A complete guide to environmental science degrees

There are many things that we do to protect our planet and try to prevent the climate crisis from becoming a complete climate catastrophe. We try to better predict extreme weather events, prevent species extinction through habitat conservation, utilise natural energy resources for power without digging up the land, and much more.

What all of these things have in common is environmental science. It’s a field of study that needs our attention now more than ever, and part of that means ensuring that we have well-educated environmental science experts working across a wide range of industries.

So, if you’ve been blessed with an analytical and scientific mind, and you’re passionate about contributing to the future of our planet, pursuing a degree in environmental science is a commendable choice. And, you’ll have your pick of an exciting array of careers that allow you to travel the world and spend most working hours in nature. What’s not to like?

In this article, we’ll explore different types of environmental science degrees, some of the most exciting career paths, salaries, and how studying online could be the answer to any concerns you have.

What is environmental science?

An interdisciplinary field that includes learnings from biology, physics, chemistry, geology, geography and maths, environmental science is the study of how the natural and man-made interact together in our environment, particularly focusing on the impact that humans have on the earth.

By nature, this makes it a pretty broad field, with many fascinating specialisms to cover. These specialisms include climate change, nature conservation, biodiversity, soil contamination and more, so there’s something for everyone.

What does an environmental science degree involve?

As well as studying a mixture of scientific disciplines, environmental science students will learn how to use data, models and statistics to build their understanding of different environments. You’ll evaluate environmental challenges and current issues on a local, national and global scale, before thinking about how to solve some of these challenges.

While you’ll probably start off with a broad overview of the main subjects in environmental science, many degree programs offer the chance to specialise in more niche areas in the final year of your undergraduate degree, or in a postgraduate program. 

For example, you might decide to specialise in wildlife management, water quality or sustainable engineering — whatever you’re most interested in, and perhaps eventually want to work in.

Below, we’ve listed some example modules for an environmental science degree, to give you a better idea of what to expect.

• Rocks, minerals and fossils
• Atmospheric and oceanic systems
• Ecology and conservation
• Postglacial environments
• Sustainable development
• Scientific modelling
• Biodiversity conservation
• Pollution and waste management
• Natural hazards
• Politics of climate change and energy
• Population and community ecology
• Global environmental science.

Types of environmental science degree

If you’ve only just decided you want to pursue a career in environmental science, you’ll need to look at undergraduate degree options. However, if you’ve already got your bachelor’s but want to specialise in order to access more skilled careers, there are also plenty of postgraduate degrees to choose from.

Below, we go into some of the most popular types of environmental science degrees out there. These could be in the form of a Bachelor’s of Science (BSc) or Master’s of Science (MSc), with the master’s courses going into more depth and assuming you have existing skills and knowledge in the subject.

• BSc/MSc Environmental Science
• BSc/MSc Geography and Environmental Science
• BSc/MSc Environmental and Earth Sciences
• BSc/MSc Ecology and Environmental Science
• BSc/MSc Environmental Science and Sustainability
• BSc/MSc Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science
• BSc/MSc Environmental Science and Climate Change.

Skills you’ll learn on an environmental science degree

Environmental science students learn a wide range of hard and soft skills — some that specifically teach them how to identify, analyse and solve environmental science issues, and some that are highly transferable, and prepare them for work in a wide variety of roles and industries. Take a look at just some of the skills you’ll learn on your degree below.

Hard skills:

• Data collection and analysis
• Scientific research skills
• Laboratory skills
• Environmental law and ethics
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Soft skills:

• Communication
• Project management
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Creative problem-solving
• Attention to detail.

How long does it take to get an environmental science degree?

If you’re studying alongside your day job, you’ll most likely have to choose a part-time degree. This means it’ll probably take 4 years to complete a bachelor’s degree, 2 years for a master’s degree, and 1-2 years for a postgraduate certificate.

Full-time degrees, on the other hand, are normally 3 years for a bachelor’s and just one year for a master’s. While full-time degrees are quicker to complete, it does take a lot more effort and hard work packed into a shorter time frame, so make sure you choose an option that works with your lifestyle and pre-existing commitments.

