Environmental Science BSc (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship
Subject and course type
- Environmental science and geography
- Degree apprenticeship
- Undergraduate
Embark on a career in the environmental sector as part of this highly practical programme that allows you to learn while you work. You’ll investigate, monitor, evaluate and learn to understand environmental systems with the support of Kingston University tutors. During the apprenticeship you’ll typically have one day of study a week, while gaining experience within the industry.
You are reading:
Uncover sustainable solutions to environmental challenges
Begin your career in the Environment sector with the support of leading industry employers and Kingston University.
On this degree apprenticeship you’ll combine your own environmental science interests and learning with those of your employer. As you progress, you’ll build the skills you need to help find sustainable solutions to issues including:
- Climate change
- Development pressures
- Resource use
- Environmental pollution
Apprenticeship timetable
One day a week will be at Kingston University, rather than your place of employment. There will also be learning activities at your workplace. The degree apprenticeship programme leads to a BSc (Hons) Environmental Science (Degree Apprenticeship) and Level 6 Environment Practitioner.
The BSc (Hons) Environmental Science (Degree Apprenticeship) is accredited by Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Practitioners (ISEP). The programme has also been designed in accordance with ISEP profession standards.
Penrhyn Road campus
At our Penrhyn Road campus, you will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including:
- Laboratories dedicated to environmental science learning and research
- The £9.8 million Eadweard Muybridge building with state-of-the-art laboratories
- Computing laboratories and a team of IT technicians to offer assistance
- The award-winning Town House, with a well-stocked library that boasts an impressive collection of texts, journals and online e-books/journals
- Excellent social spaces, plus a large, fully-equipped gym and fitness centre
- A fully-integrated virtual learning environment (Canvas) so you can learn and interact with others on your course 24/7
Why choose this course
Are you considering a career in the environmental sector? Would you like to find sustainable solutions to environmental challenges such as climate change, development pressures, resource use and environmental pollution?
On this course, you'll learn to investigate, monitor, evaluate and understand environmental systems and to predict and respond to environmental challenges. You will analyse environmental samples in the lab, such as investigating water quality or measuring metal contamination in soils.
You will gain the skills and knowledge needed to analyse geospatial data, learning how to use ArcGIS to evaluate and solve many environmental issues. You'll work on an independent research project based on an industry problem identified by your employer. This will combine your own environmental science interests with those of your employer.
Top 10 in the UK for Geography, The Guardian University Guide 2026.
Field trips and practical skills
Field trips will help you develop your field-based research skills from Level 4 to Level 6. For example, during Levels 5 and 6, many of the modules on this course include day trips and excursions.
You might visit:
- The River Thames and its tributaries (water quality, water management, geomorphology, surveying)
- Ashtead Common, a local nature reserve (ecology, conservation)
- Ham Common, Richmond (soil contamination)
- The nearby North Downs and Surrey Hills (landscapes, ecology, agriculture)
- The Sussex-Kent coastline (coastal erosion, coastal management, landslides, climate change)
- The Thames Estuary and Two-Tree Island (Essex) (climate change, flood risk and mitigation/adaptation strategies, climate resilience)
- Rochester, the Medway Estuary and the Isle of Sheppey (flood and erosion risk mapping, flood management and policy)
Find out more about what to expect on our field trips:
At Level 4, you will do a southern UK-based, week-long trip to a specific area, such as Dorset. Here you will:
- Learn and develop a variety of environmental fieldwork skills
- Consider the ways in which we collect and analyse data to understand social and environmental issues
- Study a range of topics, such as water resources, tourism and natural capital, coastal hazards and climate change
- Complete work suggested by lectures and individual projects
- Research controversial environmental issues
At Level 6, you will participate in an overseas residential field trip to a location in Europe, such as Tenerife. This gives you the chance to study an environment very different to that of the UK. You will focus on ecological diversity, develop a range of ecological techniques, and design and manage a group-based ecological project.
The field trips have been excellent. That's where Kingston University excels; it does the practical stuff extremely well. The Spanish trip was especially good. We made so many connections, talked to so many interesting people and saw so many things.”
Accreditation
This programme is accredited by Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Practitioners (ISEP) and has been designed in accordance with ISEP profession standards.
Course content
Different levels
Prior knowledge, skills and behaviours can exempt individuals from certain elements of the programme, resulting in different entry levels and learner journeys for the apprentices.
