Undergraduate course
Planned new course
BSc (Hons)
Environmental Science with Forensics
Explore how forensic techniques can be used to investigate environmental incidents, from pollution and ecological damage to wildlife crime, combining environmental science with scientific evidence and investigation.
Our typical offer
104 UCAS points
Out in the field
From your very first month, you’ll be out in the field applying what you learn to real-world environments. Through hands-on fieldwork across the UK and overseas, you’ll explore diverse landscapes and tackle local and global environmental, social and geographical issues – turning theory into impactful, practical experience.
Real-world experience
Combine theory with hands-on learning in labs and the field. Choose a 6-week or 6–12 month placement in the UK, EU, or beyond to gain experience, boost confidence and grow your network through our strong alumni, employer and research connections.
Investigate environmental evidence
Build practical skills in environmental sampling, analytical techniques and scientific investigation. You’ll learn to collect, analyse and interpret evidence to investigate real-world environmental problems, from pollution and contamination to ecological damage and wildlife crime.
you’re passionate about understanding and addressing today’s most pressing global challenges
you’re driven to build a meaningful career and make a impact on people and the planet
you’re interested in gaining hands-on fieldwork and environmental investigation experience
you want to develop specialist and transferable skills for careers across environmental science, forensics and related sectors
Details
Year 1
Build your foundations in environmental science, exploring soils, water, climate, ecology, biodiversity and sustainability. You will also begin developing the specialised analytical and investigative skills used to track environmental contamination and trace evidence, gaining practical experience in environmental sampling, chemical laboratory techniques, and data analysis.
Year 2
Develop your skills in environmental investigation, forensic research, and chemical analysis. You will explore how to collect legally robust evidence, design rigorous experiments, and interpret complex environmental data, while gaining hands-on experience through fieldwork and analytical lab work. You will also strengthen your understanding of environmental regulation, auditing, and pollution management.
Optional placement year
An optional placement year gives you the chance to gain valuable work experience and build your professional network through our links with environmental regulatory bodies, analytical testing laboratories, waste management companies, and environmental consultancies. With environmental programmes at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» dating back to 1973, you will benefit from more than 50 years of experience and a global alumni network of nearly 7,000 graduates. You will have access to a wide range of placement opportunities focused on environmental monitoring, chemistry, and investigation.
Final Year
Bring together your scientific, analytical, and forensic investigative skills to tackle complex environmental contamination and legal challenges. You will develop a professional understanding of environmental auditing and casework, and undertake independent research applying laboratory or field-based analytical approaches to real-world pollution and forensic environmental problems.
We offer a suite of Environmental Science courses allowing you to choose your specialist field:
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science BSc (Hons) Environmental Science with Ecology BSc (Hons) Environmental Science with GIS and Data Science BSc (Hons) Environmental Science with Marine Conservation
We also offer
Environmental Science with Foundation Year
Experience
Protecting tomorrow
“I'm studying environmental science because I want to ensure what we've got is still here for future generations. I’m passionate about educating others on how they can play their part in preserving the environment.â€
Ben Ellett
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science
Digging deeper into the science of soil
“I wanted hands-on environmental science and the course promised that through a variety of field trips and industry connections. I’ve commented on reports that inform policy and I would love contribute more to the political sphere.â€
Harry Barrat
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science
Harry formed a deep interest in soil on his placement year – now, his research is affecting reports that inform environmental policy.
Foraging and rewilding
“We’ve looked at different types of flora that you can eat, and the medicinal uses of them, and at the rewilding efforts including the effects the animals have on the site. Seeing first-hand what we've learned in lectures has been so helpful.â€
Students were inspired by a field trip to the Sharpham Estate, including seeing first-hand the kind of careers they could take up on graduation.
Fieldwork to exciting destinations
We believe the most powerful learning happens beyond the classroom – through direct experience and exploration. That’s why our fieldwork programme is designed to immerse you in hands-on research, tackling key social and environmental challenges across diverse landscapes and cultures.
From the dynamic coastlines of the southwest to destinations across the UK and abroad – including past adventures in Greece and Sweden – you’ll gain practical skills, confidence and deep insight into geographical research methods that prepare you for a meaningful career.
Frontiers in fieldwork
In your final year you have the opportunity to embark on a novel international field trip to explore real-world challenges working with professional scientists and local communities.
For the academic year 2026/2027, fieldwork will be based in Namibia, South West Africa, working with scientists from the Gobabeb Research Institute and local communities. The fieldtrip, focused on issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals, will take place in the spring of 2027.
Facilities to support your learning
As an environmental scientist at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³», you will have access to a range of
cutting-edge resources and facilities to support your learning in the field and in the laboratory.
You might find yourself identifying microfossils, pollen, microplastics and more in our
5G interactive microscope laboratory . You'll analyse diverse digital data using specialist software and develop skills in remote sensing and Geographical Information Science (GIS.
