Environmental Science and the Climate Emergency, BSc (Hons)

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Course Overview

Our climate and environment are changing at unprecedented and alarming rates. Now is the time to act boldly to forge effective local and global responses to the planetary crisis and societal emergency.

You will explore the deep connections between environmental and social science in class, field and laboratory settings, so that your knowledge can help deliver the next generation of adaptations, mitigations and solutions.

As you study, you will develop a strong understanding of how the Earth works across climate change, pollution, ecology, conservation, geography and sustainable management. Environmental Science is a truly interdisciplinary subject, meaning you will look at the planet from every angle: from what’s happening deep underground to the atmosphere above us; from glaciers and deserts to rainforests and tiny soil microbes; and from people to the landscapes we shape and live in.

You will learn how these systems connect, why they’re changing, and what we can do to protect them. The degree links closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, helping you build the skills and knowledge needed to tackle real global challenges and make a positive impact.

An optional Foundation Year is available if you would benefit from extra preparation before starting your degree. It offers an exciting introduction to higher education and helps you build the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to progress. After successfully completing the Foundation Year, you will move on to Year 1 of the BSc.

Why Environmental Science and the Climate Emergency at Swansea?

You will study in a stunning natural setting, with our Singleton Park campus overlooking Swansea Bay and sitting right on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

You will be joining a department with outstanding student satisfaction and strong subject rankings across Environmental and Geographical Sciences.

  • Top 201-250 in the World for Environmental Sciences (QS World University Rankings 2025) 
  • 4th in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2026)
  • 5th in the UK for Overall Positivity for Human Geography (National Student Satisfaction Survey 2025*)
  • 10th in the UK for Overall Positivity for Physical Geographical Sciences (National Student Satisfaction Survey 2025*)

*Average positivity score across Q1-26 in the NSS 2025 when ranked against universities as featured in The Times Good University Guide.

Your Environmental Science and the Climate Emergency Experience

You will learn through a mix of lectures, tutorials and practical classes, with opportunities for fieldwork that help you apply what you study in real‑world environments. From hands‑on activities to outdoor learning, the course is designed to help you build confidence and experience across a wide range of environmental topics.

Fieldwork is an important part of the course, and you will get to explore a range of local landscapes to support your studies. Depending on your modules, this may include locations such as Swansea City Centre, the Gower Peninsula, Bannau Brycheiniog and Pembrokeshire. As you move into your second and third year, you may also have opportunities to join residential field courses. Previous trips have included a low‑carbon visit to the Isles of Scilly to study the impact of climate change on island communities, although destinations can vary each year.

You will also be part of a friendly and active student community. Environmental Science students often get involved in societies such as GeogSoc, Geosciences and the Tree Planting Society, which run a mix of activities throughout the year. These might include beach cleans, tree planting, quizzes, Parkrun meet‑ups, local fieldtrips and social events, all great ways to settle in, make friends and get involved.

You can also choose to take a Year Abroad to experience a different culture while enhancing your learning. A Year in Industry is another option, in the UK or overseas, where you will gain valuable work experience. The University advocates for paid‑only placements, which on average offer a salary of over £20,000; unpaid placements are considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

If you are a Welsh‑speaker, you also have the option to study parts of this degree through the medium of Welsh.

Environmental Science and the Climate Emergency Employment Opportunities

This degree gives you the skills and experience that employers in the environmental and geographical sectors are looking for. You will learn how to understand and protect the natural world, tackle real environmental problems and use data and research to make informed decisions, all of which are highly valued by a wide range of organisations.

Throughout the course, you will also visit partner organisations on fieldtrips, which gives you a closer look at how your future career could take shape. These visits may include places such as the Grand Theatre, the Glynn Vivian, West Glamorgan Archive Service, WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre or the Carbon Community, depending on the module. They’re a great way to see how environmental skills apply in different workplaces and to start building confidence and professional awareness.

As a graduate, you will be prepared for careers across many different areas. These could include:

  • Environmental management and conservation
  • Ecological and environmental consultancy
  • Government, councils and public sector roles
  • Aid, development and non‑governmental organisations
  • Nature‑based solutions, land restoration and sustainability projects
  • Urban planning, transport and resource management
  • Renewable energy and climate‑related industries
  • Science communication, education and public outreach
  • Research, laboratory work and data analysis

Your degree will help you develop the practical, analytical and problem‑solving skills that employers value, giving you a strong foundation for whichever direction you choose to take.

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Environmental Science and the Climate Emergency, BSc (Hons)

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Environmental Science and the Climate Emergency with a Year in Industry, BSc (Hons)