AS/A Environmental Science


For A-level Environmental Science, we explore in depth the complex interactions between the natural world, human activity, and the systems that sustain life on Earth.

We build on knowledge from GCSE Science and Geography, taking a deeper look at familiar topics such as ecosystems, energy resources, pollution, and the atmosphere — while introducing new areas like environmental management, conservation, and sustainability.

Environmental Science reveals how every part of our world is linked — from the soil beneath our feet to the climate above us — and how human activity can either protect or disrupt these delicate balances.

Throughout the course, we explore real-world issues such as how climate change affects global weather patterns, how sustainable agriculture can protect biodiversity, and how renewable technologies can reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

We study how scientists monitor and manage pollution, measure biodiversity loss, and make informed decisions about land use, energy production, and water conservation.

The course also considers social, political, and economic perspectives — asking how governments, industries, and individuals can work together to create a more sustainable future.

With global challenges like deforestation, plastic pollution, and climate change shaping the modern world, Environmental Science equips you with the knowledge and skills to understand these issues and be part of the solution.

Environmental Science opens the door to a wide range of exciting and meaningful careers. As the world faces increasing challenges from climate change, pollution and resource management, the need for people who understand how the Earth works — and how to protect it — has never been greater.

Throughout the course, you’ll develop skills in analysis, data interpretation, research and problem-solving that are highly valued by universities and employers alike.

These skills can lead to careers in conservation, sustainability, energy, policy-making, education and more.

Many Environmental Science students go on to study subjects such as Environmental Science, Ecology, Geography, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability or Climate Policy at university.

Others pursue joint degrees, combining environmental science with economics, politics, or geography to explore the wider global context.

Environmental Science also provides a strong foundation for careers in data analysis, urban planning, international development, and the fast-growing green technology sector.

With the world increasingly focused on sustainability and climate action, studying Environmental Science will equip you with the knowledge and skills to help build a more sustainable future — and to play your part in shaping it.

You’ll develop strong skills in:

  • Fieldwork and data collection – designing investigations, using sampling techniques, and measuring environmental variables.
  • Data analysis and interpretation – applying statistical methods and ICT tools to identify patterns and draw conclusions.
  • Environmental evaluation – assessing human impacts, sustainability strategies, and environmental management solutions.
  • Scientific communication – presenting research findings clearly and persuasively in written and verbal formats.
  • Teamwork and project management – collaborating effectively during field studies and managing time, resources, and responsibilities.

Required Entry Qualifications

To study A-levels with us, all students need to obtain a strong GCSE grade profile, averaging Grade 6, including strong grades in Maths and English.

Individual subjects will also have their own specific requirements. In Environmental Science, you will be expected to have either a 6 in GCSE Biology or a 6, 6 in GCSE Combined Science, along with a 6 in GCSE Maths.

However, if you do not meet this profile, please still come along to one of our enrolment events to discuss all of your options with a member of our A-level team.

Your knowledge and skills will be assessed in a variety of ways, including:

  • Frequent topic tests
  • Mock assessments
  • Exams; the two main branches of Environmental Science
  • Physical Environment: Energy Resources, Pollution, Research Methods: 3 Hours, 50% of overall grade.
  • Living Environment: Biological Resources, Sustainability,  Research Methods: 3 Hours, 50% of overall grade.

Each level lasts one year, so you’ll spend a year studing AS Level and a year studying A Level.

Each year more students are studying science subjects as they realise that science degrees generally lead on to higher incomes.

More students are studying pure chemistry or chemistry based subjects like pharmacy, medical chemistry or environmental chemistry.

AS or A Level Chemistry is particularly important if you want to study medicine, veterinary science, dentistry or biochemistry at university.

It is also appreciated by admissions tutors in many other subjects, including law, due to its logical discipline.

It is useful if you want to go on and study subjects such as geology, physical geography, engineering or material science.

Many chemistry graduates are also recruited by the financial companies in the City of London and so start with high salaries.

WHAT CAN I DO WITH A QUALIFICATION IN AS/A ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE?

  • Biochemists and Biomedical Scientists
  • Environmental Health Professionals
  • Physical Scientists
  • Teachers of English as a Foreign Language
  • Environment Professionals
  • Waste Disposal and Environmental Services Managers

Knowledge

Biology: Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Chemistry: Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Median Salary

£36,273

Averge Qualifications

Honours, Bachelor's degree

Apply Now

Knowledge

Law and Government: Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Biology: Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Chemistry: Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Median Salary

£33,744

Averge Qualifications

Honours, Bachelor's degree

Apply Now

Knowledge

Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Physics: Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.

Geography: Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Median Salary

£45,358

Averge Qualifications

Honours, Bachelor's degree

Apply Now

Knowledge

Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Foreign Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.

Psychology: Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders.

Clerical: Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Median Salary

£37,121

Averge Qualifications

Honours, Bachelor's degree

Apply Now

Knowledge

Biology: Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Geography: Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Median Salary

£30,762

Averge Qualifications

Honours, Bachelor's degree

Apply Now

Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Personnel and Human Resources: Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labour relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Median Salary

£47,340

Averge Qualifications

Level 3 NVQ; A Levels

Apply Now

Skills

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Skills

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Skills

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Skills

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Skills

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Skills

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

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