UWE Bristol - MSci Environmental Science with Foundation Year

UWE Bristol

MSci Environmental Science with Foundation Year

This course gives you the knowledge and practical work-based skills for a career tackling some of today's most important environmental challenges.

Why study environmental science?

The environment we live in is changing rapidly. Solving and managing the problems caused by environmental change is becoming increasingly important.

Drawing on a variety of scientific fields, environmental scientists can help us to unpick the challenges we're up against and put forward the urgent solutions our planet needs.

Why UWE Bristol?

BSc(Hons) Environmental Science brings together knowledge from a variety of fields to give you a deep understanding of the environmental challenges facing the world today.

Through a practical, hands-on approach that runs through all the modules, you'll gain exposure to the skills and technology employed at the forefront of environmental science.

Carry out your own investigations in our specialist labs, and use the latest mapping software in our dedicated computer suite.

Learn to analyse and interpret complex data, and pioneer environmentally sound, scientifically robust, practical solutions.

You'll be based in Bristol, a hub for environmental innovation and opportunity, where you can tap into interesting projects and collaborations.

Undertake work placements, volunteering roles, field-based work and residential trips in natural and urban environments, in the UK and abroad.

Go on inspiring expeditions to the threatened forests of Madagascar or diving on the coral reefs of Cuba.

If you choose the sandwich course option, you'll get to spend your third year working with a public or private sector employer in this country, Europe or further afield, applying your knowledge to current environmental issues.

Where can it take me?

Our graduates take their skills into internationally-renowned organisations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Others go into industry, working with employers such as Thames Water, the Environment Agency, Wessex Water, Atkins or charities like the Woodland Trust.

Some become film-makers, or take part in conservation projects around the world, everywhere from the Seychelles to Panama.

Other graduates continue studying to PhD level

Entry Requirements

  • Tariff points: 48
  • GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English Language or Literature, Mathematics and Double Science, or equivalent. We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificate in Adult Literacy and Numeracy as alternatives to GCSEs.
  • English Language Requirement: International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component.
  • A-level subjects: A minimum of an AS in a Science subject.
  • Relevant subjects: Subjects that meet the Science requirement for this course: Applied Science, Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Design Technology, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Maths, Use of Maths, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology, Science in the Environment, Statistics.

Career Prospects

Environmental issues impact at local, national and international levels, and our students go on to make a valuable contribution in many different areas.

Past students have worked as pollution scientists, water quality experts and environmental managers with organisations including The Environment Agency, Wessex Water and DEFRA.

Some find roles as environmental consultants, working on renewable energy, waste management or the consequences of climate change. Others go into environmental education in schools, field studies organisations or postgraduate study.

Course Details


If you study on the six year (sandwich) course, you'll spend a year away from the University on a work placement after Year two.

You'll complete a placement learning module.


Year 0 Foundation Year

Biology in Practice
Chemistry in Practice
Skills for Science
People and Science.

Year 1

Life on Earth
The Earth
Field Skills (includes residential field trip, where possible)
Environment and Society.

Year 2

Environmental and Field Techniques (includes residential field trip, where possible)
Ecology and Ecosystem Protection.

Optional modules
Earth Science
Environmental Impacts and Mitigation
Atmosphere and Climate
Hydrology to Oceanography
The Microbial World.

Placement year

Year 3

Dissertation Project or Independent Research Project
Resource Security and Sustainability.

Optional modules
Scientific Frontiers and Enterprise
Energy Technologies
Tropical Expedition
Marine Ecosystems (including field trip)
Environmental Forensics
Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
Global Forest Systems
Science Communication
Professional Practice in Applied Sciences*
Sustainable Food Production
Environmental Microbiology.

Final Year

Research with Impact
Sustainable Futures
Research in Practice.

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

Are you ready to start building your future?

Contact our admission counseller and get a free consultation.