Environmental Science
The environment is one of the most challenging areas of modern science. Problems resulting from increased industrialisation and consumerism on a global scale are threatening our natural resources. In our search for a sustainable future, environmental scientists are tackling the effects of acid rain, air pollution, global warming, greenhouse gases and the loss of habitats. Understanding more about how the environment works as a whole is vital to progress in these areas.
If the environment interests you, or you already work in or plan to move into the sector, OU study will provide a valuable insight and develop both your knowledge and practical and analytical skills. It could be your passport to a wide variety of career opportunities. Working in environmental consultancies, government agencies, industrial and utility companies and voluntary organisations, you could be involved in important projects such as conserving water, halting soil erosion or predicting earthquakes.
Where to start in Environmental Science
If you want to start studying soon, and have some scientific knowledge, Exploring Science (S104) is your best place to start, and it will enable you to progress to specialised Level 2 courses.
If you are a beginner with little or no previous scientific knowledge, and need to develop your general study skills, you could start with our Openings course, Introducing environment (Y161) or Science starts here (S154) after which you would be ready for a longer Level 1 course.
Worried about your ability? Or the time it will take? If you're a UK resident you can start with one of our Openings courses: short courses with lots of support and no exams, giving you a gradual introduction to your subject and the world of studying.
Don't forget that if you need help considering options you can talk to an adviser. And if you have some previous study experience you may qualify for credit transfer.
Degrees
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Environmental Science
Develop the knowledge and techniques for understanding fundamental environmental patterns and processes and understand how the technology of environmental science relates to society. -
Environmental Studies
Integrating science, technology and social sciences, this degree will help you get to the heart of environmental issues. -
Natural Sciences
A truly interdisciplinary science degree, giving the opportunity to study a wide range of sciences with a particular emphasis on the scientific issues vital to today’s society. -
Open degree
The BA/BSc Open Degree provides a flexible way to combine a range of courses from different subjects either to suit your particular career or personal interests, or to complete studies you have started elsewhere.
Diplomas
Certificates
Courses in Environmental Science
See the list of all our individual courses in Environmental Science.
Postgraduate options
If you already have a degree, you may want to see postgraduate courses and qualifications in Science.
Spotlight on Environmental Science
International recognition for OU research
Our new course Ecosystems (S396) will show-case a wide range of studies, including results from a Europe-wide project that is based at the OU following internationally acclaimed research from Dr Carly Stevens and Professor David Gowing, both staff on the Ecosystems (S396) team, whose work on ecosystems was recognised as being amongst the ten most important scientific findings in the world.
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
