Overview
If you want a career tackling the world's most pressing environmental challenges this is the course for you.
Today’s environmental scientists are challenged to find solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems from climate change, pollution, and the loss of biodiversity to the sustainable provision of energy, food, and clean water.
We were one of the first UK universities to introduce an Environmental Science degree and our course is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences. We conduct world-leading research and we are a hub for conservation and environmental organisations.
The University was selected to host Scotland’s International Enviroment Centre and Scotland’s Hydro Nation Chair. The Forth Environmental Resilience Array (Forth-ERA) is a state-of-the-art environmental monitoring system – the first of its kind worldwide – that links local sensors, satellite data and artificial intelligence via the 5G network to provide real-time data for sustainable decision making. You will learn from our researchers working at the forefront of finding solutions to global problems together with outstanding networking and career opportunities, making Stirling a superb place to study Environmental Science.
You'll gain a scientific grounding and relevant, employable and in-demand skills. Specialist skills modules and regular careers sessions are embedded into core teaching. Field training is a fundamental element that includes field courses in the UK and international destinations.
At Stirling, we’re passionate about Environmental Science and offering you innovative, interdisciplinary and research-led teaching that’ll inspire you to be the difference, and protect our society and the planet.
Take a tour of our Environmental Sciences labs
Top reasons to study with us
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Community for Environmental Disciplines in Higher Education (CEDHE), the education committee of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES). CEDHE is the collective voice of the environmental sciences and related disciplines in higher and further education. University of Stirling Environmental Science students are entitled to join the IES with a free student membership, a first step towards chartered status.
Prizes or awards
Altajir Scholarships (£500) are awarded to the highest performing students in year 3 of the BSc/MSci course. Prizes for research-based learning and contributions to sustainability are awarded for outstanding dissertations in 4th year.
Entry requirements
Year 1 entry – Four-year honours
SQA Highers
AABB
GCE A-levels
BBB
IB Diploma
28 points
BTEC (Level 3)
DDM
Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics.
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Widening access students
Widening access students may be eligible for an adjusted offer of entry. To find out if this applies to you go to our widening access pages.
Care-experienced applicants will be guaranteed an offer of a place if they meet the minimum entry requirements.
Year 2 entry – Three-year honours
SQA Advanced Highers
ABB
GCE A-levels
ABB
IB Diploma
32 points
Essential subjects
To include Biology and one of Environmental Science, Geography or Geology
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Other Scottish qualifications
Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.
Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.
SWAP access course - for mature students only.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B
Essential subjects
To include Biology and one of Environmental Science, Geography or Geology.
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Other qualifications
English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions
English, Welsh and Northern Irish access courses
Access to Higher Education - 60 credits, minimum 45 at QCF Level 3, pass at 60% or above.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics.
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
International entry requirements
Advanced entry
Year 2 entry
Entry into Year 2 may be possible depending on your HNC/HND course. To find out more go to our articulation page.
Other qualifications
Advanced entry may be possible depending on your qualifications. For more information, contact our Admissions Team at admissions@stir.ac.uk.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, INTO University of Stirling offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore INTO University of Stirling to see the Foundation and International Year 2 routes available.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
The environmental systems on which our society depends are complex and fragile. To understand these systems, environmental scientists need to take an interdisciplinary approach that combines knowledge of the geological, physical, chemical and biological processes that shape our natural environment.
This course will equip you with the analytical, field and laboratory skills to understand the complex interactions between people and the environment. Research-led teaching ensures you are up-to-date with the latest knowledge.
Semesters 1-4 will explore the science behind the global geological, physical, chemical and biological processes that shape our natural environment. We'll also provide training in laboratory and field skills through a series of core and optional modules.
Semesters 5-8 will provide specialist training in core modules, such as: Environmental Policy and Management; Geographical Information Systems; and Methods and Applications in Environmental Science.
