AS/A Environmental Science

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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.

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.

On this course you’ll study how scientists monitor and manage pollution, measure biodiversity loss and make informed decisions about land use, energy production and water conservation. You’ll also consider social, political, and economic perspectives asking how governments, industries and individuals can work together to create a more sustainable future.

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.

Come along to our enrolment event to find out more. Click here to sign up.

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.

On completion of this course, you can go onto university to study:

  • Environmental Science
  • Ecology
  • Geography
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Sustainability
  • Climate Policy

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.

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

  • Environment Professionals
  • Conservation Professionals
  • Biochemists and Biomedical Scientists
  • Biological Scientists

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
£34,694

Average Qualifications
Honours, Bachelor's degree

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Knowledge

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.

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

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.

Median Salary
£34,691

Average Qualifications
Honours, Bachelor's degree

Find Out More

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
£37,706

Average Qualifications
Honours, Bachelor's degree

Find Out More

Knowledge

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

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

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.

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

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

Median Salary
£43,177

Average Qualifications
Honours, Bachelor's degree

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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.
View More About This Career

Skills

Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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.
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.
View More About This Career

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.
View More About This Career

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.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
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.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve 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.
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.
View More About This Career
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