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BSc Environmental Science

  • UCAS code
    F851
  • Typical offer
    BBB
  • Year of entry
    2023/24
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  3 Years
  • Year of entry
    2023/24
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  3 Years

Study the environment from a scientific perspective, and discover how to solve some of the most-critical challenges facing planet Earth, with our accredited BSc Environmental Science.

You’ll explore Earth’s natural systems – its physical, chemical and biological interactions – and use this knowledge to develop strategies for tackling major environmental issues such as climate change and pollution.

This three-year degree has a strong scientific focus. Your learning will span from the single cells and atoms that form the building blocks of our world, to the cycling of matter and flows of energy into, between, and within the:

  • solid Earth and its surface
  • hydrosphere
  • atmosphere
  • biosphere.

Gain essential skills needed by today’s professional environmental scientists. Our balance of practical and theoretical learning enables you to gain experience in the field and enhance your specialist subject knowledge with real-life experience – preparing you for a career, or further research, in the environmental sector.

Choose BSc Environmental Science at the University of Reading

  • Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES).
  • The University is in the top 100 in the world for Environmental Sciences (QS World Rankings by Subject, 2022).
  • The University of Reading is ranked 3rd in the UK for research power in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences (Times Higher Education, Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of the latest REF 2021).

The flexibility of this degree allows you to make an informed decision about where to focus your study, providing the opportunity to adapt your degree to your chosen interests as they develop.

Alternatively, you can choose from a variety of specialist pathways, including:

  • water resources and quality
  • conservation and sustainability
  • climate and palaeoclimate change
  • pollution and remediation.

Your learning environment

Learn from internationally recognised academics from the Department of Geography and Environmental Science. We research and teach global topics, including:

  • climate change and governance
  • hydrology
  • landscapes and ecology
  • paleoecology
  • dryland environment
  • glaciology
  • development
  • sustainability
  • globalisation.

This expertise will expose you to changing trends and emerging technologies in the sector. 

Field classes and skill development

One of the most popular components of our BSc Environmental Science are its field classes.

You’ll have the opportunity to travel throughout the UK and abroad, putting theory into practice and gaining valuable research and practical experience. 

Recent field class destinations have included:

  • Somerset, England, where you can study flooding, geology and soil formation.
  • Almeria, Spain, where you can visit a solar research station, see examples of greenhouse horticulture, and investigate issues of pollution and water supply.
  • Iceland, where you can study the geomorphology of the area, the history of the landscape, and aspects of the archaeological and cultural history of human activity on the island.

As a student at Reading, you will also have access to our campuses and grounds to develop your fieldwork skills and conduct research. Home to more than a thousand different animal species, they offer multiple habitats to study – from lakes, hay meadows and woodlands on our award-winning Whiteknights campus, to hedgerow, marshland and the Thames on our University farms.

  • Professor Nicholas Branch, who studies climate resilience and food production in South America, feeds his research into environmental science modules and has taken students with him to conduct research in the Peruvian Andes.

Placements with BSc Environmental Science

Gain valuable experience in the professional workplace through our placement opportunities.

Working with a local company or organisation, you will:

  • deepen your knowledge and put your learning into practice
  • develop your research, survey, data analysis and presentation skills
  • build your professional network
  • gain insight into the sector and potential career options.

Some of our students choose to complete their dissertation in conjunction with an outside agency, engaging in research for major organisations such as Natural England and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

We also offer a four-year version of this degree, BSc Environmental Science with Professional Experience, which offers an integrated placement in industry in the third year.

  • Professor Hilary Geoghegan leads on the £1.3m national ‘Community for Engaging Environments’ project, giving students an opportunity to get involved with professional environmental research.

Study Abroad

As part of your degree, you can apply to study abroad for a term during your final year at one of our partner universities in North America, Europe, Asia or Africa. For example, recent destinations have included Svalbard, Norway and Rhode Island, USA.

All classes are conducted in English and bursaries are available to help with travel and accommodation costs.

Visit our Study Abroad website for more information.

 

Overview

Study the environment from a scientific perspective, and discover how to solve some of the most-critical challenges facing planet Earth, with our accredited BSc Environmental Science.

You’ll explore Earth’s natural systems – its physical, chemical and biological interactions – and use this knowledge to develop strategies for tackling major environmental issues such as climate change and pollution.

This three-year degree has a strong scientific focus. Your learning will span from the single cells and atoms that form the building blocks of our world, to the cycling of matter and flows of energy into, between, and within the:

  • solid Earth and its surface
  • hydrosphere
  • atmosphere
  • biosphere.

Gain essential skills needed by today’s professional environmental scientists. Our balance of practical and theoretical learning enables you to gain experience in the field and enhance your specialist subject knowledge with real-life experience – preparing you for a career, or further research, in the environmental sector.

Choose BSc Environmental Science at the University of Reading

  • Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES).
  • The University is in the top 100 in the world for Environmental Sciences (QS World Rankings by Subject, 2022).
  • The University of Reading is ranked 3rd in the UK for research power in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences (Times Higher Education, Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of the latest REF 2021).

The flexibility of this degree allows you to make an informed decision about where to focus your study, providing the opportunity to adapt your degree to your chosen interests as they develop.

