MSci Environmental Science - 2025 entry

Entry requirements (typical offer)

NB General Studies is not included in any offer.

Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply

*Accepted science subjects: Biology/Human Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Design and Technology, Electronics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, Life and Health Sciences (Double Award only), Marine Science, Maths/Pure Maths/Further Maths, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, Science (applied), Sport Science, Statistics

Course content

Environmental science is a quantitative and interdisciplinary approach to understanding and managing the world in which we live. Environmental scientists are concerned with understanding spatial patterns in physical, biological and chemical phenomena in the Earth’s system at local, regional and global scales. They find appropriate solutions to environmental problems by assessing, reporting and quantifying environmental risks. They work in areas as diverse as contaminated land assessment and remediation, natural resource management, practical conservation, pollution mitigation, ecosystem service assessment, environmental monitoring, mapping and consultancy.

This degree in Environmental Science will give you the skills and expertise you need to address the world’s greatest challenges in climate change, such as biodiversity, sustainability and environmental decision-making. The additional fourth year provides an opportunity to work on a project focused on a specialised area of academic research. 

Fees

Tuition fees for 2024 entry

UK students: £9,250 per year
International students: £29,700 per year

Year abroad

If you choose the four-year version of this degree programme and spend a full academic year studying abroad, you will pay a reduced fee of 15 per cent of the maximum fee for that year.

Professional placement year

If you choose the four-year version of this degree programme and spend a full year on a work placement (in the UK or abroad) you will pay a reduced fee of 20 per cent of the maximum fee for that year.

Fieldwork

Please note, some optional/alternative field courses may incur additional costs. When participating in field courses, you will be required to cover any visa costs and, if necessary, purchase anti-malarial medication and relevant immunisations. You may also need to provide your own specialist personal equipment appropriate to the field course destination. You may incur additional costs dependent upon the specific demands of the research project chosen.

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

^{* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.}

Find out more about tuition fees and scholarships

Fieldwork

Fieldwork is an integral part of all of our programmes, taking learning into the field to explore the incredible landscapes in the region and beyond. Led by expert staff, field trips are embedded into modules throughout your degree to give you a first-hand understanding of the subject.

We begin in Year 1 with a range of local field excursions, exploring ecological and environmental principles in West Cornwall. 

In Year 2 you will undertake a week-long residential field course on the Isles of Scilly*. It will enable you to develop the conceptual, analytical and practical research skills necessary for you to carry out independent research work.

In Year 3 we take you further afield to think about bigger issues in environmental science and give you an opportunity to apply your research and practical skills.

In your final year you will undertake a field course, learning about threats to biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as studying ecology and behaviour with a focus on human impacts.

We also make the most of our location in the South West of England, organising a range of day trips each year as part of modules. These provide fantastic opportunities to study distinctive human and physical processes.

By the end of the programme you will have gathered a suite of unique field working skills that will place you in a strong position to move into environmental employment.

» Find out more about our field courses

_{*Please note that field course destinations are subject to change. Some optional/alternative field courses may incur additional costs.}

Learning and teaching

How will I learn?

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Hands-on interactive learning
• Field work
• Laboratory sessions
• Independent study
• Embedded GIS, remote sensing and data analysis

From Year 1 you will engage with hands-on enquiries using databases, maps and satellite data, developing GIS tools to help you understand the local, regional, national and global picture of the natural world and all of its processes. Lecture material will be global in scope but practical work will build from a local focus in Year 1 to a global perspective by Year 3. By the end of your degree you will be able to use spatial datasets to answer environmental questions important to the future of our planet.

Where will I learn?

At the Penryn Campus in Cornwall you will be welcomed into an intimate and supportive learning environment that encourages enthusiasm and passion for Environmental Science, and promotes interest in the global challenges geographers seek to address.  You will benefit from excellent student-to-staff ratios, small group tutorials and friendly, accessible staff.

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Your future

Employer-valued skills this course develops

Your degree in Environmental Science will give you the skills and expertise needed to address the world’s greatest challenges in climate change, and make you highly employable across a diverse range of careers.

These skills include:

• Data gathering
• Information retrieval
• Problem solving
• Project planning and management
• Organising and communicating information
• Report production and presentation (written and oral)
• Plus the ability to work effectively on your own and as part of a team.

Membership of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES)

Upon graduation you will receive a certificate stating that you have completed a course accredited by the Institution of Environmental Science (IES). The IES is a charitable organisation which promotes and raises public awareness of environmental science by supporting professional scientists and academics working in this crucial arena. 

The Institution is an international organisation attracting professionals of high standing with significant specialist and interdisciplinary experience, from countries including Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, Kenya, Malta, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Portugal, Rwanda, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, USA and Zimbabwe.

Before graduating you are eligible to join the IES (at no cost) as a student member. You are eligible to apply for Associate Membership upon graduation using a free fast-track application process. For more information, please visit the IES website.

How will membership help my career?

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