Please note: Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Level 4
Level 4 introduces key environmental science concepts and methods of scientific investigation. You will learn in a variety of environments including the classroom and laboratory and develop fundamental fieldwork skills. You will study environmental systems and the nature and consequences associated with environmental change. You will investigate how people interact with their environment and examine sustainability challenges. You will learn to make accurate observations of environmental phenomena in the field and the laboratory, and evaluate your findings.
Core modules
30 credits
This module introduces key fundamental topics in physical geography, overviewing the various spheres of the Earth, associated processes and interaction. Themes are presented systematically as a cross-section of the Earth's physical structure: geological underpinning, Earth surface processes (introducing geomorphology, the pedosphere and hydrosphere), the atmosphere, and the biosphere.
Interwoven within these topics are lectures on associated environmental hazards, including geophysical hazards (e.g., volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis), atmospheric hazards (including hurricanes and tornadoes) and environmental and ecological hazards (including oil spills, and wildfires).
Processes behind these major natural and man-made environmental hazards will be described, with reasons provided for their occurrence and global spatial distribution. Detailed case studies from a variety of geographical regions will help to build a portfolio of examples, enhancing student knowledge of the processes, impacts and means of forecasting and mitigating against hazards becoming disasters.
The module introduces students to the application of environmental and geophysical knowledge and skills to real world challenges and potential discipline-related employment opportunities.
30 credits
Maps are tools for visualising spatial information to communicate pattern, processes, and the results of geographical analysis. This module explores the principles and practice of map design and production using Geographical Information System (GIS) software. Basic GIS principles are introduced, including data modelling, data quality, and simple analytical operations. The cartographic design process will be examined through the lens of the ‘map communication model’ (MCM) and graphic and cartographic design principles. The MCM will be critically evaluated in the modern context of interactive web maps, open source enabled self-production, crowdsourcing, personalisation, ‘big data’, and emerging AI technologies. Ethical and legal issues relating to data collection, linkage, copyright and attribution are explained. Digital literacy employability skills will be developed, and the module will provide a baseline for developing more advanced GIS and mapping skills in Levels 5 and 6.
30 credits
This module explores the foundations for academic and professional success, introducing you to the higher education learning environment and supports your development as an effective, independent learners.
The module equips you with essential academic and research skills to thrive in professional environments. It encourages you to take ownership of your learning journey by developing competencies aligned with Kingston University Graduate Attributes and discipline-specific professional standards. Through weekly sessions, you will explore effective learning strategies, assessment for learning, and the role of feedback and critical self-reflection. You are introduced to key research methods including research design, qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Fieldwork is a central component, offering hands-on experience in geographical and environmental investigation.
30 credits
This module introduces the basic principles of environmental science, including environmental chemistry, water quality analysis/assessment, environmental pollution, and ecology. The module further explains the core concepts and approaches of sustainability, including sustainable development and SDGs, environmental justice and perception. The module will investigate basic environmental principles to help you understand how physical and human processes and activities can promote change in environmental systems and sustainability at a range of spatial and temporal scales. You will investigate the impacts of environmental change, sustainable development, understand their significance, and show how this knowledge can be applied to the management of environmental and sustainability challenges. The importance of a holistic approach to problem solving in the environmental sciences will be introduced along with material on key underpinning scientific disciplines including environmental chemistry and ecology through the investigation of global habitats.
Level 5
Level 5 builds knowledge of environmental systems and develops your analytical science skills portfolio through the collection, analysis and interpretation of environmental data. You will develop your practical skills in environmental project management, cartography and Geographic Information Science. You will also learn field skills such as surveying and sediment coring.
Core modules
30 credits
This module explores the physical science of Earth's hydrosphere and the atmosphere, key processes and principles, and associated hazards. Through a sculpted narrative, the module will take students on an investigative journey to explore land, ocean and atmosphere environments and their interactions, with a persistent focus on the impact of climate change on these systems.
Environments to be explored include the dynamic coastal zone (including beaches, saltmarshes, estuaries and deltas), rivers and drainage basins, oceans and ocean circulation, and the atmosphere. Hydrological and sedimentological processes will be considered, following a source to sink approach.
A variety of hydrospheric and atmospheric hazards will be considered throughout the module. These include riverine and coastal flooding, sea-level rise, and severe weather hazards associated with ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation), the Indian Ocean Dipole and the SE Asian Monsoon System. Fieldwork, GIS and remote sensing practical sessions are integral to this module; they provide real-world skills and training relevant to a wide variety of environmental science, hazards and geography careers. An embedded field trip will investigate hazards associated with environmental change in the Thames Estuary and explore appropriate mitigation and adaptive strategies to best manage this environment in the future.
