Environmental Science

Environmental science is the interdisciplinary study of how natural systems work, how human activities affect them, and what can be done to protect and restore ecological health. It draws on biology, chemistry, geography, geology, and social science to address challenges including climate change, pollution, habitat loss, water management, and the sustainable use of natural resources. The field is driven by a genuine sense of urgency: the decisions made now about how to interact with the natural world will shape the planet for generations.

At the University of the West of England in Bristol, the BSc in Environmental Science is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences, which recognises the quality and relevance of the programme and provides professional standing for graduates. The programme includes a foundation year, making it accessible to students who need additional preparation in the sciences before degree-level study, as well as a sandwich year and a work placement, which provide extended professional experience in environmental organisations, consultancies, or public bodies. You will study environmental chemistry, ecology, geoscience, environmental management, and research methods, developing both theoretical knowledge and the practical fieldwork and data analysis skills that the profession requires.

UWE's location in Bristol, close to a wide range of environmental organisations and businesses, strengthens the professional relevance of the degree.

Graduates from environmental science programmes work in environmental consultancy, conservation, local and central government, the water industry, energy, and international development. The IES accreditation supports professional development, and the degree also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study in environmental science, ecology, or sustainability.