Many students work closely with academics throughout their time and benefit from actively participating in research programmes. Our alumni contribute to our teaching, as invited speakers and discussion partners.
Modules
Course details
Teaching
The University of Stirling achieved five stars for teaching in the QS Stars University Ratings 2024.
Our research-led teaching is at the core of your learning as our staff are world-leaders in Environmental Science research. Our teaching methods include lectures, field and laboratory practical exercises, seminars, and individual and group projects.
Fieldwork
We have a wide range of habitats on campus and regularly use them for practical work. Some modules also include short excursions to visit sites and species close to the University. Our residential Scotland field course will offer you the opportunity to gain practical experience in the Scottish Highlands.
You will also have the choice of a residential overseas field trip. Our 10-day field course to South Africa will develop your field research skills. The trip provides an opportunity to develop an understanding of different physical and environmental processes and ecosystem functioning, alongside the conservation and management challenges of international landscapes.
Travel, accommodation, and subsistence on residential field courses are not included in the course fees.
We know that residential field courses can be difficult for some students to attend and incur an environmental cost. To widen participation and increase sustainability in our teaching, there is the option of a non-residential field course module based on day trips around the University.
Assessment
We use a wide variety of methods to assess your skills broadly. Modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and examinations that include written assignments such as essays and reports, field sketches, presentations, group and individual projects.
Classroom hours
While some lecturing material may be provided online for study in your own time, you will be required to be on campus for practical classes providing essential field and laboratory skills.
Seminars and tutorials provide a lively environment for interaction with your tutors and fellow students.
Work placement opportunities
The environmental hub at Stirling offers a variety of placement opportunities. Our Careers Service can help you secure placements and offer the support and advice you need to plan your career, develop your employability or think about further study. The Faculty of Natural Sciences has its own Careers Service Consultant to advise you more specifically on developing your employability.
There are opportunities to volunteer and engage with environmental initiatives on campus through the student union:
- sustainability - get involved with the Green + Blue hub.
- Stirling Student Union - sustainability.
- A-Z of Clubs and Societies.
- Earth and Environment Society.
You will also have the opportunity to enrol on the My Stirling Award programme and gain formal recognition on your degree transcript for your volunteering and extra-curricular activities.
Study abroad
You will have the opportunity to study abroad for one semester in Year 3. Environmental Science has a range of well-established exchange programmes throughout the world. A popular destination, for example, is the University of Victoria in Canada.
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
| Academic year: | 2024/25 | 2025/26 |
|---|---|---|
| Scottish students | £1,820 | £1,820 |
| Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| International students (including EU) | £21,300 | £22,400 |
Scottish students
This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change.
Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, if you are domiciled in Scotland you can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government on your behalf.
You will be charged the annual tuition fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland are eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,250 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
We also offer additional funding – such as our Honours Year Scholarship – for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities section below for more information.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
International students (including EU)
Eligible students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £8,000-£30,000 over the duration of your course. See our range of generous scholarships for international undergraduate students.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
We subsidise costs for fieldtrips but you’ll be required to make a financial contribution towards your travel, accommodation and subsistence for the Scottish field course in 2nd year and the optional field course in 3rd year.
Funding
See what funding opportunities and loans are available to help you with tuition and living costs.
Students from Scotland
Find funding opportunities for Scottish students.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
Eligible students will automatically receive our Undergraduate Welcome Scholarship, Undergraduate Merit Scholarship, and our Honours Year Scholarship, which are worth between £1,000 and £9,250.
International students
Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £8,000-£30,000 over the duration of your course. Find funding opportunities for international students.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
We focus on scientific knowledge and technical training to create genuine career opportunities with a wide range of organisations, including water authorities, research institutes, renewable energy companies, conservation bodies, businesses, local authorities and government agencies.
As well as preparing you for the job market, some of our students choose to progress to postgraduate study, for example, in environmental management, education, information technology, remote sensing and waste management or research towards the award of a PhD.
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