- Undergraduate
- Single honours
- 3 years, 4 years
Our Environmental Science MSci, built around our impressive research record, will allow you to develop an in-depth understanding of the Earth’s most complex environmental problems.
We will give you the knowledge and skills you need to help resolve the world’s most pressing problems in a sustainable way.
There is a growing need for graduates with a strong scientific background but who are also able to apply their knowledge to environmental management and protection globally.
The Environmental Science MSci degree is designed around three key themes – understanding environmental processes and systems; investigating changes and impacts; and enabling their prediction and mitigation.
This programme has been designed to provide choice and flexibility whilst ensuring that you develop appropriate skills with a sound scientific foundation. The course includes both core modules taken by all Environmental Science students, and selected optional modules which allow you to concentrate on themes which are of particular interest to you.
Our MSci Environmental Science programme offers the opportunity for you to follow your interest in the area more fully, and to develop key skills for career development. The MSci uses the same modules as the BSc degree for the first three years, followed by an additional specialist fourth year.
Our programmes in Environmental Science are accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES).
- Undergraduate
- Single honours
- 3 years
The programme prepares environmentally aware students for graduate employment within the rapidly expanding field of applied geoscience, in areas including engineering geology, resource geology and environmental assessment. Graduates will have a broad-based geoscience knowledge and will be in strong positions to contribute to addressing the global and societal challenges that we face in the coming decades.
The programme has close links with the current Earth Sciences programme portfolio, providing a foundation in the understanding of Earth's composition, history and processes. It incorporates its own engineering and environmentally-based modules, and content from the School of Engineering, as well as opportunities for placements with external partners.
No previous knowledge of geology is assumed. Fieldwork forms an integral part of the programme. Students can tailor their degree to their particular interests and aptitudes; optional modules will provide opportunities to follow more engineering- or environmentally-focused programmes. Independent project work comprises a major part of the programme.
- Undergraduate
- Single honours
- 3 years
In an era where understanding and addressing environmental change is imperative, our program stands at the forefront of educating the next generation of environmental leaders.
We delve into the complexities of environmental change, exploring its causes, impacts, and the routes to developing sustainable solutions for Earth’s resource management. This is more than a course; it's a call to action for those ready to make a difference by tackling humanity's most pressing challenges.
For students joining our programme from the 2025/26 academic year Environmental Change and Sustainability is the new name for Global Environmental Change and Sustainability. Please note that the programme content, learning objectives and opportunities are unaffected by this change.
Empowering Graduates for a Sustainable Future
Our programme is meticulously designed to prepare you for diverse career opportunities in industries at the vanguard of environmental solutions. As the world grapples with escalating environmental changes, there is increasing demand for environmental and sustainability experts. Our graduates emerge as pioneers in sustainable management across vital sectors such as energy, natural resources, food security, biodiversity, and natural hazard mitigation. As well as the 3-year programme, you have various other 4-year degrees to choose from:
- Placement Year: Gain real-world experience with a year in industry. Previous organisations have included, Environment Agency, Sustainability West Midlands, ARUP, Birmingham City Council, Sustrans, Highways agency and many more.
- Year in Civic Leadership - Receive professional leadership training alongside experience working on sustainability problems with our Industry partners.
- Year Abroad: Expand your horizons with international study opportunities. (locations include the US, Canada, Australia, Asia, Scandinavia and many more)
- MSci: Deepen your expertise with our extended MSci programme and research the solutions to key problems such as biodiversity, climate change and global catastrophic risks.
Interdisciplinary Approach for Holistic Understanding
We believe in a comprehensive educational journey, blending scientific rigour with sociological, ethical, and external perspectives. Optional modules include those in various schools across the university drawn from across the Life and Environmental Sciences ( Biosciences, Environmental Science, Earth Sciences, Geography) and beyond (including Philosophy, History, Engineering and others). Our students gain a robust scientific foundation in Earth and environmental processes, enriched by insights into the human-ecological interface. This interdisciplinary approach ensures our graduates are not just knowledgeable but versatile, equipped with analytical skills, and adept at crafting innovative sustainable solutions.
- Undergraduate
- Single honours
- 4 years
In an era where understanding and addressing global environmental change is imperative, our program stands at the forefront of educating the next generation of environmental leaders.
We delve into the complexities of environmental change, exploring its causes, impacts, and the routes to developing sustainable solutions for Earth’s resource management. This is more than a course; it's a call to action for those ready to make a difference by tackling humanity's most pressing challenges.
For students joining our programme from the 2025/26 academic year Environmental Change and Sustainability is the new name for Global Environmental Change and Sustainability. Please note that the programme content, learning objectives and opportunities are unaffected by this change.
Empowering Graduates for a Sustainable Future
Our program is meticulously designed to prepare students for diverse career opportunities in industries at the vanguard of environmental solutions. As the world grapples with escalating environmental changes, there is increasing demand for environmental and sustainability experts. Our graduates emerge as pioneers in sustainable management across vital sectors such as energy, natural resources, food security, biodiversity, and natural hazard mitigation. As well as the 3-year programme, you have various other 4-year degrees to choose from:
Interdisciplinary Approach for Holistic Understanding
We believe in a comprehensive educational journey, blending scientific rigour with sociological, ethical, and external perspectives. Optional modules include those in various schools across the university drawn from across the Life and Environmental Sciences ( Biosciences, Environmental Science, Earth Sciences, Geography) and beyond (including Philosophy, History, Engineering and others). Our students gain a robust scientific foundation in Earth and environmental processes, enriched by insights into the human-ecological interface. This interdisciplinary approach ensures our graduates are not just knowledgeable but versatile, equipped with analytical skills, and adept at crafting innovative sustainable solutions.
Why study this course?
This programme is uniquely designed to give students experience and understanding of the intersecting challenges that characterise global environmental change and the development of more sustainable approaches. Building on a strong scientific foundation, you will also work with social scientists, study ethical and economic dimensions of global change, and work with external partners to seek sustainable solutions to real-world problems.
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Unique Curriculum Design: Experience the synergy of science and society as you explore the multifaceted aspects of global environmental change. Our curriculum is grounded in science yet expands to embrace social, ethical and economic dimensions of Environmental Change, ensuring a well-rounded understanding.
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External contributors: Opportunity for students to interact with and learn from a diverse range of professionals, both from academic experts, practitioners and the sustainable business community. It highlights the program's commitment to providing a broad, real-world perspective on environmental sustainability issues.
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Research Excellence: Learn from internationally acclaimed researchers in a program renowned for its research excellence, with the University of Birmingham ranked 3rd in the UK for 'Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences'
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Collaborative Learning Environment: Engage with a diverse cohort of students and faculty from various disciplines. Our emphasis on teamwork mirrors real-world problem-solving scenarios, synthesising information, critical analysis and fostering a collaborative spirit that extends beyond university walls.
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Field expeditions to environmental and sustainability projects and businesses: We explore active projects at the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR), the University of Birmingham’s Net Zero lodges, and Tyseley Energy Park.
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Customizable Learning Pathways: Tailor your degree with thematic pathways organised around Sustainable Earth, Climate, Ecosystems, and Society. Our flexible module choices encourage a personalised educational journey, enriched by the diverse perspectives of your peers.
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Chance to get involved in various sustainability activities, including additional courses, student-led sustainability initiatives and extra-curricular projects within the university and wider partners: Get Involved - University of Birmingham
- Top 20 In the UK for Earth and Marine Sciences, according to QS World University Rankings 2024