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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:
Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) logo.
Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) logo.
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.
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.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study both of the following:
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)60Oct | Feb
Science: concepts and practice (S112)60Oct

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.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll study the following:
Environmental science (S226)60Oct

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

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

You’ll study 90 credits from your chosen route and complete a 30-credit project module.
ModulesCreditsStart month
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Environment: responding to change (SDT306)60Oct
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)30Oct
Renewable energy (T313)30Oct
You'll study the following:
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)30Oct

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

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

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.
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.

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

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

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

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

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

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 or 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:
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 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.

6 years
£4,088*
A degree is worth 360 credits. The fee per year is based on studying 60 credits per year for 6 years.
£24,528*
Our qualifications cost less than equivalent-level qualifications offered at campus-based universities.
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*
£29,370
£29,370
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£24,528
£24,528
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£4,842
£4,842
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£19,580
£19,580
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£16,352
£16,352
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£3,228
£3,228
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
Total cost at campus university*
Total cost at campus university*
£9,790
£9,790
Total cost at The Open University**
Total cost at The Open University**
£8,176
£8,176
Saving with The Open University
Saving with The Open University
£1,614
£1,614
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
£29,370
£29,370
£24,528
£24,528
£4,842
£4,842
Diploma of Higher Education
Diploma of Higher Education
£19,580
£19,580
£16,352
£16,352
£3,228
£3,228
Certificate of Higher Education
Certificate of Higher Education
£9,790
£9,790
£8,176
£8,176
£1,614
£1,614
*Based on maximum chargeable fees for the 26/27 academic year.
**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. 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 2027. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to a fee limit, as set out in the University's Fee Rules.

Over 85% of our students in England fund their studies with a Tuition Fee Loan, meaning they pay nothing upfront.
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.
Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) logo.
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.
Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) logo.
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):
Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2026
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