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Check eligibility →BSc (Hons) Environmental Science Bachelor's degree at Northampton
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science at Northampton. Environmental Science at Northampton centres on ecology and understanding the science behind environmental issues, underpinned by substantial fieldwork.
About this course
Explore ecology and the science of environmental issues, on our Environmental Science degree, with fieldwork opportunities. Apply now! From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Northampton, based in Waterside Campus, University of Northampton. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Geography, earth and environmental studies graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 65% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Environmental Science, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 6 modules
- Introduction to EcologyCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module provides an introduction to the science of ecology. It considers fundamental ecological concepts and principles and focuses on individuals, populations, interactions (between species), communities and ecosystems.
- Environmental PollutionCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to enable students to explore a range of contemporary and emerging issues and impacts related to pollution. Students will develop an awareness through global perpectives in line with sustainable development goals.
- Lab and Field SkillsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module provides students with specialist training in environmental and ecological practical techniques. Students will acquire the skills necessary to plan, conduct and report on environmental science investigations in both laboratory and field environments. Students will apply these skills on a residential field trip.
- The Physical EnvironmentCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The Physical Environment provides an introduction tothe physical environment of Planet Earth. Students will examine processes which operate in the atmosphere, like the development of clouds and tainfall, those that occur at the Earth's surface, such as weathering and erosion and how, combined with geology and tectonics how these processes interact to produce environments and landscapes.
- GeohazardsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module provides an overview of a broad range of geohazards. It introduces the key principles, concepts and terminology associated with the analysis of geohazard.
- A Sustainable CommunityCompulsory20 credits
Module details
In this module students develop an understanding of sustainable development, its underpinning values and what it could mean to them. Students will explore local and global dimensions of sustainable development through student-led project work, discussion and critical reflection.
Year 2 8 modules
- Fieldwork ModuleCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module provides opportunities for a range of ecological and environmental field-based investigations. Students will be involved in more in-depth fieldwork activities than a standard module would allow. Data analysis, scientific reporting skills and specialist practical skills are developed, as are collaborative working skills as students work in teams to collect data in the field and to report on research. This module includes a residential field trip (e.g. Slapton Ley, Devon).
- Impacts of PollutionCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to enable students to investigate a range of impacts related to soil, water and air pollution to enhance deeper knowledge and understanding into their effects on the environment both locally and globally.
- Data TechnologiesCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module will start by introducing students to methodologies for data manipulation and analysis using a free to use platform in combination with MS Excel. The second part of the module will provide introductory training on the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the role of geospatial technology in investigating biological and environmental problems. Students will be introduced to specialist software and complete practical IT sessions that demonstrate potential applications of the
- Environmental Law and JusticeCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to allow students to develop an awareness and understanding of the underpinning philosophies behind environmental laws on land and at sea, as well as of the ways in which environmental policy is implemented and enforced through legal measures.
- BiogeographyOptional20 credits
Module details
Biogeography combines ecology and geography to help us understand global patterns of biodiversity. `It is the study of distributions of organisms, habitats and biomes, both past and present, and of related patterns of variation over the earth in the numbers and kinds of living things' (Brown & Lomolino, 1998).
- Terrestrial and Aquatic EcosystemsOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to explore the fundamentals of a range of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Students will develop an understanding of the distinct characteristics that define these environments, evaluate factors that threaten them and explore principles of conservation.
- Landscape ProcessesOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for the scientific study of processes, landforms, and deposits, an awareness of how the discipline has developed and an understanding of how geomorphological concepts may be applied to assist in the solution of environmental problems.
- Weather and ClimateOptional20 credits
Module details
Weather and Climate equips the student with a sound knowledge and understanding of atmospheric processes which are relevant to a broad range of environmental sciences.
Year 3 7 modules
- Pollution Monitoring and ControlCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to empower students with the skills and insight into a range of pollution monitoring techniques and control, remediation and mitigation measures to inform management and policy decisions within the appropriate statutory framework.
- Research Project and Dissertation in the Environmental SciencesCompulsory40 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to provide students with the opportunity to carry out an independent student-led, supervisor-supported investigation in a specific area related to their main field of study within their programme, and to communicate their findings in the form of a written dissertation.
- Biodiversity and ConservationOptional20 credits
Module details
This module deals with theoretical aspects of measuring biodiversity and understanding patterns of its distribution. It also considers more practical elements in terms of the practice of wildlife conservation including the evaluation and assessment of biodiversity for conservation.
