Environmental Science, BSc (Hons), with study abroad

Course summary

Study the environment from a scientific perspective, and discover how to solve some of the most-critical challenges facing planet Earth, with our accredited BSc Environmental Science with Study Year Abroad.You’ll explore Earth’s natural systems – its physical, chemical and biological interactions – and use this knowledge to develop strategies for tackling major environmental issues such as climate change and pollution.This three-year degree has a strong scientific focus. Your learning will span from the single cells and atoms that form the building blocks of our world, to the cycling of matter and flows of energy into, between, and within the:

• solid Earth and its surface

• hydrosphere

• atmosphere

• biosphere.

As a student at Reading, you will also have access to our campuses and grounds to develop your fieldwork skills and conduct research. Home to more than a thousand different animal species, they offer multiple habitats to study – from lakes, hay meadows and woodlands on our award-winning Whiteknights campus, to hedgerow, marshland and the Thames on our University farms. You’ll have the opportunity to travel throughout the UK and abroad with our field classes, putting theory into practice and gaining valuable research and practical experience. All of our compulsory field classes are heavily subsidised by the Department, and the cost of the first-year Southern England class and second-year Scotland class are included in your fees.Gain essential skills needed by today’s professional environmental scientists. Our balance of practical and theoretical learning enables you to gain experience in the field and enhance your specialist subject knowledge with real-life experience – preparing you for a career, or further research, in the environmental sector.Choose BSc Environmental Science with Study Year Abroad at the University of Reading

• Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES).

• Study at the UK’s leading university for environmental and ethical performance (the University of Reading is ranked 1st in the People and Planet University League, 2023/24).

• The University is among the top ten UK universities for Environmental Sciences in world rankings (Reading is 9th out of the UK universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024, Environmental Sciences)

• The University of Reading is ranked 3rd in the UK for research power in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences (Times Higher Education, Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of the latest REF 2021).

• In 2023, the University of Reading was the first ever winner of the Times Higher Education (THE) award for Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership.

• 100% of our students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2024, responders from the Department of Geography and Environmental Science).

The flexibility of this degree allows you to make an informed decision about where to focus your study, providing the opportunity to adapt your degree to your chosen interests as they develop.Alternatively, you can choose from a variety of specialist pathways, including:

• water resources and quality

• conservation and sustainability

• climate and palaeoclimate change

• pollution and remediation.

Study AbroadIn your third year, you will be able to further your studies at one of our partner universities overseas. Studying abroad is an opportunity to increase your cultural awareness and explore a new location.All classes are conducted in English and bursaries are available to help with travel and accommodation costs. For more information, please visit our programme page: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/environment-ug/bsc-environmental-science-with-study-year-abroad

Modules

Modules: The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2025/26. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change. Core modules for this course: Skills in Geography and Environmental Science, Global Challenges, Field Class, Earth Lab and Data Environment.

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Modules: The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery in 2025/26. Please note that as part of our current curriculum improvement process, all modules require final University approval and may be subject to change. Core modules for this course: Skills in Geography and Environmental Science, Global Challenges, Field Class, Earth Lab and Data Environment.