In a bid to support careers in Geography, we have a weekly blog where we explore Geography-related degrees in detail, including what sort of thing students can expect to study over the 3 year course (including field work and possible dissertation focus), the typical entry requirements, universities that offer it, and the careers it can lead into. We have a created a collection which we will add to each week - you can find them here.

This week we are looking Environmental Science...

Studying Environmental Science

How can we reduce pollution in our rivers and oceans? Why are some ecosystems more vulnerable to climate change than others? What happens to chemicals released into the environment? How can we protect biodiversity while still producing enough food and energy? And how do scientists work out whether an environment is becoming healthier or more damaged? These are exactly the kinds of questions you'll explore on a BSc (Hons) Environmental Science degree.

Environmental Science combines elements of geography, biology, chemistry, geology and climate science to understand how the natural environment works, how human activities affect it and what we can do to address environmental problems. It's a particularly broad science degree. You might spend one week investigating water pollution, another analysing soil samples, another examining climate data and another using satellite imagery to monitor changes in forests or coastlines.

And while sustainability and climate change are important parts of the subject, Environmental Science isn't simply about discussing environmental issues. It's about collecting scientific evidence, understanding environmental processes and using that knowledge to develop practical solutions.

If you've enjoyed physical Geography, Environmental Science or Biology at A-level, and you're interested in tackling environmental challenges, this could be an excellent degree to consider.

What do you study on an Environmental Science degree?

Most BSc Environmental Science degrees last three years, although many universities offer optional placement or study-abroad years, extending the course to four years.

You may also find related degrees called:

• Environmental Sciences
• Environmental Science and Sustainability
• Environmental Science with Ecology
• Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Environmental Geoscience
• Environmental Management
• Environmental Science with a year in industry

The exact balance between biology, chemistry, geography and geology varies between universities. Some courses are more focused on ecosystems and conservation, while others place greater emphasis on pollution, environmental chemistry, Earth systems or environmental management.

First year: Understanding how the environment works

Your first year normally introduces the fundamental scientific processes that shape the natural environment.

Typical topics might include:

• Ecosystems and biodiversity
• Climate change
• Environmental chemistry
• Geology and soils
• Atmospheric processes
• Rivers and water systems
• Environmental pollution
• Sustainability
• Scientific research methods
• Laboratory techniques
• GIS and environmental data

At the University of Exeter, for example, Environmental Science students develop an understanding of Earth's environmental processes alongside practical skills in fieldwork, laboratory analysis and geographical information systems. The University of Leeds similarly describes its Environmental Science degree as investigating threats to the environment, including climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss and changes to air, water and soil quality.

One of the most important ideas you'll encounter is that environmental systems are interconnected. Consider a river - its water quality may be affected by farming, sewage, industrial pollution, rainfall, geology, soil characteristics and land use. A change in one part of the system can have consequences elsewhere - for example, fertilisers washed from agricultural land can increase nutrient concentrations in rivers and lakes. This can encourage excessive algal growth, which may eventually reduce oxygen levels and harm aquatic life.

Understanding these relationships requires knowledge of chemistry, biology and physical geography. You'll also begin learning how environmental scientists investigate problems rather than simply describe them.

Second year: Investigating environmental problems in greater depth

During second year, you'll normally start studying more specialised environmental topics.

Depending on the university, these might include:

• Environmental pollution
• Climate science
• Hydrology
• Ecology
• Conservation
• Environmental geochemistry
• Soil science
• Atmospheric science
• Environmental monitoring
• Waste management
• Environmental impact assessment
• GIS and remote sensing

You'll also become more confident using the techniques that professional environmental scientists rely on. For example, you might investigate whether a river is being affected by pollution. You could collect water samples, measure variables such as pH, dissolved oxygen and nutrient concentrations, identify aquatic organisms and analyse the results using statistical techniques. Or you might use satellite images to investigate changes in vegetation cover, examine air-quality data or assess the environmental impacts of a proposed development. This is where Environmental Science becomes particularly interesting - you aren't simply learning that environmental problems exist, you're learning how to measure them, identify their causes and evaluate possible solutions.

During the degree, you'll normally develop experience in several areas...

• Laboratory analysis involves testing samples such as water, soil and sediments to investigate environmental conditions.
• Field monitoring involves collecting measurements directly from the environment.
• GIS (Geographical Information Systems) allows you to map environmental patterns and investigate spatial relationships.
• Remote sensing uses satellite or aerial imagery to monitor changes in the Earth's surface.
• Statistical analysis and modelling help you identify patterns in environmental data and investigate how environmental systems behave.