- Communicating Climate ChangeOptional20 credits
Module details
Climate change is regarded as the greatest environmental problem. It is a complex scientific topic that can affect all aspects of environmental and human systems. It is essential that debate and policy is driven by informed specialists and not by the media or political agenda. In this module we explore all aspects of the climate change issue.
- Water Resource ManagementOptional20 credits
- Career Planning and EmployabilityOptional20 credits
Module details
The purpose of this module is to enhance students¿ employability. Students learn about the career opportunities available to Geography graduates, participate in application and interview role-play activities, undertake a short placement, and reflect on their experiences. The module also provides opportunities for students to network with alumni and employers.
- Monitoring the Earth's SurfaceOptional20 credits
Module details
The module explores techniques used to document and understand changes occurring at the Earth¿s surface with a focus on the role of geospatial technology. In this practical module students learn to use industry-standard survey instruments and software to generate and analyse geographical data.
Foundation Year 3 modules
- Professional and Academic Skills for University StudyCompulsory40 credits
- Applied Learning ProjectCompulsory40 credits
- Foundations in ScienceCompulsory40 credits
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course emphasises ecology and fieldwork opportunities alongside the science of environmental issues. You'll usually start with Earth Systems Science, Ecology Fundamentals and Environmental Data & GIS, building understanding of how the planet works and how to analyse environmental information. In your second year, a course like this typically moves to Climate Change Science & Policy, Pollution & Environmental Management, and a residential field course where you apply methods to real landscapes. In your final year, you'll choose specialist options such as climate science, conservation, water resources, or environmental policy, undertake work experience in Sustainability in Practice, and complete an independent research dissertation based on fieldwork or data analysis.
Who it's for
This course suits you if you're drawn to understanding how natural systems work and the environmental challenges facing communities and ecosystems. You should be comfortable with both lab-based and fieldwork investigation, analytical thinking and scientific reasoning. It appeals to those considering careers in environmental management, conservation, or related fields, or who simply want to deepen their grasp of how ecological and environmental science shapes policy and practice. Expect to blend practical outdoor work with classroom study and develop research skills that matter in real-world environmental roles.
Careers & job market
Across Environmental Science graduates nationally, 90% were in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 65% were in highly skilled roles or continued studying. Starting salaries for Environmental Science graduates nationally ranged from £24,000 to £30,000 at the 15-month point; after five years, this typically rose to £26,350 to £37,200. Pathways include environmental consulting, conservation, policy roles, and further postgraduate study.
University & format
The BSc (Hons) Environmental Science is delivered full-time over 3 years at the University of Northampton's Waterside Campus. Teaching is in English. The course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences for eligibility to apply for associate membership. The University of Northampton is a nationally recognised degree-awarding body, and holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 80% |
| an Access course | 10% |
| a previous degree | 5% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Northampton →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Environmental Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £25,000 | £23,500 – £27,000 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £23,000 | £18,000 – £27,000 | 80 |
| 5 years after | £28,500 | £22,500 – £32,500 | 85 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in environmental science · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Environmental Science nationally
National figures for Environmental Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Environmental Science courses at the same study level.
Compared with 560 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction ProfessionalsSOC 2020 245 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £45,972
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 35; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BSc (Hons) Environmental Science worth it?
Weigh it carefully. On these figures graduates of BSc (Hons) Environmental Science earn close to non-graduate pay, so on cost alone the course is slow to pay off.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 3 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 27.6. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 3 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
Job market & outlook
How Environmental Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Environmental Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Environmental consultancies
- Environment Agency
- Energy & utilities
- NGOs & local authorities
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Environmental Science graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.8 out of 10: NSS 87.4% · in work or study 90% · continued 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Northampton
Geography, earth and environmental studies (social sciences) across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Waterside Campus, University of Northampton
2,220 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Environmental Science right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Northampton from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £18,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Northampton’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Northampton and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Northampton
Environmental Science at other universities
BA (Hons) English Studies and Climate ChangeAberystwyth University
BSc (Hons) Environmental Earth Science (with integrated year in industry)Aberystwyth University
BSc (Hons) Environmental Earth Science (with integrated year studying abroad)Aberystwyth University
BSc (Hons) Environmental Earth ScienceAberystwyth UniversityCommon questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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