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Environmental Science

Entry requirements


A level

A,A,B

Typical offer: AAB, including one science subject from Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geology and Environmental Studies; plus a pass in the associated practical science assessment where applicable. General Studies, Use of Mathematics, Core Mathematics, Thinking Skills and Critical Thinking are excluded for entry.

Access to HE Diploma

D:39,M:6,P:15

Access to HE will be considered on a case by case basis. The Access to HE should be in a Science subject, or applicants must meet Science requirements from supporting A Level equivalent qualifications. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants?who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

D3,D3,M2

to include one science from Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geology and Environmental Studies Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A-levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A and M1 can be used in lieu of A-level grade B. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants?who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Extended Project

A

Typical offer: ABB to include one science subject from Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geology or Environmental Studies, and Grade A in Extended Project Qualification. A pass in the associated science practical is required where applicable. General Studies, Thinking Skills and Critical Thinking are excluded for entry.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

34

Typical offer: Pass, with overall score of 34 points, with 17 points required at Higher Level, including a minimum of 5 in one Higher Level sciences. Science subjects accepted are geography, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, psychology, geology and environmental studies. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): The University of Southampton accepts the IBCP for entry to their degree programmes, recognising the value of combining academic skills with practical skills, providing a solid preparation for university level work. Offers will be made on the individual components of the IBCP. Applicants not taking the full IBCP but presenting with a combination of a Level 3 vocational qualification and IB Certificates may still be considered. Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants?who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)

H1,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2

to include one science from Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geology and Environmental Studies. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants?who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)

DD

plus A Level grades A in an acceptable science A Level subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)

DDD

We do not accept the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma without one science subject A-level. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be DDD + A at A-Level (or equivalent), to include one science subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

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

DD

plus A Level grades A in an acceptable science A Level subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

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

D

plus A Level grades AA, one in an acceptable science A Level subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

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

DDD

We do not accept the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma without one science subject A-level. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be DDD + A at A-Level (or equivalent), to include one science subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)

D

plus A Level grades AA, one in an acceptable science A Level subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information. Applicants are also required to have achieved a pass in Maths and English at Standard Grade Grade 3 or National 5 Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/Grade 4. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants?who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4" We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

T Level

D

An overall distinction with grade A in the core element in the Science T-Level

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

B

Typical offer: AA , one in an A-level science from Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geology and Environmental Studies (pass in practical science assessment is required where applicable), and grade B in the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants?who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

UCAS Tariff

136

We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.

About this course


Course option

4years

Full-time | 2024

Subject

Environmental sciences

Explore some of the biggest environmental challenges of today and the future.

On your four-year integrated Environmental Science masters you will explore how science and research can be applied to protect our planet in one of four specialist pathways: Aquatic Environments and Resources, Biodiversity and Conservation, Environmental Change, and Sustainable Environmental Management.

You will develop the advanced knowledge and skills needed to tackle present and future environmental issues and our wide range of fieldwork will give you the skills to collect and analyse data. Previous field trips have used drones for remote sensing and studied salt marsh vegetation.

With a four-year integrated masters degree you will be provided with more opportunities for field work than the BSc, as well as a masters-level research project and a work placement in your final year. Specialising in your chosen pathway, you will develop the advanced knowledge and skills required to tackle the complex major environmental challenges of the twenty-first century.

Geography and Environmental Science is ranked 7th in the Guardian best UK universities league table, 2023.

Subject to revalidation.

Modules

In each year of study, you will complete compulsory modules, plus a further number relating to your chosen pathway. Core modules (for all four pathways):

Year 1:
Dangerous World
Earth and Ocean System
Ecology and Conservation
Environmental Field Techniques and Applications
Environmental Science: Concepts and Communication
Environmental Science: Research and Applications
Introduction to Marine Ecology and Evolution
Quantitative Methods
The Earth System

Year 2:
Environmental Pollution
Introductory Geographic Information systems
Researching the Environment: Literature Review and Project Preparation
Water Pollution
Plus two furter modules of your choice

Year 3:
Data Collection and Research Methods for Sustainability and Environmental Science
Environmental Law and Management
Individual Project

Year 4:
Advanced Research Project
Work-Based Learning

A full list of modules is available on the website course page:https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/environmental-science-degree-menvsci#modules
A full list of modules is available on the website course page:
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/environmental-science-degree-menvsci#modules

Assessment methods

You will be assessed in the following ways: coursework, laboratory reports and essays; debates; developing websites; individual and group projects; module journals; creative projects; design and problem solving exercises; dissertations; written and practical exams; oral presentations. You'll be supported by a personal academic tutor, and have access to a senior tutor.

Tuition fees

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

Channel Islands
£9,250
per year
England
£9,250
per year
EU
£27,400
per year
International
£27,400
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:

Main Site - Highfield Campus

Department:

Geography and Environmental Science

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.

86%
Environmental 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

Teaching and learning

97%
Staff make the subject interesting
100%
Staff are good at explaining things
93%
Ideas and concepts are explored in-depth
97%
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

93%
Library resources
97%
IT resources
100%
Course specific equipment and facilities
97%
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?

85%
UK students
15%
International students
39%
Male students
61%
Female students
94%
2:1 or above
1%
First year drop out rate

Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)

A
B
B

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.

£21,000
high
Average annual salary
96%
high
Employed or in further education
56%
med
Employed in a role where degree was essential or beneficial

Top job areas of graduates

19%
Conservation and environment professionals
7%
Public services and other associate professionals
6%
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.

£22k

£22k

£28k

£28k

£31k

£31k

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 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.

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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

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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?

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