These skills are particularly valuable because employers increasingly need people who can combine environmental knowledge with practical scientific and data-analysis skills.

Third year: Specialising and completing your dissertation

By final year, you'll normally have greater freedom to specialise in the environmental topics that interest you most.

Depending on the university, you might study:

• Climate change
• Environmental pollution
• Biodiversity and conservation
• Water resources
• Environmental management
• Environmental chemistry
• Soil and land degradation
• Environmental hazards
• Sustainable resource use
• Environmental modelling
• Environmental policy

A major part of final year is normally an independent dissertation or research project - this is where you'll choose an environmental question and investigate it yourself. Environmental Science dissertations often involve collecting scientific data, carrying out laboratory experiments, analysing environmental datasets or using computer models.

Possible dissertation topics could include:

• How does agricultural runoff affect river-water quality?
• How effective are natural flood-management schemes?
• How do microplastics affect freshwater ecosystems?
• How does urban development influence air pollution?
• What factors affect biodiversity in urban green spaces?
• How does soil type influence the movement of pollutants?
• How effective are wetlands at removing nutrients from water?
• How has climate change affected a particular ecosystem?
• Can satellite imagery be used to monitor deforestation?
• How do different land-management practices affect soil carbon?
• What environmental impacts are associated with abandoned mines?
• How does road runoff affect water quality?
• How effective are peatland restoration projects at storing carbon?
• How does plastic pollution vary along a coastline?
• How does urbanisation influence river flooding?
• What factors affect the distribution of invasive species?
• How do extreme weather events influence environmental quality?
• Can environmental DNA (eDNA) be used to monitor biodiversity?
• How do different types of vegetation affect soil erosion?
• How suitable are particular locations for renewable-energy development?

Your dissertation is an opportunity to demonstrate that you can design a scientific investigation, collect evidence, analyse data and draw conclusions. These are particularly valuable skills when applying for environmental jobs or postgraduate research.

Opportunity for fieldwork

Fieldwork is an important part of most Environmental Science degrees - but the fieldwork can be extremely varied because Environmental Science covers so many different topics.

You might spend time:

• Collecting river-water samples
• Measuring air pollution
• Investigating soil characteristics
• Surveying habitats
• Studying coastal erosion
• Examining geological formations
• Monitoring biodiversity
• Investigating peatlands
• Collecting sediment samples
• Assessing environmental impacts

The UK provides excellent opportunities for this type of work - fieldwork might take place in the Lake District, North Wales, Cornwall, the Peak District, the Yorkshire Dales, the Scottish Highlands or along the UK's coastlines. At Exeter, Environmental Science students study at the university's Penryn Campus in Cornwall and have opportunities for field courses in the South West and further afield. Exeter also highlights practical experience in collecting and analysing environmental data, alongside the use of GIS and satellite information.

Some universities offer international field trips, although destinations vary and overseas visits may be optional. For example, an overseas field course might involve investigating Mediterranean ecosystems, tropical environments, volcanic landscapes or coastal conservation.

Fieldwork normally becomes more demanding as you progress - in first year, you might be learning how to collect samples and use scientific equipment. By second or third year, you could be designing your own investigation, analysing the results and evaluating how reliable your findings are. Always check which field trips are included in tuition fees and which may involve additional costs.

Many Environmental Science degrees offer opportunities to spend an additional year working in industry or studying overseas. Exeter, for example, offers both a Professional Placement version and a Study Abroad version of its BSc Environmental Science degree. Leeds also advertises optional work placements and study abroad for Environmental Science students.

Placements could potentially involve working with:

• Environmental consultancies
• Water companies
• Environmental regulators
• Local authorities
• Conservation organisations
• Engineering consultancies
• Renewable-energy businesses
• Sustainability teams
• Research organisations

A placement can be particularly useful because Environmental Science graduates enter a wide range of professions. It gives you an opportunity to discover which area interests you most and develop practical experience with environmental monitoring, GIS, laboratory work or environmental assessment.

Which universities offer Environmental Science?

Environmental Science is available at universities across the UK, although the course content and specialisms vary.

