BSc Environment, Economics and Ecology (with a placement year)
About this course
BSc (Hons) Environment, Economics and Ecology (with a placement year) is an undergraduate degree in the geography subject area. Core topics include Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Global & Comparative Perspective. The course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences and includes an integrated placement year. The first year covers foundational principles through Economics Principles, Ecological Principles, Environment, Development, and Society, and Introduction to Global Challenges. The second year builds on this with compulsory modules such as Enhancing Biodiversity, Applied Ecological Economics, Engendering Change, and Research Skills and Project Design, alongside optional modules including Megacities and Urbanisation and Geographical Information Systems. The final year comprises compulsory modules such as Research Project, Natural Resource Economics, and Sustainability Clinic, with optional choices spanning Energy Transitions and Low Carbon Futures and Atmosphere and Ocean Science.
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 including one of the following subjects: Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology IB: 34 points including one of the following subjects: Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Economics, Geography, Geology, Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations), Physics or Psychology at Higher level BTEC: DDM We consider a range of BTEC qualifications equivalent to 3 A Levels, or in combination with A Levels or other qualifications. For example: Distinction, Merit in BTEC Level 3 National Diploma plus B at A Level Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate plus BB at A level Distinction, Merit in 2 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificates plus B at A level Your combination of qualifications must meet the essential subject requirements for the course. Contact ug-admissions@york.ac.uk if you require further guidance.
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What students say
Based on about 45 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 83%
- Learning opportunities: 81%
- Assessment and feedback: 74%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 84%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 87%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 27 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Conservation and environment professionals: 15%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction Professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 110 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- North West: 16%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 21%
- East Midlands: 10%
- West Midlands: 6%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 19%
- South East: 8%
- South West: 3%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 2%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 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): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Economics Principles
- Ecological Principles
- Environment, Development, and Society
- Introduction to Global Challenges
- Introduction to Research Skills
- Economics of Sustainable Development
- Enhancing Biodiversity
- Applied Ecological Economics
- Engendering Change
- Research Skills and Project Design
- Megacities and Urbanisation
- Ecosystem Management and Conservation
- Food, Space, Culture and Society
- Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
- Geographical Information Systems
- Solving Environmental Problems with Code
- Research Project
- Natural Resource Economics
- Sustainability Clinic
- Energy Transitions and Low Carbon Futures
- Atmosphere and Ocean Science
- Biodiversity and Society
- Pollution: Monitoring Assessment and Control
- Land Use Change and Management: A Global Perspective
- Tackling Britain’s Environmental Challenges (field course)
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Environment, Economics and Ecology (with a placement year) at University of York earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £26,000 after 3 years, £34,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,500 and £45,500. The £34,000 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Human geography.
What do graduates of BSc Environment, Economics and Ecology (with a placement year) at University of York do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Environment, Economics and Ecology (with a placement year) at University of York?
83% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Environment, Economics and Ecology (with a placement year) at University of York?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 124 UCAS points.
Is BSc Environment, Economics and Ecology (with a placement year) at University of York accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) for the purpose of eligibility to apply for associate membership.
Does BSc Environment, Economics and Ecology (with a placement year) at University of York include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Environment, Economics and Ecology (with a placement year) at University of York?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.