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Environmental Science: Biodiversity and Conservation

BSc (Hons) · 3 Years · Full-time · 14/09/2026 · UndergraduateMain Site - Highfield Campus

Course summary

Explore some of the biggest environmental challenges of today and the future.

On your three-year Environmental Science degree you'll explore how science can be applied to protect our planet in one of five specialist pathways: Business and the Environment, Biodiversity and Conservation, Environmental Change, Water and the Environment, or Sustainability.

Specialising in your chosen pathway, whilst exploring a wide range of subjects including environmental science, geography, ecology, geology, law, and oceanography, you'll develop the knowledge and skills required to tackle the complex major environmental challenges of the twenty-first century. This programme will integrate theory-based learning with practical and project work, to work towards sustainable solutions to environmental problems.

You'll graduate prepared for a rewarding career* in many fields, like environmental management and conservation.

*Geography and Environmental Science is ranked 7th in the Guardian best UK universities league table 2026 and 97% of Environmental Science graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2020/2021 and 2021/2022).

Modules

In each year of study, you will complete compulsory modules, plus a further number relating to your chosen pathway.

We have a varied range of modules for all years, which gives you the opportunity to tailor your studies to your passions and to equip you with the skills and experiences needed for success as a graduate.

A full list of modules is available on the course page on our website.

Assessment method

Your learning is delivered, and assessed, through a wide range of methods to ensure you develop a broad variety of skills that will set you up for success after graduation.

You will be assessed through coursework; laboratory reports and essays; design and problem solving exercises; individual and group projects; written and practical exams; creative projects; oral presentations; dissertation.

Throughout, you'll be supported by a personal academic tutor, your peers, and have access to a senior tutor.

How to apply

This course is not accepting applications at this time. Please contact the provider to find out more.

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:
F905
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - ABB

Typical offer: ABB, including one science subject from Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geology and Environmental Studies; plus a pass in the associated practical science assessment where applicable.

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

We do not accept the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma without one acceptable science subject. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be DDD + B at A-Level (or equivalent), to include one acceptable science. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits P: 15 credits

Access to HE will be considered on a case by case basis. The Access to HE should be in a science subject, or applicants must meet science requirements from additional A Level equivalent qualifications.

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4.

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

plus B, in one acceptable science A Level subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

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

plus AB, in one acceptable science A Level subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) - DDD

We do not accept the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma without one acceptable science subject. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be DDD + B at A-Level (or equivalent), to include one acceptable science. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) - DD

plus B, in one acceptable science A Level subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) - D

plus AB in one acceptable science A Level subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

Scottish Advanced Higher

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information. Applicants are also required to have achieved a pass in Maths and English at Standard Grade Grade 3 or National 5 Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/Grade 4.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points

Typical offer: Pass, with overall score of 32 points, with 16 points required at Higher Level, including a minimum of 5 in one higher level science. Science subjects accepted are geography, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, psychology, geology and environmental studies. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): The University of Southampton accepts the IBCP for entry to their degree programmes, recognising the value of combining academic skills with practical skills, providing a solid preparation for university level work. Offers will be made on the individual components of the IBCP. Applicants not taking the full IBCP but presenting with a combination of a Level 3 vocational qualification and IB Certificates may still be considered. Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

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

Typical offer: AB in one A-level science subject from Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geology and Environmental Studies (pass in practical science assessment is required where applicable), and grade A in the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.

Extended Project - A

Typical offer: BBB, to include one science subject from Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geology or Environmental Studies, and Grade A in Extended Project Qualification. A pass in the associated science practical is required where applicable.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, M2, M2

to include one science subject from Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geology and Environmental Studies. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A-levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A-level grade A and M1 can be used in lieu of A-level grade B.

T Level - D

An overall distinction with grade A in the core element in the Science T-level

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

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.

Most of the students who enrolled on this course in previous years met their offer conditions at our published entry criteria, securing their place on their chosen course.

We encourage all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, to apply to study with us. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Learn more on the University of Southampton website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

80 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

100 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Scotland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 1
Channel Islands£9535Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535Year 1
EU£28800Year 1
International£28800Year 1

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

Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page

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