BSc (Hons) Environmental Science | Open University

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An image to illustrate the BSc (Honours) Environmental Science

This degree explores the disciplines needed to understand, manage and protect our planet. Assess environmental problems, propose solutions, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the natural environment. You’ll study topics including conservation, ecology, ecosystems, environmental management and renewable energy. Develop your scientific and technical knowledge and skills, and learn how to apply them to environmental challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainability. As a valued environmental science graduate, you’ll be able to pursue a career in diverse fields.

This course is accredited by:

Stages 1–2 of this degree are the same as our

Diploma of Higher Education in Environmental Science (W47)

and Stages 1–2 of our

Master of Environmental Science (M05)

This environmental science degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.

You can dive straight into Stage 1, or if it’s been a while since you last studied and you'd like to build your confidence or gain experience in online learning, you can begin with an optional Access module. For this qualification, we recommend the Science, technology and maths Access module.

Our modular study approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that fits around your life. Whether you prefer a fast track or want to work at a slower rate, you can tailor your study plan to suit your needs.

You’ll study a 60-credit module introducing topical environmental issues and a 60-credit module exploring scientific ideas that underpin the further study of science.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study both of the following:
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)	60	Oct \| Feb
Science: concepts and practice (S112)	60	Oct

You’ll study a 60-credit core environmental science module that investigates our planet and how we affect it, plus choose 60 credits from one of two routes – a broad environmental science route or a specialist environmental management route.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study the following:
Environmental science (S226)	60	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Biodiversity: survival in a changing world (S286)	30	Oct
Earth science: understanding our planet (S229) – planned for October 2026	60	Oct
Energy and sustainability (T213)	30	Oct
Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220)	30	Oct
Environment: inhabiting a changing planet (DST216) – planned for October 2026	60	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study both of the following:
Energy and sustainability (T213)	30	Oct
Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220)	30	Oct

You’ll study 90 credits from your chosen route and complete a 30-credit project module.

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Environment: responding to change (SDT306)	60	Oct
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30	Oct
Renewable energy (T313)	30	Oct
You'll study the following:
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)	30	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll study all three of the following:
Environmental management: pathways to sustainability (T330)	30	Oct
Renewable energy (T313)	30	Oct
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)	30	Oct

Modules	Credits	Start month
You'll complete the following:
Science project course: environmental science practical project (SXE390)	30	Feb

You can complete this degree in as little as three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s 120 credits per year. To complete in three years, you’ll need to start your degree in October.

Don’t worry if your circumstances change. You don’t have to stick to a full-time study pace. You can change the pace of your learning each year depending on what's right for you.

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study both of the following:
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)	60	Oct \| Feb
Science: concepts and practice (S112)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Environmental science (S226)	60	Oct
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Biodiversity: survival in a changing world (S286)	30	Oct
Earth science: understanding our planet (S229) – planned for October 2026	60	Oct
Energy and sustainability (T213)	30	Oct
Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220)	30	Oct
Environment: inhabiting a changing planet (DST216) – planned for October 2026	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 3
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Environment: responding to change (SDT306)	60	Oct
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30	Oct
Renewable energy (T313)	30	Oct
You'll study both of the following:
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)	30	Oct
Science project course: environmental science practical project (SXE390)	30	Feb

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study both of the following:
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)	60	Oct \| Feb
Science: concepts and practice (S112)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study all three of the following:
Environmental science (S226)	60	Oct
Energy and sustainability (T213)	30	Oct
Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220)	30	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 3
You'll study all four of the following:
Environmental management: pathways to sustainability (T330)	30	Oct
Renewable energy (T313)	30	Oct
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)	30	Oct
Science project course: environmental science practical project (SXE390)	30	Feb

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s 60 credits of study each year.