Entry requirements for an environmental science degree

When it comes to entry requirements, you’ll need to show that you’ve got the aptitude to study environmental science. This means you need to have studied at least one acceptable science at A-level, or preferably, multiple science or geography related subjects. You’ll also need at least a grade C/4 in your maths and science GCSEs.

Below, we’ve listed the average grade requirements in the UK — however, the grades you’ll need to get in vary depending on factors including the university’s prestige and the strength of their environmental science department.

A-levels: ABB

BTECs: DDD-DDM (often in addition to one acceptable science A-level)

Scottish Highers: AABBB

IB: 32-36

To get onto a master’s degree in environmental science, you’ll need at least a 2:1 in a relevant undergraduate program, and in some cases, you may even need a first class degree. This all depends on how specialised the master’s course is.

Must-haves 

• Relevant academic qualifications
• Scientific and analytical mindset
• Interest in the environment and sustainability.

Good-to-haves 

• Volunteering, work or field experience with an environmental or science organisation
• Knowledge of current environmental news and issues
• Strong written communication.

How much does an environmental science degree cost?

At undergraduate level, tuition fees are £9,250 per year for most UK students, though degrees are free for Scottish students studying in Scotland, and the tuition is less in Northern Ireland. International students can expect to pay quite a bit more.

The cost is more variable for master’s degrees and other postgraduate qualifications. On average, master’s degrees cost between £12,000 and £25,000, but where exactly it falls on the spectrum will depend on how in-depth the program is and the prestige of the institution. 

Funding options for environmental science degrees

Fortunately, undergraduate degrees (and normally one year of a master’s degree) are covered by Student Finance in the UK. This means that you get a loan to fund your degree, and sometimes also a grant for living costs. 

There are, however, additional routes you can go down when it comes to funding your degree. For example, there might be options for obtaining a scholarship or grant, and your university might even offer financial aid packages. 

Where to look

• Check out Prospect’s postgraduate funding page
• Use the Turn2Us grants search tool
• Take a look at The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding
• If you’re Scottish, check out Student Awards Agency Scotland
• If you’re an international student hoping to come to the UK, check out GREAT Scholarships by the British Council.

How to get into an environmental science degree

In the UK, you usually apply for undergraduate degrees via UCAS, choosing five degree options and ranking them in order of which one you’d most like to join. You also normally have to meet the entry requirements stated by your chosen university and write a personal statement detailing your suitability for the degree  — more details on this below.

For master’s programs, you apply directly on the institution’s website, and you’ll need an undergraduate degree in your chosen field, whether that’s environmental science, biology or something else. 

Personal statement tips

• Explain your passion for environmental science. What made you interested in studying environmental science, which areas are you most excited about, and what do you hope to gain or contribute through your studies?
• Showcase your understanding of current issues. Talk about the current environmental issues you’re most passionate about, and refer to any books, journals, conferences or travelling experiences that highlight your interest further.
• Dive into your experience. Have you done any volunteering for an environmental or conservation charity? Or what about work experience with a scientific organisation? Make sure you talk about the things you’ve worked on that ignited your desire to pursue further study in this field.
• Highlight your knowledge of the course. It’s good to be as specific as you can about your reasons for choosing this degree in particular. What about it stood out? Which degree modules are you most excited to study and why?

How will you be assessed on an environmental science degree?

Whether you’re at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you can expect to be assessed using a mixture of essays, practical assessments, field exercises, research papers, exams, lab reports and then the odd presentation or group project. 

However, this will depend on your degree program to an extent. When it comes to online degrees, all of your assessments will be online, making it as easy as possible for you to complete your degree from home.

How difficult is a degree in environmental science?

While an environmental science degree can certainly be difficult, since you’re applying scientific research and methodology to complex ethical and societal challenges, the most important thing is that you’re passionate. If you love your specialty and have enjoyed studying science in the past, you shouldn’t struggle too much.

Despite there being a lot of ground to cover, you’ll get to learn about a wide variety of interesting topics, pick up research skills, gain an understanding of global environmental issues, and learn from experts in the field. 

So, if you want to contribute towards creating a more healthy and sustainable planet, and are ready to put some effort in, you should come away with a respectable degree classification.