Examples include:

• University of Exeter – BSc Environmental Science: A three-year degree based at Penryn Campus in Cornwall, focusing on environmental processes, climate change, biodiversity and sustainability. Students develop field, laboratory, GIS and satellite-data skills. Professional placement and study-abroad versions are available.
• University of Leeds – BSc Environmental Science: A three-year degree investigating environmental challenges such as pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss. Students develop scientific and analytical skills, with optional work placements and study abroad.
• University of Southampton – BSc Environmental Science: A three-year degree exploring environmental systems and the scientific investigation of environmental change, with practical fieldwork and opportunities to develop specialist environmental skills.

You'll also find related degrees at universities across the UK, sometimes within Geography, Earth Sciences, Ecology or Environmental Science departments.

When comparing universities, look carefully at the balance between biology, chemistry, physical geography and environmental management. Some courses may suit students who are particularly interested in ecosystems and conservation, while others are better suited to those who enjoy environmental chemistry, pollution or Earth science. Also consider the amount of laboratory work, fieldwork, GIS training, research opportunities and industrial placements.

What are the entry requirements?

Entry requirements vary between universities.

For 2027 entry, examples include:

• Exeter – BSc Environmental Science = AAB-ABB
• Leeds – BSc Environmental Science = ABB
• Southampton – BSc Environmental Science = ABB

Exeter requires a grade B in an accepted science subject, while Southampton requires one accepted science subject as part of its ABB offer. At several universities, A-level Geography is accepted as a relevant science subject.

Other useful subjects include:

• Environmental Science
• Geography
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Geology

The subject requirements are important because Environmental Science is a science degree. Although you might be interested in environmental problems from a geographical or social perspective, you'll need to understand the scientific processes behind them...

• Chemistry is especially useful for topics involving pollution, water quality and environmental contaminants.
• Biology is useful for ecology, biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Geography helps with climate change, hydrology, landscapes and environmental management.
• Mathematics can be valuable for statistics, modelling and environmental data analysis.

If you haven't studied A-level Environmental Science, don't worry - it isn't normally a compulsory requirement, but always check the precise entry requirements for the university and year you're applying for.

What careers can an Environmental Science degree lead to?

Environmental Science can lead into a wide range of careers involving environmental protection, scientific research, sustainability, consultancy and regulation. Graduates might work for environmental consultancies, government agencies, water companies, local authorities, conservation organisations or private businesses. However, some specialist scientific careers require postgraduate study or additional professional training.

Environmental consultant

Environmental consultants advise businesses, developers and public-sector organisations on environmental issues. You might investigate pollution, assess the impacts of development, analyse environmental data or help organisations comply with environmental regulations.

Prospects reports typical graduate starting salaries of £24,000-£28,000, rising to approximately £30,000-£42,000 with experience. Senior environmental consultants can earn £45,000-£60,000, while principal consultants and team leaders may earn £60,000-£70,000+.

Environmental scientist

Environmental scientists investigate environmental processes and problems. You might monitor air, water or soil quality, analyse pollution, investigate environmental changes or carry out research. Employers could include environmental consultancies, laboratories, government agencies and research organisations.

As a broad guide, graduate environmental-science and monitoring roles might start around £22,000-£28,000, with experienced scientists often earning around £30,000-£45,000. Specialist and senior positions can pay more.

Hydrologist

Hydrologists investigate water and how it moves through the environment. They study rainfall, rivers, groundwater and flooding, helping organisations manage water resources and reduce flood risk.

The typical salary range is £28,000 for starters to £45,000 for experienced hydrologists. This career is particularly relevant if you enjoy studying water cycles, rivers and catchment management. Some hydrology positions require further specialist training.

Sustainability consultant

Sustainability consultants help organisations reduce their environmental impacts. You might investigate carbon emissions, waste, energy use, resource efficiency or sustainability reporting.

Starting salaries are approximately £20,000-£28,000, rising to £25,000-£40,000 with experience. Senior sustainability consultants can earn £40,000-£60,000+.

Climate scientist

Climate scientists investigate how the Earth's climate works and how it is changing. They may analyse historical climate data, develop computer models, investigate future climate scenarios or study the impacts of climate change.

The typical salary range of £32,000-£58,000. This is a more specialist career, and research-focused positions often require a Master's degree or PhD, particularly where advanced mathematics and computer modelling are involved.

Environmental protection officer

Environmental protection officers help monitor and regulate activities that could harm the environment. They may work on pollution control, waste management, environmental compliance or investigations into environmental incidents. Employers include local authorities, environmental regulators and private organisations.

Graduate or junior roles might start around £25,000-£32,000, with experienced officers earning approximately £35,000-£45,000. Senior and management positions can pay more.

