BSc Environmental Science
About this course
BSc in Environmental Science Scholarship, an environmental science degree centred on physical geography, ecological processes, and human impacts on natural systems. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Project Management, Environmental Analysis, Communication & Writing, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Design & Creative Practice. Students complete an independent dissertation project in the final year. The first year covers foundational principles through Earth, Wind, Ice and Fire, Biodiversity, Climate and Conservation, Global Biogeochemical Cycles, Critical Inquiry, Physical Geography and Environmental Science in the Field, and Maps and Stats. The second year progresses to Environmental Pollution and Quality, Geographical Information Systems, Earth Observation and Data Analysis, Environmental Science Research Design and Fieldwork, and Principles of Ecology and Conservation, alongside optional modules such as Sustainable Development and Global Justice, Understanding the Climate System, and Understanding Dynamic Landscapes. The final year combines core studies in Professional Skills for Environmental Science and a Dissertation with optional modules covering topics including Environmental Justice at a Time of Crisis, Geoscientific Data Analysis using MATLAB, Advanced Geospatial Analysis, and Applied Volcanology.
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: ABB IB: 33, with 5 in a Higher Level science subject; 32, with 5 in a Higher Level science subject, and B in the extended essay
See the highest paying Geography & Environmental Science degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 15 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 86%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 87%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 89%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 35 students who started
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 6 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Conservation and environment professionals: 40%
- Administrative occupations: 15%
- Engineering professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 50%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 295 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 13%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 20%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 7%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 25%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 6%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 35 students who started
- A levels: 90%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Access course: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) for the purpose of eligibility to apply for associate membership.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Earth, Wind, Ice and Fire
- Biodiversity, Climate and Conservation
- Global Biogeochemical Cycles
- Critical Inquiry
- Physical Geography and Environmental Science in the Field
- Maps and Stats
- Environmental Pollution and Quality
- Geographical Information Systems, Earth Observation and Data Analysis
- Environmental Science Research Design and Fieldwork
- Principles of Ecology and Conservation
- Sustainable Development and Global Justice
- Understanding the Climate System
- Understanding Dynamic Landscapes
- Ecosystems and Sustainability in a Changing World
- Social Justice and Environmental Challenges
- Unlocking Past Environmental Changes
- Glacial Processes and Hazards
- Professional Skills for Environmental Science
- Dissertation
- Environmental Justice at a Time of Crisis
- Geoscientific Data Analysis using MATLAB
- Advanced Geospatial Analysis
- The Changing Climate System
- Human Planet
- Applied Volcanology
- Living with our changing Coasts
- Conservation Issues and Management
- Sustainable Agricultural and Urban Ecosystems
- Advanced Studies in Population and Community Ecology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Environmental Science at University of Sheffield earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £26,000 after 3 years, £33,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,500 and £41,000. The £33,500 median after five years is £4,000 more than the UK median for Environmental sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Environmental Science at University of Sheffield 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 Environmental Science at University of Sheffield?
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 at University of Sheffield?
The typical offer is ABB at A level. The average entrant had 159 UCAS points.
Is BSc Environmental Science at University of Sheffield accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) for the purpose of eligibility to apply for associate membership.
Does BSc Environmental Science at University of Sheffield 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 at University of Sheffield?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.