BSc Climate Science
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Climate Science, an Earth and Environmental Sciences degree covering past and present climate change and its effects on Earth and human systems. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methods, Fieldwork and Environmental Analysis. The final-year dissertation is worth one third of final-year marks and may be based on a computing, field or laboratory project. It is possible to transfer to the four-year MSci in Earth Sciences after year two, and to other Earth Science courses after year one depending on module choices. The first year covers foundations through Environment and Sustainability, on the water cycle and Earth's resources, Introduction to Climate Change, Introductory Data Science for Geoscientists and a maths module selected by previous maths study; optional modules have included Field Studies, Earth Materials and Understanding Earth Sciences. In the second year, Isotopes in Environmental and Climate Sciences examines how isotopes trace climate systems and major events in the Earth's climate evolution, with Research Skills for Geoscientists on scientific reasoning and geospatial data processing; options have included Earth Systems Modelling and Analysis, Glaciers and Glaciation and Environmental Geophysics. The third year pairs Earth Systems and Climate, on links between components of the Earth system and climate, with an independent Dissertation worth one third of final-year marks based on a computing, field or laboratory project. Final-year options have included Environmental Geochemistry, Geohazards, Sea Level Change and Coastal Evolution, Oceans Past and Present.
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
A level: AAB including two sciences from Biology, Chemistry, Computer and Marine Science, Economics, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Life and Health Sciences, Further Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Statistics. IB: 35 with 665 in higher level subjects, including two science subjects from list above.
See the highest paying Geography & Environmental Science degrees in the UK →
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 90%: 45 offers from 50 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 8 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 96%
- Assessment and feedback: 77%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 79%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 81%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 24 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 15%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 30%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Engineering professionals: 5%
- Finance Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 90 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 9%
- North West: 8%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 9%
- East Midlands: 7%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 33%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 11%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 2%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Access course: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Environment and Sustainability
- Introduction to Climate Change
- Introductory Data Science for Geoscientists
- A mathematics module
- Example optional modules
- Isotopes in Environmental and Climate Sciences
- Research Skills for Geoscientists
- Example optional modules
- Dissertation
- Earth Systems and Climate
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Climate Science at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £32,000 after 15 months, £31,500 after 3 years, £41,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £30,500 and £52,500. The £41,500 median after five years is £9,500 more than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Climate Science at Durham University do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Climate Science at Durham University?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Climate Science at Durham University?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 161 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BSc Climate Science at Durham University?
90% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 45 offers from 50 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BSc Climate Science at Durham University 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 Climate Science at Durham University?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.