Ecologist

Ecologists investigate relationships between organisms and their environments. They might survey habitats, monitor species, assess development impacts or help design conservation projects. Environmental Science can provide a route into ecology, particularly if you choose ecology-focused modules and gain relevant field-survey experience. However, some employers may prefer graduates with specialist ecology or conservation training.

Early-career ecologists commonly earn around £22,000-£29,000, with experienced and senior roles paying more.

GIS and environmental data analyst

Environmental organisations increasingly rely on digital mapping, satellite data and environmental datasets. You might use GIS to map flood risk, investigate pollution, monitor habitat change or analyse environmental trends.

Graduate GIS and environmental-data roles might start around £24,000-£30,000, rising to approximately £30,000-£45,000 with experience. Senior geospatial specialists and managers can earn £45,000-£60,000+.

Other possibilities

Environmental Science graduates could also move into:

• Environmental consultancy
• Pollution monitoring
• Water-quality management
• Flood-risk assessment
• Environmental regulation
• Conservation
• Sustainability
• Environmental impact assessment
• Contaminated-land investigation
• Waste and resource management
• Climate adaptation
• GIS and remote sensing
• Renewable-energy development
• Environmental education
• Scientific research
• Government agencies
• Postgraduate study

Because the degree combines several scientific disciplines, your eventual career direction may depend heavily on the modules, dissertation topic and work experience you choose.

What skills will you develop?

Environmental Science develops a combination of scientific, technical and transferable skills.

These can include:

• Environmental sampling
• Laboratory analysis
• Field monitoring
• GIS
• Remote sensing
• Statistical analysis
• Environmental data interpretation
• Scientific report writing
• Research design
• Computer modelling
• Environmental impact assessment
• Problem-solving
• Project management
• Teamwork
• Independent research

You'll also learn how to investigate environmental problems using evidence. For example, rather than simply asking 'Is this river polluted?', you might collect water samples, measure chemical concentrations, investigate the organisms living in the river, analyse land use in the surrounding catchment and compare your findings with environmental standards. That ability to identify a problem, investigate its causes and evaluate possible solutions is one of the degree's greatest strengths.

What's the difference between Environmental Science and BSc Geography?

These degrees overlap considerably, especially when it comes to climate change, environmental processes, fieldwork and sustainability.

However, they often have different emphases.

Environmental Science...

• Combines biology, chemistry, geology and environmental science
• Pollution, ecosystems, environmental chemistry and environmental quality
• Laboratory testing of environmental samples
• Environmental monitoring and assessment
• Strong links to pollution control and environmental regulation

BSc Geography...

• Often places greater emphasis on geographical and Earth-surface processes
• Rivers, coasts, glaciers, climate and landscapes
• Field measurements, spatial analysis and environmental modelling
• Understanding geographical patterns and processes
• Strong links to physical geography, hydrology and geospatial analysis

But the distinction isn't absolute - some BSc Geography degrees include substantial environmental science, while some Environmental Science degrees have a strong physical-geography focus.

The most important thing is to compare the actual modules - if you're particularly interested in pollution, environmental chemistry, ecosystems and scientific monitoring, Environmental Science may be the better fit; if you're more interested in rivers, glaciers, coastal systems, landscapes and geographical processes, BSc Geography might appeal more.

Is Environmental Science a good degree?

Environmental Science could be an excellent choice if you're interested in environmental problems and want to understand the science behind them. It's particularly suitable for students who enjoy fieldwork, laboratory investigations, collecting data and understanding how natural systems operate.

You might enjoy it if you're interested in:

• Climate change
• Pollution
• Ecosystems
• Biodiversity
• Water quality
• Environmental chemistry
• Conservation
• Sustainability
• Environmental monitoring

But it's important to recognise that this is a science degree, not simply a course about environmental issues and sustainability - you'll encounter biology, chemistry, geology and physical geography, and you'll need to analyse data, understand scientific processes and carry out practical investigations.

If that appeals to you, the variety can be fascinating - one week you might be analysing water samples in a laboratory, another measuring soil characteristics in the field, another using satellite images to monitor environmental change and another investigating how pollution affects an ecosystem.

And these aren't simply academic questions - climate change is altering environmental systems; pollution continues to threaten air, water and soil quality; biodiversity is declining in many parts of the world; growing populations are increasing pressure on natural resources; governments and businesses need reliable scientific evidence to make environmental decisions.

Understanding how the environment works, how human activities affect it and how scientific evidence can help us protect it is at the heart of Environmental Science.