School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

BSc (Hons) Environmental Science with Foundation Year

UCAS tariff 32 - 48 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code F753
Institution code P60
Duration

4 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth
Register for open day
Apply at UCAS.com

Environmental scientists are critical to addressing global environmental challenges. We will provide you with the knowledge and skills to identify and develop solutions to a wide range of environmental challenges on land and in our oceans, including climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, conservation and sustainability. Applying the latest techniques in the laboratory and the field, you'll graduate ready to shape the future of fields from ecosystem management to environmental monitoring.

50 years of BSc (Hons) Environmental Science

Our environmental science degree first opened in 1973 and has been running continuously for over 50 years.
In that time, more than 6,000 graduates have gone on to build incredible careers, showing the enduring relevance of this field in a changing world.
 
 

Careers with this subject
Our graduates have excellent career prospects; currently they work in over 50 countries e.g. UK, China, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, North America and South East Asia. Your core skills, subject specialisms and transferable skills equip you for a wide range of occupations, for example in industry using environmental management to mitigate climate change impacts or environmental consultancy working on projects ranging from habit surveys, air pollution, water quality, contaminated land, flood defence through to impact assessments of renewable energies or being involved with Crossrail in London.
Other potential work areas could include marine/terrestrial conservation with, for example, Natural England, a local Council environment officer, the Environment Agency, media, the UN, universities, teaching, research and many other sectors.

Key features
  • These four year degrees incorporate a foundation year and the chance to progress into either BSc (Hons) Environmental Science or BSc (Hons) Environmental Management and Sustainability. Great if your current qualifications don’t allow you direct entry to the course or if you have been out of education for some time.
  • Benefit from enthusiastic, supportive staff and teaching informed by our renowned research.
  • Take part in fieldwork in the UK and/or overseas in a variety of locations.
  • Experience in-depth coverage of natural sciences in the context of social, cultural and economic systems.
  • Learn about the latest actions and technological developments in the struggle against climate change.
  • Take the opportunity to spend your second year studying abroad in Europe, Canada, Australia, USA or elsewhere through our bilateral and ISEP exchange programmes.
  • Hone your skills and knowledge with a wealth of facilities, including our marine research vessel Falcon Spirit, high specification laboratories and analytical facilities, LABplus and our new Marine Station.
  • Qualify as a professional diver (HSE SCUBA) as part of your third year of study.
  • LABplus is a unique open access laboratory and resource centre designed for students studying science and engineering courses. The lab provides a flexible workspace, computing facilities, specialist software, access to microscopes, microscope cameras and bespoke resources.
  • Work placements – enhance your employability by gaining work experience via an optional 6 week or 6–12 month work placement in the UK, EU or further overseas such as Australia, Madagascar, Costa Rica, Ecuador, choosing from exciting opportunities in e.g. consultancy, conservation, NGO’s, EA, marine sectors.
  • Benefit from an Environmental Science Careers Fair to build your all-important employer networks and share career success stories from our graduates.
  • Our tutorial programme provides invaluable transferable skills, small group and one-to-one support. Our externally recognised Peer Assisted Learning ( PALS ) scheme helps increase your confidence with support from student mentors.
  • A diverse and respectful place in which to work and study is fundamental to everything we do. Find out more about equality, diversity and inclusion in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science .

Course details

  • Foundation year

  • Your Foundation Year will equip you with the study skills and knowledge to successfully progress onto your chosen degree programme. You will gain an understanding of core concepts in environmental science, chemistry, biology and mathematics. Working alongside an interdisciplinary cohort of students, you will explore the global challenges that we face as society today. Teaching will consist of a combination of hands-on practical work, lectures, small-group learning and fieldwork.

    Core modules

    FYM001
    Becoming a Successful Global Scientist 30 credits

    This module will introduce learners to some of the major global environmental challenges facing society today and how science has a role in tackling them. It will help enable learners to adapt to the Higher Education Learning Environment by the development of a more independent, reflective and self-managed approach to study, learning, scientific writing, time management and mathematical skills for the study of science.

    50% Coursework

    50% Tests

    FYM002
    Essentials for Physical and Environmental Sciences 30 credits

    This module introduces learners to the study of physical and environmental science. It covers the very small scale from atoms to large scale global systems. This module teaches the fundamental concepts and analysis methods for chemical, environmental and earth system sciences. No prior knowledge is assumed. Emphasis is placed on building understanding of core principles and confidence in essential practical techniques.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    FYM004
    Our Changing Planet - Chemical and Geo-environmental Processes 30 credits

    This module builds on the core ideas introduced in its partner module in the first semester (FYM002), introducing a range of additional physical, earth and environmental concepts. There will be a strong emphasis on applying scientific principles to a wide range of topics in earth, environmental and chemical sciences.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    FYM006
    Sustainable Development Project 30 credits

    This module will introduce the learners to group work. As part of a group, they will investigate one of the global environmental challenges facing society today. Each global environmental challenge will be investigated through its impact(s) in and around SW England. The learners will be guided in their investigation and present their findings at an end of year conference. This will be followed by an individual reflection upon the group work process.