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll start your degree with the following:
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Science: concepts and practice (S112)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Environmental science (S226)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Biodiversity: survival in a changing world (S286)	30	Oct
Earth science: understanding our planet (S229) – planned for October 2026	60	Oct
Energy and sustainability (T213)	30	Oct
Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220)	30	Oct
Environment: inhabiting a changing planet (DST216) – planned for October 2026	60	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Environment: responding to change (SDT306)	60	Oct
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30	Oct
Renewable energy (T313)	30	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll study both of the following:
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)	30	Oct
Science project course: environmental science practical project (SXE390)	30	Feb

Modules	Credits	Start month
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll start your degree with the following:
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)	60	Oct \| Feb
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Science: concepts and practice (S112)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Environmental science (S226)	60	Oct
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You'll study both of the following:
Energy and sustainability (T213)	30	Oct
Environmental management: systems and sustainability (T220)	30	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study both of the following:
Environmental management: pathways to sustainability (T330)	30	Oct
Renewable energy (T313)	30	Oct
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You'll study both of the following:
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)	30	Oct
Science project course: environmental science practical project (SXE390)	30	Feb

By studying this degree, you’ll:

You’ll be supported throughout by expert tutors, structured online materials, interactive resources, and dedicated fieldwork guidance.

You’ll be awarded a BSc (Honours) Environmental Science upon successful completion.

If you complete the environmental management route, your degree title will show that in brackets:

Your honours classification (first, upper second, lower second or third class honours) will depend on the grades you gain at Stages 2 and 3.

You'll also have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

If you plan to work or study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether this qualification meets local requirements. Find out more about the international recognition of Open University qualifications.

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

We regularly review our curriculum to keep it up to date. This means the structure, availability, and content of the course or modules may change. We’ll update this page as soon as possible if there are any changes. If you have already registered for this qualification, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes where practicable. For more details, see our

Academic Regulations

contact us

You can achieve this degree in as little as three years and have a maximum of 16 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach gives you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that works best for you.

You can complete this degree in three years by studying at a pace equivalent to full-time. That’s similar to a student at a campus-based university.

You can complete this degree in six years by studying part-time. That’s roughly half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a campus-based university.

Your last module (SXE390) ends in September, so you’ll receive your final results in late October rather than June/July. You should consider this if you’re planning further study and wish to use your degree as an entry qualification.

At the OU, flexibility and support go hand in hand. You’ll be in control of when and where you study, with clear deadlines to guide your progress. Whether you’re balancing work, family or other commitments, our approach helps you fit learning into your life. Students consistently praise the support we provide, and from the very start, you’ll be part of a vibrant OU learning community.

As you progress through your qualification, you’ll have access to a dedicated online study space, expert tutor guidance, optional live tutorials, and a wide range of resources to help you succeed. The sections below outline what you can expect.

Your module website will be a central hub for your learning, giving you easy access to:

Discover how the OU’s module websites, course materials, and support tools help you study online with confidence.

Each module has a dedicated tutor who will guide you through your studies. They’ll provide feedback, help you find resources, mark your assignments and support your learning journey.

For extra support, you can attend optional live tutorials with your tutor. These are usually conducted online, and most are recorded so you can review them later.

See how OU tutors and tutorials help you build confidence, connect with others, and get the support you need to succeed in your studies.

Our assessments reinforce what you’ve learned and show your understanding. Assessment types vary by module and may include:

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services to help you succeed. This qualification uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these in individual module descriptions. Visit our Disability support page to learn more about our services.

Discover how the OU’s Disability Support Team helps students with advice, adjustments and resources.

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services and be part of a vibrant learning community. Our subject-specific Student Support Teams can help with general queries and any updates to your OU account. You’ll also benefit from:

Discover the support network and learning tools you'll have access to throughout your studies.

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

If it’s been a while since you last studied and you’d like to build your confidence or gain experience in online learning, you can begin with an optional Access module. For this qualification, we recommend the Science, technology and maths Access module.

If you’ve studied at university level before, you may be able to transfer the academic credit you've been awarded towards an OU qualification. This could save you time and money by reducing the modules you need to study.

It’s not just university study that can be considered; you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications, such as HNCs and HNDs.

You should apply to transfer credit before registering, at least four weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where, and when, and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.

For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

The fees and funding information shown below relate to the 2025/26 academic year and are provided for guidance only. Updated 2026/27 information will be published on the 18th of March, when this qualification next opens for registration.

6 years

£3,892*

A degree is worth 360 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 60 credits per year for 6 years.

£23,352*

That’s 18% less than the cost of an equivalent qualification offered at most other universities in England.

Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.

