Environmental Science degrees
Environmental Science is a global, interdisciplinary field that challenges you to rethink and respond to urgent environmental, ecological and societal issues.
Study Environmental Science at the University of Exeter
Environmental Science is part of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, based at our Penryn campus in Cornwall.
Our courses cover physical and social sciences, offering hands-on experience in environmental and climate change, and sustainable development, with opportunities for professional placements and study abroad.
Our research within the Centre for Geography and Environmental Science (CGES) celebrates and encourages interdisciplinary thinking in all activities, drawing on approaches and methods that span humanities, social sciences and sciences.
Our Environmental Science degrees and courses
Our Environmental Science degrees are taught on our Penryn Campus in Cornwall.
Undergraduate degrees
Related subjects
If you are interested in studying Ecology and Conservation, we also recommend exploring our degrees in Biosciences, Ecology and Conservation, Marine Science, and Geography.
You can search a full list of subject areas taught at the University of Exeter.
Top 50 in the world in the QS World University Sustainability Rankings 2026
Top 15 in the UK for Geography and Environmental Science
14th in the Complete University Guide 2026
Study climate change, biodiversity, sustainability and environmental decision-making
The University of Exeter is 155th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 170th in the THE World Rankings 2026
Frequently asked questions about studying Environmental Science
We've answered some of our most frequently asked questions below to help you decide if an Environmental Science degree is right for you.
What career prospects would I have with an Environmental Science degree?
An Environmental Science degree equips you with a multidisciplinary understanding of environmental issues. This comprehensive foundation prepares you for diverse roles in sectors including conservation, sustainability, environmental management and beyond.
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 such as environment, health, conservation, education, third sector work, culture and heritage and community work.
We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service, with offices at our Penryn campus, ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation.
Find out more about your career options with an Environmental Science degree.
Can international students apply for Environmental Science degrees?
Yes. Our international student community is part of what makes Exeter a top worldwide university. International students are welcome to apply for Bachelors (undergraduate) and Masters (postgraduate taught) degrees with us, as well as for postgraduate research opportunities.
For more information, visit our international students webpages.
You won’t find another university which has a stronger sense of community, good quality teaching and the chance to travel the world during the course with awesome field trips! The field trips are fantastic for getting to know your peers and staff in a more relaxed and fun environment.
My advice for anyone considering applying for the University of Exeter would be to go for it! The teaching is absolutely world class. The lecturers in Cornwall are fantastic, incredibly helpful and will go out of their way to make sure that you get the most out of the degree. Dr Karen Anderson and Dr Jon Bennie are two lecturers who particularly stand out for me, but they're all fantastic.
Living on campus and in Falmouth in Cornwall has been amazing. The university has such a tight-knit atmosphere and you feel part of a community. There's always something going on and it’s never dull with both university and public events on campus and in the towns of Penryn and Falmouth. The laboratories on campus are fantastic. There’s plenty of computers in the computer labs and the other labs are amazingly well kitted-out.
I am vice-president of the Geography Society at the Penryn Campus, and involved in lacrosse, hockey, kayaking, running and climbing.
I would like to pursue a career in the wildlife filming and documentary production sector, educating the public about wildlife and our impacts on the world and wildlife.
Michael
BSc Environmental Science, Penryn Campus
A great thing about Penryn is the amazing Gylly Beach located just 30 minutes away from campus! And as an Environmental Scientist, I simply must mention that the air we breathe here is 100% fresher! When I graduate I intend to work with the Environmental Agency in Singapore to better understand the recycling predicament we are facing and how we can resolve that.
Cheryl, from Singapore
BSc Environmental Science