BSc (Hons) Environmental Science and Sustainability at University of the West of Scotland

Programme overview

Our BSc (Hons) Environmental Science and Sustainability will prepare you for a career where you will address some of the most challenging and important issues of our time in terms of sustainable development, particularly with respect to the protection of the environment. Environmental Scientists must overcome these challenges through creative, innovative and more sustainable solutions to local and global challenges.

Duration: 4 years full-time | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Lanarkshire: September | Location: Paisley, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Subjects covered include laboratory based biological and chemical analysis, statistical methods, geographical information systems (GIS), legislative frameworks, earth systems, health and safety, ecology and microbiology, field skills. Work-related learning is available on this programme, including an optional 12-week placement. Year 1: Fundamentals of Life, Chemistry for Environmental and Biosciences, Diversity of Life. Year 2: Practical skills in Biomedicine and Environmental Health, Legislative Framework, Humans and the Global Biosphere, Introductory Microbiology, Environmental Protection. Year 3: ASPIRE, Environmental Monitoring and Introduction to GIS, Biological Conservation, Entomology and Parasitology, Wildlife Biology, Field Biology, Environmental Responsibilities, Environmental pollutants and health risk. Year 4: Safety, Health, Environment Honours Project, Global Climate change drivers, Sustainability and circular economy, Control of Pollution, Public Health Microbiology, Applied Aquatic Ecology, Food and Environmental Microbiology, Making Sustainable Cities.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Year 1: Scottish Highers* : Standard Entry Requirements: BBCC (96 UCAS Tariff points) including Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Environmental Science, Geography or Physics; Minimum Entry Requirements: CCC (63 UCAS Tariff points) to include Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Environmental Science, Geography or Physics; Alternative Entry Requirements: CC (42 UCAS Tariff points), including Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Environmental Science, Geography or Physics, plus successful completion of one of the following: UWS Foundation Academy; Foundation Apprenticeship; UWS Next Steps to University module; Top-Up; LEAPS; A levels: CCC (96 UCAS Tariff points) to include Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Environmental Science, Geography or Physics; T Levels: Full T Level with Grade P (A* - C) in relevant subject (96 Tariff points); Irish Leaving Certificate: H3 H3 H3 H3 including Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Environmental Science, Geography or Physics; International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: 24 points including 3 subjects at HL (one of which should be Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Environmental Science, Geography or Physics); Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP): Access to Medicine or Access to Science or Access to Biological and Chemical Science or Access to Chemistry and Biology or Access to Health and Biological Science or Access to Dietetics or Access to Health and Life Sciences or Access to Radiography with grades BBB; Year 2: SQA Advanced Highers: BBC (136 Tariff points) Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Environmental Science, Geography or Physics at least at Standard Grade/Nat 5/Int2; A-Levels: BBC (112 UCAS Tariff points) including Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Environmental Science, Geography or Physics; T Level: Full T Level with Grade M in relevant subject (120 Tariff points); International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: 30 points (136 UCAS Tariff points) including Chemistry, Biology, Human Biology, Environmental Science or Physics at Higher Level, and another at OL; SQA HNC: Applied Science; Biomedical Science/Applied Biomedical Science; Industrial Biotechnology; Geography; Environmental Science; Food Science; English language: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no sub-test below 5.5. UCAS code B913.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Scottish: cost per year of study (usually paid by the Scottish Government via SAAS*) Source

International applicants: GBP 16,275 a year (2026/27). International (all other EU plus Non-EU): per year of study Source

Intake: Lanarkshire: September

Duration: 4 years full-time

Apply through the official page: https://digital.ucas.com/coursedisplay/courses/77e7954a-7930-4967-8d05-15cc386a04a0

Explore more study programmes

Engineering