Job satisfaction and prospects for environmental science graduates

As more and more people wake up to the reality of the climate crisis, the demand for graduates with environmental expertise grows. There’s sustainable infrastructure to build, environmental policies to create, habitats to protect and environmental health concerns to fix, and all of this means that jobs are on the rise. 

While it’s hardly a good thing that environmental concerns are through the roof, this does improve your prospects as an environmental science graduate, which might give you a sense of security when applying for a degree.

The 2021/22 Graduate Outcomes survey data from HESA supports this position, stating that 15 months after graduating, 66.5% of environmental science graduates were employed, 11% had pursued further study, and 8.5% were working and studying simultaneously.  

What’s more, it’s trickier to think of a more satisfying career than one where you’ll be helping to save the planet through your observation, analysis and practical fieldwork. You’ll be right at the heart of solving real-world environmental issues, working among other professionals who are as passionate as you are. 

What can you do with an environmental science degree?

There’s so much that you can do with an environmental science degree, and you’ve got a myriad of options when it comes to potential employers. 

Typical employers of environmental science grads include local authorities, government departments, environmental protection agencies, charitable trusts and conservation organisations — each with their own fascinating set of goals and challenges.

Below, we’ve listed just some of the careers you could go into with an environmental science degree under your belt, but remember, this isn’t an extensive list. Your options are wide open, particularly if you undertake a postgraduate degree in your desired niche.

• Environmental scientist
• Wildlife conservationist
• Environmental consultant
• Water quality inspector
• Commercial horticulturist
• Environmental education officer
• Recycling officer
• Waste management officer
• Sustainability consultant
• Environmental engineer
• Ecologist
• Meteorologist.

Salary prospects: How much do environmental science graduates earn?

Once you’ve completed your degree, the amount of money you earn will completely depend on the sector you enter. However, as an estimate, the average environmental science job salary is around £38,382 in the UK. 

Let’s also take a look at some of the highest paid careers in the field, to give a broader perspective on salary outcomes. As always, you’ll earn better salaries as you gain more years of experience working in your field.

• Waste management officer — £48,103 per year
• Energy and sustainability consultant — £45,710 per year
• Climate scientist — £36,302 per year

Why choose a degree in environmental science?

Just in case you’re still going around in circles about whether to apply for an environmental science degree, let’s recap some of the reasons you should go for it, and confirm whether a degree is right for you at this stage of your life.

• Make an impact. Contribute to the wellbeing of the planet and human health in a tangible way through policy change, wildlife conservation, environmental education and more.
• Learn in-demand skills. The skills you learn on an environmental science degree, particularly data modelling and statistical analysis, are very much in demand.
• Take your pick of careers. There are so many interesting careers in environmental science and geography where you’ll be able to make full use of your new expertise.
• Spend your days in nature. Many environmental science graduates will secure jobs that require spending a lot of time outside in nature, which has all kinds of benefits on your health and happiness. This may even include opportunities to travel the globe.
• Network with leading researchers. Who better to learn from than the experts who’ll be leading your degree modules? You may even open doors to future job opportunities.
• Continuous professional development. In the field of environmental science, there is always something new to learn, whether that’s a new discovery, piece of research, or innovation in sustainable technology.

Get an online environmental science degree with FutureLearn

If you’ve got this far, you’re probably interested in looking at your degree options, and we’ve got some fantastic online environmental science degrees for you. Studying for your degree online means you don’t have to put all other commitments on hold, you can study wherever and whenever it suits you, and you may even save money. 

At FutureLearn, our environmental science degrees are all at postgraduate level, so you can gain the specialist skills and expert-backed education you need for a thriving career in the field you’re most passionate about. Take a look at your options below.

• LLM in Energy and Environmental Law by the University of Birmingham
• MSc Environment and Human Health by the University of Exeter
• Global Sustainability Solutions PGCert by the University of Exeter
• MSc Global Food Security and Nutrition by the University of Edinburgh
• MSc Biodiversity, Wildlife, and Ecosystem Health by the University of Edinburgh
• MSc One Health by the University of Edinburgh.