Environmental Studies Schools and Programs in The United Kingdom

Environmental Studies Studies in The United Kingdom

Environmental studies in the United Kingdom cover a range of degrees rather than one fixed title. The science-based route is the BSc in Environmental Science, which combines earth science, ecology, chemistry and data analysis. Other degrees approach the environment from the social sciences, under names such as sustainable development or environment and development. This directory lists 26 schools in the UK that teach environmental studies, 3 of them in London and 2 each in Edinburgh and Canterbury.

How the degree is organised

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland the bachelor's degree with honours takes three years of full-time study. The Environmental Science BSc lasts three years at Lancaster University (UCAS code F750), Newcastle University (F850), The University of York (F900) and the University of Southampton. On the official framework, a bachelor's degree with honours is a level 6 qualification.

In Scotland, degree-level study usually requires four years. The University of St Andrews teaches a four-year MA (Hons) in Sustainable Development (UCAS code F891); despite the title, it is an undergraduate degree.

Fieldwork and work experience are a regular part of these degrees:

• Field courses: Southampton students go on UK-based residential field courses in the first and second year. Lancaster uses the nearby Lake District and Yorkshire Dales for fieldwork, and Newcastle includes an international field trip and a final-year research dissertation.
• Placement years: at Lancaster, students on the placement pathway spend the third year of a four-year degree working full time. York students can apply to spend a year in industry.

Accreditation

Environmental science is not a regulated profession, and accreditation is voluntary. The Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) describes itself as the professional body for environmental scientists and professionals. York and Southampton state that their Environmental Science BSc degrees are accredited by the IES, and Lancaster states that its degree is accredited by the Community for Environmental Disciplines in Higher Education (CEDHE), the education committee of the IES. Some master's degrees have other accreditations: Cranfield University states that its Environmental Engineering MSc is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).

Admission and language

Applications for undergraduate degrees go through UCAS, with a maximum of five choices. For 2027 entry the equal consideration date for most courses is 13 January 2027 at 18:00 UK time; for the universities of Oxford and Cambridge it is 15 October.

Each university sets its own entry requirements. Typical A-level offers for the Environmental Science BSc are BBB at Lancaster and ABB at Southampton and York. UCAS notes that many course providers accept international qualifications equivalent to UK requirements, and that UK ENIC can issue a statement comparing a foreign qualification with UK ones.

Applicants whose first language is not English need a language certificate. Lancaster and Southampton both ask for IELTS 6.5 overall for this degree. For the Student visa, study at degree level requires English equivalent to CEFR level B2.

Fees and visa

Fees depend on fee status. Published international fees for the first year are £31,700 at Lancaster (2027-28), £32,600 at Newcastle (2027 entry), £33,500 at York (2027-28), £33,900 at Southampton and £34,910 at St Andrews. Home students pay £10,050 at Lancaster, Newcastle, York and Southampton.

International students normally need a Student visa. According to GOV.UK (checked in October 2026), the applicant needs a place offered by a licensed student sponsor, the application costs £558 from outside the UK, and the applicant must show £1,529 per month for courses in London or £1,171 per month elsewhere, for up to nine months. After the degree, the Graduate visa lasts 2 years if the application is made on or before 31 December 2026, and 18 months from 1 January 2027.

Master's degrees and careers

A taught master's degree normally takes one year. Two examples from this directory show the range. The Environmental Engineering MSc at Cranfield University, a postgraduate university, lasts one year full time and costs overseas students £28,500 in 2027-28. The Environment, Development and Policy MA at the University of Sussex also lasts one year and costs international students £24,200 for a September 2027 start.

Lancaster University reports that its Environmental Science graduates have moved into roles such as environmental consultant and conservation delivery support officer at Natural England, and that some continue to a PhD.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an environmental science degree take in the UK?

Three years full time in England, for example at Lancaster, Newcastle, York and Southampton. A placement year adds a year, and in Scotland honours degrees take four years, as with the MA (Hons) in Sustainable Development at St Andrews.

Which body accredits environmental science degrees?

The Institution of Environmental Sciences, through its education committee CEDHE. Accreditation is voluntary; York, Southampton and Lancaster state that their degrees have it.

How much does the degree cost for international students?

The universities cited here publish first-year international fees between £31,700 and £34,910 for 2027 entry. Fees are reviewed every year.

Can I study the environment at master's level with a different first degree?

One-year master's degrees exist in both scientific and social science versions, such as the Environmental Engineering MSc at Cranfield and the Environment, Development and Policy MA at Sussex. Each course page states which first degrees it accepts.