BSc Environmental Science (with a placement year)
About this course
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science (with a placement year), an environmental science degree focused on understanding how the earth operates and reacts to human actions. Core topics include Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Global & Comparative Perspective. The course includes a placement year and is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences. The first year covers foundational subjects through Environmental Chemistry, Environment, Development and Society, Ecological Principles, and Introduction to Global Challenges. The second year builds expertise through Climate Science, Applied Environmental Science, Engendering Change, and Research Skills and Project Design, alongside optional modules covering topics such as Geographical Information Systems, Ecosystem Management and Conservation, and Solving Environmental Problems with Code. The final year involves advanced compulsory study including a Research Project, Frontiers in Environmental Science, and Sustainability Clinic. Students can also select from various optional modules like Energy Transitions and Low Carbon Futures, 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.
See the highest paying Geography & Environmental Science degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 9 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 80%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 72%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 80%
- Learning resources: 80%
- Student voice: 73%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 29 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 15%
Most common jobs
- Conservation and environment professionals: 25%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Engineering professionals: 5%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
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 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): 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
- 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 (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 £4,500 more than the UK median for Environmental sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Environmental Science (with a placement year) 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 (with a placement year) at University of York?
80% 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 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 140 UCAS points.
Is BSc Environmental Science (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 Environmental Science (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 Environmental Science (with a placement year) at University of York?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.