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Environmental Science

Entry requirements


A level

A,B,B

ABB, including at least one science subject. If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year. Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive. Typical Contextual Offer: BBB, including at least one science subject.

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

Access to HE Diploma

D:30,M:15

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course. The specific course requirements are 45 graded credits at Level 3 with a minimum of 30 credits at Distinction, 15 of which must be in a science, and remaining 15 credits at Merit. We may request a copy of your modules.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

D3,M2,M2

D3, M2, M2 in Principal subjects, including at least one science subject. We also consider applicants offering a mix of Pre-U Principal Subjects and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall are taken. The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions. If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year.

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education, typically a minimum of five GCSEs/iGCSEs, including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least grade 4/C in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and grade 6/B in GCSE/iGCSE Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

34

34 points overall with 6,5,5 at Higher Level, including at least one science subject. We will accept Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma

DM

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DM, plus one science A-level at grade A.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate

D

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D, plus two A-levels with grades AB, including A in one science subject.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

DDM

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDM, plus one science A-level with grade A.

OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma

DM

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grade M, plus two A-levels with grades AA, including at least one science subject.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

DM

We consider the National Diploma with grades DM when taken with one science A-level with grade A.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)

D

We consider the National Extended Certificate with grade D when taken with two A-levels with grades AB, including A in one science subject.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

DDM

We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Applied Science National Extended Diploma with grades DDM, which must include distinctions in all mandatory science units.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

M

We consider the National Foundation Diploma with grade M when taken with two A-levels with grades AA, including at least one science subject.

Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations: Three Advanced Highers with grades BBB, including at least one science subject. Or Two Advanced Highers with grades BB, including at least one science subject, and two Highers with grades BB in additional subjects. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Department Admissions Team.

Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations: Three Advanced Highers with grades BBB, including at least one science subject. Or Two Advanced Highers with grades BB, including at least one science subject, and two Highers with grades BB in additional subjects. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Department Admissions Team.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this. The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements

UCAS Tariff

128

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About this course


Course option

3years

Full-time | 2024

Subjects

Environmental sciences

Earth sciences

Our 3 year BSc degree in Environmental Science applies a broad interdisciplinary perspective to understanding how the world works. This approach enables us to tackle pressing problems, such as ensuring that human needs are met in a sustainable way, so that everyone has access to clean water and air, and the resources required for agriculture and industrial activity.

Environmental Science is focussed on a holistic understanding of Earth systems in order to learn from the past, comprehend the present and influence the future. It is the study of how physical, chemical and biological processes maintain and interact with life, and includes the study of how humans affect nature. As Environmental Science is at the cross-roads of the natural sciences, it provides an enriching alternative to a single-subject honours degree, and can open the door to an exciting range of career options.

During your time with us you will be a part of a dynamic community trying to answer some of the most pressing global issues that we all face. Your work could make a contribution to solving some of the world's greatest challenges.

**Course structure**

Our BSc in Environmental Science is a three year degree which offers you the flexibility to tailor your interest in environmental science to one of three pathways:
- Pollution and environmental processes;

- Atmospheric science;

- Ecology, evolution and conservation biology.

**The department**

We are a Department of environmental scientists, geologists, chemists, mathematicians, biologists, physicists and computer scientists, who work together to study the Earth and planets. Our degrees cover the full breadth of earth and environmental sciences, reflecting the main research themes that are fundamental to the work we do in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

The reputation of Earth and Planetary Science at The University of Manchester's Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences rests on our world-leading interdisciplinary research into processes operating on, within and beyond the Earth. This research incorporates biological, chemical, physical and environmental aspects of the world and solar system we live in. The close alignment between our teaching and research ensures that units are delivered by scholars who are at the forefront of their disciplines.

**Skills**

Our course will equip you with an armoury of skills to take into the world of work, including the ability to analyse problems, to work collaboratively as part of a team, and to develop field, laboratory, numeracy and communication skills.

Tuition fees

Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:

Channel Islands
£9,250
per year
England
£9,250
per year
Northern Ireland
£9,250
per year
Republic of Ireland
£9,250
per year
Scotland
£9,250
per year
Wales
£9,250
per year

The Uni


Course location:

University of Manchester

Department:

Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Read full university profile

What students say


We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.

81%
Earth sciences

How do students rate their degree experience?

The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Environmental sciences

Sorry, no information to show

This is usually because there were too few respondents in the data we receive to be able to provide results about the subject at this university.


Who studies this subject and how do they get on?

74%
UK students
26%
International students
44%
Male students
56%
Female students
84%
2:1 or above
14%
First year drop out rate

Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)

B
A
B

Earth sciences

Teaching and learning

89%
Staff make the subject interesting
88%
Staff are good at explaining things
75%
Ideas and concepts are explored in-depth
75%
Opportunities to apply what I've learned

Assessment and feedback

Feedback on work has been timely
Feedback on work has been helpful
Staff are contactable when needed
Good advice available when making study choices

Resources and organisation

68%
Library resources
81%
IT resources
72%
Course specific equipment and facilities
44%
Course is well organised and has run smoothly

Student voice

Staff value students' opinions
Feel part of a community on my course

Who studies this subject and how do they get on?

82%
UK students
18%
International students
49%
Male students
51%
Female students
85%
2:1 or above
12%
First year drop out rate

Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)

A
B
A

After graduation


The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Environmental sciences

What are graduates doing after six months?

This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.

£19,500
med
Average annual salary
85%
low
Employed or in further education

Top job areas of graduates

12%
Business, research and administrative professionals
12%
Sales assistants and retail cashiers
10%
Natural and social science professionals

Earth sciences

What are graduates doing after six months?

This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.

£18,000
low
Average annual salary
90%
low
Employed or in further education
54%
med
Employed in a role where degree was essential or beneficial

Top job areas of graduates

16%
Sales assistants and retail cashiers
14%
Public services and other associate professionals
10%
Business, finance and related associate professionals

What about your long term prospects?

Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.

Environmental sciences

The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.

£21k

£21k

£27k

£27k

£32k

£32k

Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.

Earth sciences

The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.

£21k

£21k

£27k

£27k

£32k

£32k

Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.

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This is what the university has told Ucas about the criteria they expect applicants to satisfy; some may be compulsory, others may be preferable.

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This is the percentage of applicants to this course who received an offer last year, through Ucas.

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This is what the university has told Ucas about the course. Use it to get a quick idea about what makes it unique compared to similar courses, elsewhere.

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Course location and department:

This is what the university has told Ucas about the course. Use it to get a quick idea about what makes it unique compared to similar courses, elsewhere.

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Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):

We've received this information from the Department for Education, via Ucas. This is how the university as a whole has been rated for its quality of teaching: gold silver or bronze. Note, not all universities have taken part in the TEF.

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This information comes from the National Student Survey, an annual student survey of final-year students. You can use this to see how satisfied students studying this subject area at this university, are (not the individual course).

This is the percentage of final-year students at this university who were "definitely" or "mostly" satisfied with their course. We've analysed this figure against other universities so you can see whether this is high, medium or low.

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This information is from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), for undergraduate students only.

You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.

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Post-six month graduation stats:

This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.

It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

Graduate field commentary:

The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show

Have a question about this info? Learn more here

The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?

Have a question about this info? Learn more here