Like many other subjects that involve the study of the earth and its environment, it is essential for those who study environmental sciences to have a passion about the earth. The subject covers a wide range of scientific disciplines as well as conveys some of the key environmental problems present in the modern-day world.

However, as well as having a devout passion for the subject matter and a flair for the sciences, the students that do well on the course tend also tend to have strong mathematical and geographical abilities. As part of the course, you will be expect to attend seminars and lecture as well as spending time outdoors collecting evidence for research projects. If you enjoy spending time outside and have the self motivation and organisational skills to work independently, the environmental sciences may be the perfect subject for you.

Thanks to the increasing awareness of environmental issues, there are many career options available to those who graduate with a degree in Environmental Sciences, particularly within the business sector. There are many grants available to firms within the manufacturing industry who can prove that their methods of production have minimal environmental impact. As a result companies are constantly looking to hire graduates who have an in-depth knowledge regarding the environment for consultancy work, PR work and bid-writing work.

However, many environmental science students prefer not to work in an office but to study at post-graduate level or to work in research labs.

For those looking for a more adventurous lifestyle, there is always the option for potential graduates to travel abroad, or even to remain in the UK, in order to work on a wide number of conservation projects. Conservation bodies such as Natural England, the Environment Agency, local health departments and environmental agencies are all frequent employers of Environmental studies graduates.

The academic requirements for applicants will differ depending upon the University. However, most establishments will require potential students to have studied two sciences (one of which may be geography) at A-level, or to an equivalent standard and to have achieved a minimum of a GCSE C grade, or equivalent in maths. For those who studied outside of the UK, or who do not speak Englush as their first language, the University will request that you sit an IELTS test and achieve a minimum grade of 6.0.

The course itself is most likely to last a minimum of 3 years with the teaching methods being split between lectures, lab experiments and field research. Most courses will also allow students the opportunity to extend their degree programme for a further year taking on a work placement between the second and final stages of their course.

For the majority of students, the purpose of attending University is not only to gain a degree, but also to increase their level of employability in the jobs market. Within this context it is vital that you consider you potential job prospects while making your applications. If you already know what you would like to do with your degree after you graduate, then look at the links your potential University has within related industries and the networking opportunities this will provide you with. Many firms will hire a large percentage of their entry level graduates from selected Universities with whom strong working relationships have been cultivated.

One of the most important things to consider when making a decision over your degree is the calibre of your potential University and the course itself. Although the underlying theory of Environmental Science remains the same wherever you study, the specialist subject areas available to you will change depending upon the staff and the resources available to your chosen establishment. Look for Universities that offer interesting modules that appeal to the particular area of study that interests you and examine how these modules are taught.

Of course, while it is important that you choose a course that interests you academically, it is equally as vital that you remember that for the next three years your University choice will define where you end up living. Choose a University that not only offers fantastic academic choices, but that also appeals to the social side of your personality. If you’re a social butterfly who enjoys meeting different people each night, then choose an establishment in the heart of a buzzing city, whereas if you’re a little less outgoing, a smaller University with a communal focus may be help assure that your student years are happy ones.
It is essential when choosing a University that you look at institutions where your academic grades reach the entry level requirements for the course and that you consider the cost of the fees. Those struggling financially however, may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help fund their study. After having a look at your options, you should draw up a spending budget to help you make your decision.