Environmental Science
“Plans to protect air and water, wilderness and wildlife are in fact plans to protect man.” – Stewart Udall
We are in the process of compiling a new department video, however until then, please watch the link above to get an idea of the type of issues you will learn about on the course. (October 2025)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Grade 6 in any GCSE Science
Subject Leader: Mr L Blake
Examination Board: AQA
A-Level Syllabus Code: 7447
Examinations: 100%
A-Level Environmental Science
WHAT IS A-LEVEL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE?
A-Level Environmental Science is a dynamic subject that explores the systems shaping our planet. It combines concepts from biology, chemistry, physics, geography, and earth science to understand how natural processes interact and how human activity influences them. You will learn how to analyse information from many sources and disciplines to form workable solutions to human and environmental problems. You will also learn how changes in one part of the environment can have wide-reaching effects.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST?
A good environmental scientist needs to have a passion for the environment and the ability to analyse data and evaluate case studies. Students who enjoy a multi-disciplinary approach to learning and want to make a difference to how society extracts what is needs from the environment and subsequently how to reduce human impact on the environment they must exploit.
A background in geography and biology will be helpful but not essential. Students studying this subject should be interested in reading the news daily to be able to relate to global environmental and sustainability issues.
This is a great accompaniment to A-Levels in geography, biology, physics and maths and develops key skills including communication, teamwork and critical thinking.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO LEARN IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE?
The course covers a wide range of topics including:
- Atmospheric and hydrospheric systems,
- Geology, mining and soil science
- Conservation planning
- Agriculture and forestry
- Fishing and aquaculture
- Energy extraction technologies
- Pollution
- Sustainability
You’ll also develop skills in statistics and data analysis, evidence evaluation, and proposing solutions to environmental challenges.
WHERE COULD ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE TAKE ME?
A qualification in environmental science is a great foundation to whole host of different pursuits. With a growing consciousness around the world regarding the impact that we have on our environment, we are seeing more and more people looking to make a difference in the world and pursue a career in environment sector. Alongside jobs with the environment at their core, most companies now employ people to guide them to a more sustainable future. A good understanding of how humans interact with the natural environment ultimately makes you more employable.
An A-Level in Environment Science will be a huge help to university courses in geography, sustainability, biological sciences, ecological sciences, marine biology and many other scientific fields. There are many careers that environmental science can lead to .
They include:
-
- Environmental Scientist
- Environmental Consultant
- Water Quality Scientist
- Environmental Engineer
- Recycling Officer
- Environmental Education Officer
- Marine Biologist
- Nature Conservation Officer
- Sustainability Consultant
- Sustainability Coordinator
Ultimately a degree or A-Level in Environmental Science provides a range of transferable skills – so really it is up to you which area of work you choose to go into afterwards.