Honours Degree Honours Degree
Total cost at campus university* Total cost at campus university*	£28,605 £28,605
Total cost at The Open University Total cost at The Open University	£23,352 £23,352
Saving with The Open University Saving with The Open University	£5,253 (18%) £5,253 (18%)

Diploma of Higher Education Diploma of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university* Total cost at campus university*	£19,070 £19,070
Total cost at The Open University Total cost at The Open University	£15,568 £15,568
Saving with The Open University Saving with The Open University	£3,502 (18%) £3,502 (18%)

Certificate of Higher Education Certificate of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university* Total cost at campus university*	£9,535 £9,535
Total cost at The Open University Total cost at The Open University	£7,784 £7,784
Saving with The Open University Saving with The Open University	£1,751 (18%) £1,751 (18%)

Qualification Qualification	Total cost at campus university* Total cost at campus university*	Total cost at The Open University Total cost at The Open University	Saving with The Open University Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree Honours Degree	£28,605 £28,605	£23,352 £23,352	£5,253 (18%) £5,253 (18%)
Diploma of Higher Education Diploma of Higher Education	£19,070 £19,070	£15,568 £15,568	£3,502 (18%) £3,502 (18%)
Certificate of Higher Education Certificate of Higher Education	£9,535 £9,535	£7,784 £7,784	£1,751 (18%) £1,751 (18%)

*Based on maximum chargeable fees for the 25/26 academic year.

**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's

Fee Rules

Your course fees cover your tuition, assessment and study materials, but there are still a few additional costs that can come with studying. For this qualification, these are:

*The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section 5 of the University's

Fee Rules

Pay nothing upfront – over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Part-Time Tuition Fee Loan (sometimes called a student loan), meaning they pay nothing upfront.

Learn more about this and our other funding options below.

Repay in monthly instalments while you study.

Pay for each module with a debit or credit card in one quick, simple payment.

More than 1 in 10 OU students are sponsored by their employer.

Combine your payment options to fund your studies the way you want.

If you’re a serving member of the British Armed Forces (or you’ve recently left), you may be eligible to use ELCs to cover up to 100% of your course fees.

You may be eligible for:

As a graduate of the BSc (Honours) Environmental Science (Q52), you will have gained breadth and depth of understanding in scientific, technical and environmental issues. You'll be able to think creatively; tackle multifaceted issues; and collect, analyse and interpret complex quantitative and qualitative data. You'll also develop research, planning and fieldwork techniques as you take part in practical and project work.

You will also gain important transferable skills which will demonstrate your all-round ability and make you more employable. These include:

The broad and specialist skills you will develop during this degree course will equip you to work in a variety of jobs. Environmental science skills are in demand from government and regulatory bodies, the private sector, consultancies and conservation organisations. Careers directly related to the degree include:

Accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM). CIWEM is a global community of professionals, industry organisations, universities, governments, and NGOs united to improve the practice of water and environmental management in ways that benefit society and our environment. This programme’s CIWEM accreditation means you can be confident you’ll be well-prepared for a career in water and environmental management. Becoming a CIWEM member demonstrates your professionalism and technical abilities to the world; you can join at any stage in your career.

This programme is accredited by the Committee of Heads of Environmental Sciences (CHES), the education committee of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES). CHES is the collective voice of the environmental sciences academic community and serves to enhance the quality of environmental education worldwide. A programme accredited by CHES is assured to meet high standards, contain a strong component of practical, field and theoretical activities, and has excellent opportunities for training, work experience and links to the professional environmental sector. Students enrolled on CHES accredited programmes can apply for free Student Membership of the IES and for a fast-track route to membership once they graduate, starting them on a route towards becoming a Chartered Environmentalist or Chartered Scientist.

The logical, reasoned approach needed for science study is also relevant to a wide range of non-scientific contexts. Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Science graduates with good communication and interpersonal skills are in particular demand. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service, as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime, if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):

This course will next start in the 2026/27 academic year and will open for registration on the 18th of March. If you’d like us to keep you updated, register your interest.

Ask a question

Our prospectus will help you explore your course options, get a feel for life as an OU student, and register for study.

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This course will next start in the 2026/27 academic year and will open for registration on the 18th of March. If you’d like us to keep you updated, register your interest.