Alternatively, you can choose from a variety of specialist pathways, including:

  • water resources and quality
  • conservation and sustainability
  • climate and palaeoclimate change
  • pollution and remediation.

Learning

Your learning environment

Learn from internationally recognised academics from the Department of Geography and Environmental Science. We research and teach global topics, including:

  • climate change and governance
  • hydrology
  • landscapes and ecology
  • paleoecology
  • dryland environment
  • glaciology
  • development
  • sustainability
  • globalisation.

This expertise will expose you to changing trends and emerging technologies in the sector. 

Field classes and skill development

One of the most popular components of our BSc Environmental Science are its field classes.

You’ll have the opportunity to travel throughout the UK and abroad, putting theory into practice and gaining valuable research and practical experience. 

Recent field class destinations have included:

  • Somerset, England, where you can study flooding, geology and soil formation.
  • Almeria, Spain, where you can visit a solar research station, see examples of greenhouse horticulture, and investigate issues of pollution and water supply.
  • Iceland, where you can study the geomorphology of the area, the history of the landscape, and aspects of the archaeological and cultural history of human activity on the island.

As a student at Reading, you will also have access to our campuses and grounds to develop your fieldwork skills and conduct research. Home to more than a thousand different animal species, they offer multiple habitats to study – from lakes, hay meadows and woodlands on our award-winning Whiteknights campus, to hedgerow, marshland and the Thames on our University farms.

  • Professor Nicholas Branch, who studies climate resilience and food production in South America, feeds his research into environmental science modules and has taken students with him to conduct research in the Peruvian Andes.

Placements with BSc Environmental Science

Gain valuable experience in the professional workplace through our placement opportunities.

Working with a local company or organisation, you will:

  • deepen your knowledge and put your learning into practice
  • develop your research, survey, data analysis and presentation skills
  • build your professional network
  • gain insight into the sector and potential career options.

Some of our students choose to complete their dissertation in conjunction with an outside agency, engaging in research for major organisations such as Natural England and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

We also offer a four-year version of this degree, BSc Environmental Science with Professional Experience, which offers an integrated placement in industry in the third year.

  • Professor Hilary Geoghegan leads on the £1.3m national ‘Community for Engaging Environments’ project, giving students an opportunity to get involved with professional environmental research.

Study Abroad

As part of your degree, you can apply to study abroad for a term during your final year at one of our partner universities in North America, Europe, Asia or Africa. For example, recent destinations have included Svalbard, Norway and Rhode Island, USA.

All classes are conducted in English and bursaries are available to help with travel and accommodation costs.

Visit our Study Abroad website for more information.

 

Entry requirements A Level BBB

Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.

Typical offer

BBB, including grade B in one of the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Environmental Studies or Geology

International Baccalaureate

30 points overall, including 5 at higher level in one of the following subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Environmental Studies or Geology

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM (Modules taken must be comparable to subject specific requirement)

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students

For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.

International Foundation Programme

If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.

  • Learn more about our International Foundation programme

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

  • Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Structure

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3

Core modules include:

  • Introduction to Environmental Science
  • Earth Lab
  • Data Environment
  • Techniques in Geography and Environmental Science

Optional modules include:

  • Biogeography and Ecology 
  • Climatology 
  • Hydrology 
  • Geomorphology 
  • Introduction to Quaternary Science
  • Soils in the Environment 
  • Environmental Issues
 
Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Core modules include:

  • Research Training for Geography and Environmental Science
  • Geography and Environmental Science Field Class 1
  • Managing Uncertainty
  • Environmental Diagnostics 

Optional modules include:

  • Monitoring the Earth from Space
  • Natural Hazards
  • Energy Resources 
 
Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Core modules include:

  • Dissertation

Optional modules include:

  • Carbon and Global Change
  • Climate Change 
  • Tropical Rainforests, Climate and Lost Civilisations 
  • Water Resources 
  • Environmental Pollution
  • Volcanic Hazards 
  • China Environmental Analysis Field Class 
  • Ecosystems Modelling 
  • Air Pollutions: Effects and Control
 
Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250*

New international students: £24,500

*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

Your BSc Environmental Science degree will equip you with a wide variety of skills – from teamwork writing and presenting, to the ability to adapt to changing circumstances – highly desirable to a range of employers.

You’ll be well placed to enter a variety of technical and scientific roles in areas such as:

  • environmental protection
  • renewable energy
  • sustainable transport
  • water
  • environmental consultancy.

Recent students have gone on to work for a range of major organisations, including:

  • AWE
  • Centre for Alternative Technology
  • Thames Water
  • Sustrans
  • Syngenta
  • Jacobs Engineering
  • Environment Agency.

Your degree also offers a route into postgraduate study, research or teacher training.
 

I have always been fascinated by the immense power and complexity of the natural world. I wished to study Environmental Science to further my understanding of how natural processes act together to create Earth as we know it. I find it interesting to learn how seemingly small processes or changes have the capability to influence humans, organisms and the physical landscape on such a large scale.

Jonathan Tanner
BSc Environmental Science

Raquel discusses Environmental Science

Contextual offers


We make contextual offers for all our courses.

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How to apply for 2023 entry

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Related Subjects


  • Environment
  • Geography

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