30 credits
You will be trained in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, as well as Geographical Information Science (GIS). You will learn how to collect, manipulate, and interpret environmental and geospatial data using industry-standard tools such as SPSS, Envivo and ArcGIS. The module will develop practical skills in statistical interpretation of environmental datasets, as well as in coding and interpreting qualitative data. You will also develop practical skills in visualisation, mapping and interpretation of different datasets (e.g., land use, pollution, biodiversity). Emphasis will be placed on critical evaluation of data sources and analytical methods. The skills acquired will support you in making evidence-based decisions and applying your learning to project-based investigations, including fieldwork and research projects.
30 credits
The module comprises two key components, ecology and contaminated land. Ecological concepts are explained using a hierarchical approach: population, community and ecosystem levels of ecology are explored, highlighting the interactions between man and nature. A research-led approach emphasises the models by which ecologists explain complex biological systems. Contaminated land principles are explained using a systematic approach. First, an understanding of the importance of key soil properties and processes underpinning storage/retention, transport and bioavailability of contaminants in soil is explained. This forms the essential base for introducing and explaining soil pollution, including the impact of pollutants on environmental systems (soil, water, plants and air) and human health, before discussing pollution mitigation and control/remediation strategies. Core factual material is provided using keynote lectures to explain concepts. The practical and fieldwork elements develop observing, sampling, recording, laboratory testing, data analysis, data interpretation and presentation skills.
30 credits
This module explores how we manage the environment and promote climate resilience through the study of environmental policy and practice. It develops the Level 5 Future Skills Explore Learning Outcomes and encourages you to reflect on the Kingston University Graduate Attributes through project-based learning. The first part focuses on environmental policy, examining global challenges and the legal, political, and economic systems that shape our relationship with the environment. It highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to informed decision-making. In the second part, you apply your teamwork skills to an industry live brief, pitching solutions to a Dragon’s Den-style panel of professionals and academics. Through assignment-led learning, you connect environmental policy with practical action and reflect on your growing professional competence via a shared and personal blog. The module also supports preparation for Level 6 and your future professional pathway, helping you make informed decisions about industrial placements or Apply projects. Integrated Personal Tutorial System (PTS) sessions provide small-group discussions that reinforce key ideas, develop reflective practice, and deepen understanding of environmental management and sustainability challenges.
Level 6
Level 6 modules build on your environmental knowledge and skills delivered in Level 5, enabling you to apply your knowledge to investigate contemporary environmental science challenges. You will get to expand and develop your knowledge and skills on an overseas field trip, currently based in Tenerife.
Core modules
30 credits
This module examines the relationship between land and water management, global challenges associated with the management of land and water, and sustainable options to seek their resolution.
The module will develop an understanding and critical evaluation of these challenges from several perspectives through the systematic investigation of land-use practices, the applications of soil science and linking practices to processes and patterns of land degradation, the interface between land management and water management, global concerns for water security, land use impacts on the wider environment, including climate, physical and socio-political drivers and an examination of the regional land-water management issues.
The module will highlight a range of employability skills and challenge students to identify and value the transferability of these skills to the workplace. These will include assessment for learning activities that will develop fieldwork skills, problem-solving and the communication of environmental knowledge.
30 credits
This is a core Level 6 module for L6 Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprentices and serves both as 30 credits at Level 6 towards the BSc. (Hons) Environmental Science Integrated Degree Apprenticeship degree award and as the End Point Assessment (EPA) for the L6 Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship, required to complete the apprenticeship programme.
In line with the EPA strategy for the Standard ST0778, this module is guided by the EPA Methods, comprising a Work-based Project (Method 1, Component 1) and Presentation of key findings upon its conclusion (Method 1, Component 2) and a structured interview based on the apprentice's Portfolio (Method 2).
Successful completion of this module requires the student to pass both module elements of assessment: the Work-based Project Report (compliant with Methods 1, Component 1) and End Point Assessment (Method 1, Component 2 and, Method 2).
15 credits
This module gives you a dedicated opportunity to develop your Future Skills Graduate Attributes.
At the start of the module, you will be supported to self-assess your current skills profile. You will determine which attributes and skills you need to develop to support your career ambitions. In this process, you will be supported by a dedicated career coach, helping you explore a range of options that includes self-employment/freelancing, starting your own business, higher level study, and other professional graduate-level opportunities. Throughout the module, you will be given opportunities to engage with external mentors, to support reflection and to develop a professional network.