    50% Practicals

    50% Tests

  • Year 2

  • Core modules

    GEES1302
    Soils, Water, Climate 20 credits

    You will be introduced to the Earth’s key natural resources including minerals, soils and water, and, with the support of laboratory and data and analytical work, explore geochemical cycles and processes to understand the linkages between Earth systems and our changing climate.

    70% Remotely delivered assessments

    30% Tests

    GEES1303
    Our Ecological Planet: Biodiversity and Ecological Change 20 credits

    You will be introduced to the principles of ecology, including taxa identification, species structure, habitat and biodiversity. You will be familiarised with the concept of environmental disturbance and conservation and, though field studies and data analysis, develop the skills required to understand and investigate global biodiversity and ecological challenges.

    70% Coursework

    30% Tests

    GEES1304
    Our Polluted Planet

    You will be introduced to the global challenge of pollution and study the environmental behaviour and health impacts of significant pollutants. You will develop relevant scientific research skills, including project planning, fieldwork and data analysis, to address environmental pollution challenges.

    60% Practicals

    40% Coursework

    GEES1305
    The Environmental Manager's Toolbox 20 credits

    You will be introduced to the social and economic aspects of global environmental challenges. You will explore solutions through regulation, corporate social responsibility and environmental management systems, equipping you with essential tools to address sustainability issues and drive positive change within organisations, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future.

    70% Coursework

    30% Tests

    GEES1307
    Global Environmental Threats 20 credits

    You will consider the environmental and societal challenges of global threats, such as resource use, volcanoes and earthquakes, in the context of sustainability and be introduced to mitigation strategies while exploring solutions. You will source, analyse and describe scientific data and apply advanced statistical analyses to answer globally relevant research questions.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    GEES1106
    Our Digital Planet 20 credits

    This module explores the challenges and most pressing issues facing our planet today. Students will discover the role of geographic data analyses and visualisation techniques to provide solutions. Data analysis, GIS and cartographic techniques will be introduced using real-world examples. Students will meet with a personal tutor regularly, to support them through tutorials as they adjust to university-level study.

    50% Coursework

    50% Tests

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

32 - 48

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

A level: 32 to 48 UCAS tariff points.
BTEC: 18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma PPP in a science related subject.
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
Access: pass an Access to HE Diploma (e.g science/combined studies/natural sciences).
T level: Pass or above. Any subjects related to science or technology.
International Baccalaureate: 24 points overall to include Pass in a Higher Level subject. English and maths accepted within.
GCSE: English and mathematics grade C/4 or above.
For all admission information and queries please contact our admissions tutor John Bull who will be pleased to discuss options.
Applications from students with non-standard qualifications, including those without science qualifications at Level 3, are welcomed and are assessed on an individual basis. This course is also suitable for those returning to study who can offer work or other related experience in place of formal qualifications and who have the equivalent of basic mathematical, English and science skills (i.e. the equivalent of a grade C at GCSE level).
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary .

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,535
International £18,100 £18,650
Part time (Home) £770 £795
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Additional fieldwork and equipment costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,385.
 Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Environmental science fieldwork

Fieldwork is an important part of studying the environmental sciences. Our programme of residential and non-residential fieldwork enables students to immerse themselves in different environments where they can experience and investigate environmental challenges in a range of national and international locations.
Fieldwork may be subject to change due to staffing and external factors.
Environmental science fieldwork at the Marine station

Progression routes

After successful completion of your Foundation Year, you will have the choice of progressing onto:
 
 
 

Why study environmental science?
Students using a petrographic microscope

Our world-leading new suite of scientific microscopes include touch screen and video capabilities to enhance your learning

Researchers in the arctic

Research in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Student researcher

Careers

Student experience: International students
Ben Ellet, Plymouth Pioneers

Discover why Ben wants to inspire others to save the planet

Find out what our graduates are doing now

Kate Downes collecting samples from fish at the pierhead

Kate Downes: Marine Fisheries Scientist

Heather Forster

Heather Forster: Crowdfunder in Residence

Academic staff

*These are the latest results from the National Student Survey. Please note that the data published on Discover Uniis updated annually in September.