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Environmental Science

  • BSc
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
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Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

Our 3 year BSc degree in Environmental Science applies a broad interdisciplinary perspective to understanding how the world works. This approach enables us to tackle pressing problems, such as ensuring that human needs are met in a sustainable way, so that everyone has access to clean water and air, and the resources required for agriculture and industrial activity.

Environmental Science is focussed on a holistic understanding of Earth systems in order to learn from the past, comprehend the present and influence the future. It is the study of how physical, chemical and biological processes maintain and interact with life, and includes the study of how humans affect nature. As Environmental Science is at the cross-roads of the natural sciences, it provides an enriching alternative to a single-subject honours degree, and can open the door to an exciting range of career options.

During your time with us you will be a part of a dynamic community trying to answer some of the most pressing global issues that we all face. Your work could make a contribution to solving some of the world's greatest challenges.

Course structure

Our BSc in Environmental Science is a three year degree which offers you the flexibility to tailor your interest in environmental science to one of three pathways:

  • Pollution and environmental processes;

  • Atmospheric science;

  • Ecology, evolution and conservation biology.

The department

We are a Department of environmental scientists, geologists, chemists, mathematicians, biologists, physicists and computer scientists, who work together to study the Earth and planets. Our degrees cover the full breadth of earth and environmental sciences, reflecting the main research themes that are fundamental to the work we do in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

The reputation of Earth and Planetary Science at The University of Manchester's Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences rests on our world-leading interdisciplinary research into processes operating on, within and beyond the Earth. This research incorporates biological, chemical, physical and environmental aspects of the world and solar system we live in. The close alignment between our teaching and research ensures that units are delivered by scholars who are at the forefront of their disciplines.

Skills

Our course will equip you with an armoury of skills to take into the world of work, including the ability to analyse problems, to work collaboratively as part of a team, and to develop field, laboratory, numeracy and communication skills.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • BSc • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 21 September 2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
F900
Institution code:
M20
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Manchester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
F900
Institution code:
M20
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff Not accepted

A level AAB

AAB, including at least one science subject.

Subjects considered to be science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Geology, Environmental Science, and Geography.

If Geography is the only science subject being taken, the offer will typically specify an A in Geography and applicants may first be required to attend an interview online or in person to assess their suitability for the course.

If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.

Typical Contextual Offer: ABB, including at least one science subject.

Subjects considered to be science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Geology, Environmental Science, and Geography.

If Geography is the only science subject being taken, the offer will typically specify an A in Geography and applicants may first be required to attend an interview online or in person to assess their suitability for the course.

Find out more about contextual admissions.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) DDD

We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Applied Science National Extended Diploma with grades DDD, which must include distinctions in all mandatory science units.

Access to HE Diploma D: 39 credits M: 6 credits

Each application is considered individually. Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances. In general, we require an Access to HE Diploma in Science with 60 credits overall, including 45 graded credits at Level 3, with a minimum of 39 credits at Distinction, 15 of which must be in a science, and the remaining 6 credits at Merit.

Scottish Higher

Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:

Three Advanced Highers with grades ABB, including at least one science subject.

Or

Two Advanced Highers with grades AB, including at least one science subject, and two Highers with grades AB in additional subjects.

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the Admissions Team.

AS

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) DD

We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma in Applied Science with grades DD when taken with one science A-level at grade A.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

We consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject with grade D when taken with two A-levels at grades AB, including at least one science subject or grade M when taken with two A-levels at grades AA, including at least one science subject.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) D

We consider the National Extended Certificate in any subject with grade D when taken with two A-levels with grades AA, including at least one science subject.

Scottish Advanced Higher

Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:

Three Advanced Highers with grades ABB, including at least one science subject.

Or

Two Advanced Highers with grades AB, including at least one science subject, and two Highers with grades AB in additional subjects.

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the Admissions Team.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme 35 points

35 points overall with 6,6,5 at Higher Level, including at least one science subject.

We will accept Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate/WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales qualification.

We would usually require two A-levels, including at least one science subject, or equivalent to be taken alongside this qualification.

The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A-level entry requirements.

Extended Project

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview, if applicable. A number of our academic Departments may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal D3, D3, M1

D3, D3, M1 in Principal subjects, including at least one science subject.

We also consider applicants offering a mix of Pre-U Principal Subjects and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall are taken, and specific subject and grade requirements are met.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions.

If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education, typically a minimum of five GCSE/IGCSEs, including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least grade 4/C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and grade 6/B in GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics.

GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma DDD

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDD, plus one science A-level with grade A.

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma DD

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DD, plus one science A-level at grade A.

OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grade DD when taken with two A-levels at grades AB, including at least one science subject or grade MM when taken with two A-levels at grades AA, including at least one science subject.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D when taken with two A-levels with grades AA, including at least one science subject.

T Level Not accepted

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme.

Applicants completing the Northern Consortium (NCUK) International Foundation Year or INTO Manchester International Foundation in Science and Engineering are required to achieve grades AAB, including at least one science subject, and grade B in English for Academic Purposes (EAP).

Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the Admissions Team to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5IELTS 6.5 with not less than 6 in any component.
TOEFL (iBT)9090 overall with no subscore below 20.
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is: GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C/4. An acceptable equivalent qualification. Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualificationsor achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic Department for clarification. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'. Additionally, our individual Departments may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level.

Acceptable English Language Qualifications https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/language-requirements/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We operate contextual admissions meaning many applicants receive an offer and are admitted at least one grade below standard entry requirements. Entry requirements for applicants meeting contextual admissions criteria are listed next to the standard entry requirements on course profiles.

Contextual admissions means we consider your application in context helping us to ensure everyone has a fair chance of getting into Manchester. The data we use is automatically provided on your UCAS form.

Learn more on the University of Manchester website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

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