BSc (Hons) Global Sustainability at University of Essex

Programme overview

BSc (Hons) Global Sustainability takes an interdisciplinary approach to the relationships between the environment, human cultures and values, addressing climate, biodiversity and nature crises, pollution, inequality and social injustice, with options in economics, philosophy, psychology, sociology and politics.

Department: School of Life Sciences | Duration: 3 years (4 years with optional placement or study abroad year) | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time; year abroad option, placement year option | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 core modules include Introduction to Global Sustainability Challenges, Genetics and Evolution and Quantitative Methods for Life Sciences. Year 2 includes Addressing Global Sustainability Challenges and Professional Skills for Ecological and Marine Scientists. The final year includes a Research Project in Life Sciences and Climate Change and Pollution, plus options.

Career pathways

Environment (ecology, conservation, sustainability); government, charity and business (Net Zero coordination, sustainability consultancy, policy advising, circular economy); postgraduate research; science communication and teaching.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GCSE: Mathematics C/4. Plus one of the level 3 qualifications: 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels, including C in Biology, Environmental Technology, Geography, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics or Statistics. IB: 29 points in the IB Diploma or 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects including 4 in Higher Level Biology; the GCSE Maths requirement can be met with 2 in Standard level Maths, 2 in Higher level Maths or 4 in IB Middle Years Maths. T-levels: Science T-levels are considered case by case; T-levels in Health or Healthcare Science are not accepted. A-levels, AAQs, BTECs, Access to HE Diploma, T-levels and most other qualifications holding UCAS tariff points are accepted; acceptability of some non A-level qualifications such as BTECs may depend on the subject studied and units taken. Contextual offer (UK-resident applicants from underrepresented groups): GCSE Mathematics C/4 plus 96 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels including C in Biology or equivalent. International applicants: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or an equivalent accepted test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year. Fee for October 2027 entry; fees increase for each academic year of study. Optional placement year is charged at 20% of the standard tuition fee and a full year abroad at 15%. Source

International applicants: GBP 25,600 a year. Fee for October 2027 entry; fees increase for each academic year of study. Optional placement year is charged at 20% of the standard tuition fee and a full year abroad at 15%. Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 3 years (4 years with optional placement or study abroad year)

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