personal safety equipment.
- Optional Costs: these depend on your choice of modules or activity and they are shown to give you an indication of the optional costs that may arise to make sure your choice is as informed as possible. These can include graduation events for your course, optional field trips, Welcome Week trips.
Entry Requirements
Offers are tariff based, 120 - 136 tariff points from a Level 3 qualification* e.g.:
- ÌýA Levels: Including grade C in a science subject at A2 level (e.g. Biology, Geography, Geology,Ìý ÌýEnvironmental Sciences/Studies, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Economics, Statistics, Psychology). Key Skills and General Studies not accepted.
- ÌýInternational Baccalaureate Diploma (including H6 in a science subject)
- ÌýAccess: Science/Environmental-based Access course
- BTEC National Extended Diploma:Ìý DDM-DDD in a relevant subject (e.g. Countryside Management, Applied Science, Forestry & Arboriculture, or Animal Management)
- City & Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (1080): DDM-DDDÌý in a relevant subject (e.g. Countryside Management, Forestry & Arboriculture, Land & Wildlife Management)
- Welsh Baccalaureate is accepted
- Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Applied Science or Laboratory Skills**: DDM-DDD
- T-levels: considered on a case-by-case basis
- Extended Project Qualification:ÌýPoints can include a relevant Extended Project (EPQ) but must include a minimum 2 full A-levels, or equivalent.
We are happy to accept combinations of the qualifications listed above, as well as alternative Level 3 qualifications such as City & Guilds, Access and Cambridge Technical Diplomas.Ìý
We also welcome applications from mature learners.
International Candidates: International Candidates: school leaving qualifications that are equivalent to A levels/Level 3 and/or college diplomas are accepted from countries worldwide (subject to minimum English Language requirements). More information can be found on ourÌýInternational pages.
*For a full list of accepted Level 3 qualifications, go toÌý.
**Similar subject areas may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Offers are tariff based, 120 - 136 tariff points from a Level 3 qualification* e.g.:
- ÌýA Levels: Including grade C in a science subject at A2 level (e.g. Biology, Geography, Geology,Ìý ÌýEnvironmental Sciences/Studies, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Economics, Statistics, Psychology). Key Skills and General Studies not accepted.
- ÌýInternational Baccalaureate Diploma (including H6 in a science subject)
- ÌýAccess: Science/Environmental-based Access course
- BTEC National Extended Diploma:Ìý DDM-DDD in a relevant subject (e.g. Countryside Management, Applied Science, Forestry & Arboriculture, or Animal Management)
- City & Guilds Advanced Technical Extended Diploma (1080): DDM-DDDÌý in a relevant subject (e.g. Countryside Management, Forestry & Arboriculture, Land & Wildlife Management)
- Welsh Baccalaureate is accepted
- Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Applied Science or Laboratory Skills**: DDM-DDD
- T-levels: considered on a case-by-case basis
- Extended Project Qualification:ÌýPoints can include a relevant Extended Project (EPQ) but must include a minimum 2 full A-levels, or equivalent.
We are happy to accept combinations of the qualifications listed above, as well as alternative Level 3 qualifications such as City & Guilds, Access and Cambridge Technical Diplomas.Ìý
We also welcome applications from mature learners.
International Candidates: International Candidates: school leaving qualifications that are equivalent to A levels/Level 3 and/or college diplomas are accepted from countries worldwide (subject to minimum English Language requirements). More information can be found on ourÌýInternational pages.
*For a full list of accepted Level 3 qualifications, go toÌý.
**Similar subject areas may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
General University Requirements
To study for a degree, you’ll be asked for a minimum of UCAS Tariff points. For a fuller explanation of the UCAS Tariff Points, please see .
We accept students with a wide range of qualifications and backgrounds and consider each application individually.
All students need to have good basic skills and the University also values IT and communication skills.
As part of the University’s policy, we consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same grounds as all other students.
We also consider applications from mature students who can demonstrate the motivation and commitment to study a university programme. Each year we enrol a significant number of mature students. For more information about studying as a mature student, see our Studying at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ section of the website.
EU and International Students' Entry Requirements
For detailed guidance on the entry requirements for EU and International Students, including the minimum English Language entry requirement, please visit the Entry Requirements by Country pages. International applicants can also visit the International Education Centre section of our website for further details.
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ offers International Incorporated Bachelor Degrees for International students whose High School qualification is not equivalent to the UK school leaving qualification. The first year (or Year 0) is studied at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ International College, an embedded College on our University campus and delivered by Oxford International Education Group.
Careers
Following this degree will give you what employers are looking for: excellence in a range of subject-specific and generic skills, and experience. Few students graduate with both, meaning that there will be considerable career opportunities. Your higher-level qualification will make you attractive to employers a wide range of advisory agencies, regulators, consultancies, local and national government, and in research and development, both locally and overseas. In terms of industries, the ‘green economy’ is rapidly growing, and there will be opportunities in sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, nuclear, construction, agriculture, and transport. This course also provides a good basis for teaching and work in the media. Your higher-level qualification may consider postgraduate study e.g., a professional MSc course, or research leading to a PhD. There have never been so many job opportunities in Environmental Science - gaining this degree will put you in a good position to secure one of those.
Opportunities at Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ
The University’s Careers and Employability Service provides a wide range of resources to help you achieve your graduate ambitions.Ìý
Internships
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÒÅÆ×ÊÁÏ runs a paid internship scheme within the university’s academic and service departments.
Student Volunteering
Volunteering widens your experience and improves your employability. Find out more about volunteering on the .
Foundation Year
A 'with Foundation Year' option is available for this course. Apply for Environmental Science (with Foundation Year).
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What is a Foundation Year course?
If you don’t have the required qualifications for the degree-level course or are looking to re-enter education after time away from study, then a Foundation Year Programme might be the right choice for you.
The Foundation Year is an excellent introduction to studying this subject at university and will provide you with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to go on to study this course at degree-level.
When you have successfully completed the Foundation Year, you can progress on to the first year of this degree-level course.