You will undertake a tailored series of activities and projects, aligned to your goals, from a menu of development options. This could include short courses, enrichment activities and experiential learning options such as micro-placements. You will also be able to reflect on activities outside the University that develop your graduate attributes, such as work or volunteering.
15 credits
The importance of historical and contemporary land use practices in shaping current biotic communities is discussed. Current issues in biodiversity conservation and biodiversity patterns influenced by anthropogenic climate change are explored through a lecture and seminar programme. Fieldwork supports the lectures and assignments which are designed to introduce students to important aspects of practical conservation work, such as global strategies for mitigating effects of biodiversity loss, writing funding bids, species conservation strategies, and communicating to non-specialists/decision makers.
30 credits
The module examines key issues relating to climate change in the areas of science, policy and society.
The science of climate change will be explored through an investigation of the climate system and an examination of indicators such as sea-level change and ocean acidification.
The influence of human activities such as greenhouse gas emissions will be explored, and future climate scenarios evaluated.
Applications of AI in climate modelling will also be assessed. You will learn to critically discuss models of future climate change and produce your own climate projections for the UK based on real data.
The module will examine local and national strategies to adapt to and mitigate against impacts of climate change. This will include investigations into adaptations in agriculture and the food industry, and an exploration of environmental and socio-economic challenges faced in urban areas. The module will investigate the current and future impact on coastal communities and habitats, with assessment of risks associated with sea level rise, coastal flooding and erosion. This will include a field trip to investigate coastal challenges in southeast England and explore mitigation and adaptation strategies that enhance resilience. Assessments will develop real-world skills and reflect upon KU Graduate Attributes.
What career opportunities does this course offer?
Through completing your degree apprenticeship you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of environmental sciences and the challenges that the environment faces both now and in the future.
You will also have gained practical experience through work-based learning, and industry-relevant skills tailored to your career ambitions. This ensures you are well-prepared to excel in a range of environmental science roles, including:
- Environmental consultant
- Nature conservation officer
- Sustainability consultant
- Environmental engineer
- Recycling officer
Future Skills
Our Future Skills programme is embedded within all our undergraduate courses and throughout the whole Kingston experience. These skills will help you to become a future-proof graduate by equipping you with the skills most valued by employers, such as problem-solving, digital competency and adaptability.
As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills. You’ll also understand how to demonstrate and articulate to employers how these future skills give you the edge.
Teaching and assessment
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for final assignments. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.
When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.
| Activity | Hours (entry at Level 4) | Hours (entry at Level 5) | Hours (entry at Level 6) |
| Lectures / flipped lectures / tutorials / practicals / laboratories | 321 | 299 | 226 |
| Fieldwork / site visits | 56 | 135 | 26 |
| Integrative project work / group work / supervised group meetings | 40 | 10 | 0 |
| Summative assessments | 115 | 130 | 160 |
| Work-based learning (credits' bearing) (approx.) | 0 | 0 | 100 |
| Workplace mentor meetings | 60 | 60 | 30 |
| Workshops | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Research development | 160 | 80 | 0 |
Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this programme is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose.
Assessment:
- Coursework: 83%
- Exams: 17%
Based on the Education and Skills Funding Agency funding rules your on-the-job training will also be assessed to ensure that it meets the requirements of the apprenticeship standard. You will also need to successfully complete an End-Point Assessment.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Your individualised timetable is normally available to learners within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm.
End-Point Assessment
Each apprentice on an approved Apprenticeship Standard is required to take an End-Point Assessment (EPA) to complete the programme. The EPA is delivered by an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) that is registered with the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
The EPA is either integrated as part of the apprenticeship or completed after the course element. If an apprentice is completing the EPA after the course element, they must ensure they have successfully completed their learning, achieved the gateway requirements and finished uploading their evidence prior to taking the EPA.
Fees and funding
The Environmental Science BSc (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship programme is funded through the Government's Apprenticeship Levy within the approved funding band.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can typically range from £20 to £40 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
Specific courses may require uniforms, specialty clothing, or specific equipment like lab coats and safety shoes. Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year.
Next steps
Employees
If you are currently employed full time and would like to find out more about apprenticeships, please ask your employer to contact the Kingston University apprenticeship team.
Employers
If you are an employer interested in how apprenticeships can support your organisation and employees, please contact the apprenticeship team for further details.
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Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