Key resources and opportunities include:
- Drones: Available for use in final research projects.
- Handheld sensors: Collect and analyse your own air quality data.
LABplus Resource Centre : A flexible learning space offering access to equipment and bespoke samples to support your studies and practical skills.Laboratory for Environmental Observations (LEO) : Use sensor data gathered from around the South Coast for your final year projects.Paleomagnetic Laboratory : Equipped for magnetic analysis of rocks, sediments and environmental materials for research projects.
HSE Professional SCUBA diving course
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» is unique in offering you the opportunity to gain the HSE Professional SCUBA certification alongside your degree – qualifying you as a professional diver and opening doors to careers in marine and environmental science.
Scientific diving skills can be enhanced via an optional academic module and getting involved in research projects.
Learn from experts
You will learn from expert, accessible, and supportive staff who are skilled researchers in their field.
Our research is focused on environment-society interactions, environmental processes and change, and their governance through regulation, management policies and stakeholder involvement.
Meet your lecturers
Dr Hayley Manners
Lecturer in Organic Chemistry
Admissions tutor
Dr Angela Milne
Associate Professor in Marine Chemistry
Dr Alison Stokes
Associate Professor in Earth and Environmental Sciences
Enrich your studies with a society
Undergraduate study is about more than academic achievement. Joining a society is a great way to connect with other students, build friendships, develop new interests, and create a healthy balance alongside your studies.
Whether you're looking to meet people with similar interests, try something new, expand your professional network, or simply take a break from academic commitments, there's a society for everyone.
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Life in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»'s maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
Jenna
Current student
Current student
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene
Careers
My environmental science degree has truly given me an interdisciplinary skill set and knowledge. The variety of the course is what drew me to it in the first place.
Jasmin Tribe
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science graduate
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science graduate
Environmental scientists combine scientific knowledge with social awareness to tackle some of the world’s most urgent challenges – making them highly valued across a broad range of careers. Studying environmental science develops critical thinking, analytical and communication skills and sharpens your ability to interpret complex data – qualities sought after by employers in many sectors.
Our graduates have gone on to succeed in environmental consultancy, ecology, waste management, planning and education. With strong transferable skills in strategic thinking, scientific reasoning, creative problem-solving and commercial awareness, they’re also well equipped for roles beyond science and policy – in areas such as law, business and communications.
“Without studying at the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» I know I wouldn't be doing any of what I am now. The course taught me the science I needed and to be passionate.â€
Adam, environmental science graduate.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for new full-time UK students starting in
Full-time study
To be confirmed per year
To be confirmed per year
Module fees for repeated or part-time study
To be confirmed per credits
To be confirmed per credits
Tuition fee price changes
The Government has announced that tuition fees from Academic Year 28/29 onwards will be subject to automatic annual inflationary increases, which we believe will be at a similar rate to the recent annual increases to fees, and may continue to be inflation based. The University may increase annual tuition fees in line with the Student Contract and the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government from time to time.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies and we advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
More information about
fees and costs of studying .
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2027-2028 academic year.
Full-time study
To be confirmed per year
To be confirmed per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£2,010
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,507
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying .
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
Additional costs
This course is delivered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Studying a course in this faculty may incur additional costs relating to field-based activities or equipment requirements.
Fund your studies
As an undergraduate at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³», there may be funding options available to you, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Entry requirements
Our typical offer
104 UCAS points
104 UCAS points
You may be eligible for a contextual offer
GCSE
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above.
A level
104 UCAS points from a minimum of 2 A levels including one science subject.
BTEC
18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: DMM science related subject. You are encouraged to contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk if you do not meet this criteria.
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information, we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
All Access courses
Pass an Access to HE Diploma (science-based) with at least 33 credits at merit. You are encouraged to contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk if you do not meet this criteria.
T level
Pass overall from any science pathway.
International Baccalaureate
26 points overall to include science related subjects.
Extended entry requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Direct entry to year two or the final year is possible.
Accepted subject include: applied science, animal management, countryside management, forensic science.
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science is also available for
intercalating students .
Ready to apply?
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
For enquiries about direct entry to years two and four, contact Admissions Tutor
Dr Tim Daley .
Intercalating students wishing to apply for the final year of this course please contact our admissions team on +441752585858 or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.
UCAS course code
F7F4
F7F4
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»
Other routes into this course
The following courses are available as routes into this programme.
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science with Foundation Year
Environmental scientists tackle global challenges. Gain skills to address issues like climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. With hands-on lab and field training, you’ll graduate ready to lead in conservation, sustainability and more.
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
Our typical offer
104 UCAS points
104 UCAS points
English language requirements
To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- student visa support
- travel and arrival information
- and more.
UCAS course code
F7F4
F7F4
Institution code
P60
P60
Duration
3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type
Full-time
Study location
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»
Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»
Other routes to this course
The offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day
Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³».
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