BSc Environmental Science and Sustainability with Foundation Year
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Environmental Science, drawing on geology, geography, and ecology. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Ethics & Professional Practice. Students complete a minimum 30-hour work placement as part of the second-year Environmental Legislation and Ethics module. The programme includes an Industrial Project in which students carry out sustainability projects with external organisations under dual supervision from a university tutor and an industry mentor.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff: 72 A level: DDD T Level: Pass BTEC: MMP GCSE: GCSE Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at Level 2 as part of your course of study Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 0, Merit: 24, Pass: 21 English language: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
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What students say
Based on about 12 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 74%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 82%
- Learning resources: 96%
- Student voice: 81%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 20%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 100%
Most common jobs
- Skilled trades occupations: 20%
- Engineering professionals: 20%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 65%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 45%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 155 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 8%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 19%
- East Midlands: 31%
- West Midlands: 14%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 5%
- South East: 7%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
- Other qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Applied Professional Practice
- Contemporary Issues in Professional Practice
- Study Skills and Research
- Biomedical Science
- Cellular Biology
- Fundamentals of Chemistry
- Organisms and their Environments
- Introduction to Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Introduction to Environmental Sustainability
- Global Environmental Issues
- Ecology and Evolution
- Critical Resources
- Climate, Oceans and Atmosphere
- Global Citizenship and Professional Development
- Introduction to Remote Sensing and GIS
- Environmental Legislation and Ethics
- Understanding life through Data
- Field Biology
- Ecosystem Services and Nature Based Solutions
- Energy Solutions
- Geo-Resources
- Industrial Project
- Independent Studies for Environmental Sciences
- Sustainability, Governance and Audit
- Global Food Security and Food Futures
- Climate Change
- Habitat Management
- Ecological Consultancy
- Modelling Earth Energy Systems
- Student Initiated Module/Other
- Geohazards
- Engineering Geology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Environmental Science and Sustainability with Foundation Year at University of Derby earn?
The median salary is £26,500 after 15 months, £23,500 after 3 years, £27,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,000 and £33,000. The £27,500 median after five years is £2,000 less than the UK median for Environmental sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Environmental Science and Sustainability with Foundation Year at University of Derby do next?
100% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Environmental Science and Sustainability with Foundation Year at University of Derby?
91% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Environmental Science and Sustainability with Foundation Year at University of Derby?
The typical offer is DDD at A level. The average entrant had 100 UCAS points.
Does BSc Environmental Science and Sustainability with Foundation Year at University of Derby include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Environmental Science and Sustainability with Foundation Year at University of Derby?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.