BSc Environmental Science
About this course
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science is an environmental science degree examining natural earth systems and human impacts. Core topics include Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Global & Comparative Perspective. The course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences. The first year covers foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as Environmental Chemistry, Ecological Principles, and Introduction to Global Challenges. The second year progresses to Climate Science, Applied Environmental Science, and Research Skills and Project Design, while offering optional pathways including Ecosystem Management and Conservation and Geographical Information Systems. The final year centres on independent study through the Research Project and Frontiers in Environmental Science, alongside optional modules covering topics such as Atmosphere and Ocean Science and Pollution: Monitoring, Assessment and Control.
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 two of the following science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Environmental Studies, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Life and Health Sciences IB: 34 points including two of the following science subjects at Higher Level: Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations), Physics, Psychology or Life and Health Sciences 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 20 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 83%
- Assessment and feedback: 76%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 91%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 80%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 18 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Conservation and environment professionals: 25%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Caring personal services: 5%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
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 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- 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): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Environmental Chemistry
- Environment, Development and Society
- Ecological Principles
- Introduction to Global Challenges
- Introduction to Research Skills
- Dynamic Earth
- Climate Science
- Applied Environmental Science
- 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
- Frontiers in Environmental Science
- 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 Environmental Science 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 £4,500 more than the UK median for Environmental sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Environmental Science at University of York do next?
95% 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 York?
90% 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 York?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 146 UCAS points.
Is BSc Environmental Science 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 Environmental Science at University of York 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 York?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.