BSc Environmental Science (with Foundation Year)
About this course
BSc(Hons) Environmental Science (with Foundation Year), an environmental science degree centred on ecological, physical and social approaches to global environmental challenges. Core topics include Data Analysis, Laboratory Techniques, and Research Methods. The course includes a compulsory foundation year and offers an optional professional placement year. The initial foundation year covers fundamental scientific skills and practical techniques through Biology in Practice, Chemistry in Practice, Skills for Science, and Investigating and Communicating Science. Year one introduces Earth System Science, field work design and living organisms via The Earth, Field Skills, Life on Earth, and Environment and Society. Year two develops practical field research and ecological principles through Environmental and Field Techniques, Ecology, and Environmental Resilience, alongside optional topics such as Atmosphere and Climate and Earth Science. The final year focuses on sustainability solutions and climate change through Sustainable Futures, Energy, Carbon and Climate, and the Research Dissertation Project, with further options including Marine Ecosystems and Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
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
GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English, Mathematics and Double Science, or equivalent. Tariff points: 56 Contextual tariff: See our contextual offers page. English Language Requirement: International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*). *The University accepts a large number of UK and international qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you'll need in our English language section. Please visit our English language requirements page. A-level subjects: No specific subjects required. EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: No specific subjects required. Access: No specific subjects required. Baccalaureate IB: No specific subjects required. We accept the IB Career-related Programme in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications. Irish Highers: No specific subjects required. Welsh Baccalaureate: We accept tariff points achieved from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in conjunction with other Level 3 qualifications. Cambridge Technical: No specific subjects required. T Levels: No specific subjects required.
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What students say
Based on about 41 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 77%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 86%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 28 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Conservation and environment professionals: 30%
- Skilled trades occupations: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 30 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- South East: 20%
- South West: 65%
- Wales: 5%
- Scotland: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
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, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Biology in Practice
- Chemistry in Practice
- Skills for Science
- Investigating and Communicating Science
- The Earth
- Field Skills
- Life on Earth
- Environment and Society
- Environmental and Field Techniques
- Ecology
- Environmental Resilience
- Atmosphere and Climate
- Earth Science
- Hydrology to Oceanography
- Plant Growth and Survival
- The Microbial World
- Sustainable Futures
- Energy, Carbon and Climate
- Research Dissertation Project
- Environmental and Ecological Consultancy
- Marine Ecosystems
- Environmental Forensics
- Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
- Global Forest Systems
- Science Communication
- Sustainable Food Production
- Environmental Microbiology
- Expedition to a Biodiversity Hotspot
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Environmental Science (with Foundation Year) at UWE Bristol earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £19,000 after 3 years, £24,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £21,000 and £28,500. The £24,500 median after five years is £1,500 less than the UK median for Ecology and environmental biology.
What do graduates of BSc Environmental Science (with Foundation Year) at UWE Bristol 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 (with Foundation Year) at UWE Bristol?
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 (with Foundation Year) at UWE Bristol?
The average entrant had 70 UCAS points.
Is BSc Environmental Science (with Foundation Year) at UWE Bristol accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) for the purpose of eligibility to apply for associate membership.
Does BSc Environmental Science (with Foundation Year) at UWE Bristol include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Environmental Science (with Foundation Year) at UWE Bristol?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.