Do you want to understand human environmental impact? You will build solutions to real environmental issues, using knowledge and cutting edge practical skills. Develop an understanding of climate change, biodiversity, conservation and sustainability, in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Applying the latest techniques in the laboratory and the field – both in the UK and overseas, you will graduate ready to shape the future of fields from ecosystem management to environmental monitoring.

Key features

In the 2018 National Student Survey (NSS), 90 per cent of students agreed that the course was intellectually stimulating 93 per cent of students agreed that staff were good at explaining things and 95 per cent were satisfied with the quality of the course*.
Benefit from enthusiastic, supportive staff and teaching informed by our renowned research.
Take part in regular UK and overseas fieldwork in destinations such as Dartmoor National Park, Malaysia and Malta, where you will explore and study terrestrial and marine environmental systems.
Experience in-depth coverage of natural sciences in the context of cultural and economic systems.
Learn about the latest actions and technological developments in the struggle against climate change.
Deepen your knowledge through our international exchange programme with the USA, Canada, Australia and various European countries.
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.
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.
Develop your employability with placement opportunities in the UK and abroad, with organisations such as Kew Gardens, Pell Frischmann, The National Trust and Hyder Consulting Ltd.
Qualify as a professional diver (HSE SCUBA) as part of your second year of study.
Increase your confidence with support from student mentors in our externally recognised peer assisted learning scheme, PALS.

Structural components

Dive training

International component

Laboratory training

Practical/Field work

Research Project

Application procedure

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).

UCAS will require the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.

Apply for this course on the UCAS website.

For more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, visit the UCAS website.

For enquiries about direct entry to years two and four, contact Admissions Tutor John Bull.

Intercalating students wishing to apply for the final year of this course should complete a direct entry form.

Grant opportunities

Undergraduate scholarships for international students

To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.

Find out whether you are eligible and how you can apply

Prerequisites

UCAS tariff

104 - 112

A level: 104–112 points, to include a minimum of 2 A levels and preferably from one of the following subjects: Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Psychology, Geography, Geology, Applied Science, Use of Maths, Applied Science, Biology or Human Biology, Statistics, Science in the Environment, Design Technology. General Studies not accepted.

IB: 26–27 points overall from an International Baccalaureate to include science/technology-related subjects. English and mathematics must be included.

BTEC: 18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: DMM preferably from a science/technology related subject (applied science, animal management, countryside management, forensic science).

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.

GCSE: mathematics grade C required. English language grade C or above.

Access: pass an Access to HE Diploma (science-based) with at least 33 credits at merit, and to include at least 12 credits in a relevant science units at merit. Including GCSE English and Maths grade C or above or equivalent.

Applications from international students and those with no recent formal qualifications are welcome and will be assessed on an individual basis.

Direct entry to year two or the final year is possible.

Accepted subject include: applied science, animal management, countryside management, forensic science.

The BSc (Hons) Environmental Science course is also available for intercalating students.

English language requirements.

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.