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.
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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 Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA). The programme has also been designed in accordance with IEMA 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 acquire 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.
We are ranked No.1 in London for Geography in the Guardian University Guide 2025.
We are ranked No.4 in the UK for Geography in the Guardian University Guide 2025.
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 Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) and has been designed in accordance with IEMA 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
This module introduces the basic principles of environmental science, including environmental chemistry, water quality analysis/assessment, environmental pollution, ecology, palaeoecology, and climate change (past and future). The module investigates basic environmental principles to help you understand how physical and human processes can promote change in environmental systems at a range of spatial and temporal scales.
You will investigate the impacts of environmental change, understand their significance, and how this knowledge can be applied to the management of environmental 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.
15 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. GIS are introduced, including representations of reality, data types, data management, data quality, and simple analytical operations.
The cartographic design process will be explained including graphic design principles and different modes of delivery (hardcopy/web map/3D) and contrasted to ‘traditional' manual map-making. Legal and ethical issues relating to copyright and attribution of data and media are explained.
15 credits
This module introduces students to a range of research methods that form the basis of successful investigations in their subject discipline areas, including research design, qualitative and quantitative data collection, and analysis interpretation.
The module, importantly, also introduces fieldwork as a key investigative element of both environmental and geographical study. The module incorporates the core Level 4 fieldwork, developing both generic fieldwork skills (e.g. pre-field trip reconnaissance using a range of secondary data sources and remote sensing, field safety risk assessments, safety in the field, and ethical considerations) and discipline specific site investigations (e.g. field observations, triangulation for map location and geometrical data collection using compass-clinometers, surveying techniques and GPS location, water quality surveys, analyses of archival data, and questionnaires and interviews).
15 credits
Apprentices are introduced to their course learning aims and consider their anticipated learning targets from induction to graduation. Apprentices are guided to identify and take ownership of their apprenticeship journey through the development and application of academic and occupational skills aligned to KU Graduate Attributes, discipline-specific professional body learning outcomes and the relevant IfATE Standard KSBs (ST0331, ST0417, and ST0778).
Apprentices are tutored in a range of learning to learn techniques and are introduced to assessment for learning and the role of feedback, reflection and feedforward as an integrated part of their learning journey. This will be supported through active engagement in the KU Navigate Programme enabling apprentices to understand and begin to develop a design-thinking approach to Future Skills development.
15 credits
This module will explore the global environmental, economic, and social problems that society faces and encourage students to find and create sustainable innovative solutions.
The students will be introduced to the complex societal problems and current challenges associated with social justice, cultural inequalities, ethics, and climate change emergencies, this will enable them to reflect on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The students will be immersed in a culture of education that provides knowledge, values, attitudes, and skills and encourages them to think about possible solutions seeking to balance economic, environmental, and social objectives set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), and the challenges in achieving those goals.
Students will be able to develop knowledge, values, attitudes, and skills associated with systems thinking and integrated problem-solving within the context of environmental systems and processes and the built environment. This will encourage students to critically address ways to mitigate and solve complex global societal problems addressed by the UNSDGs.
Working in teams, students will explore, and debate: to evaluate the interconnectivity between the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), collaborate and co-design practical and equitable strategic solutions to Net Zero carbon (positive), and evaluate sustainability-related global challenges (e.g., the climate emergency) while developing critical thinking and self-awareness
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.
15 credits
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 is used to emphasise the models by which ecologists attempt to explain complex biological systems. Core factual material is provided using keynote lectures to explain concepts. The practical and fieldwork elements are designed to develop observing, recording, data analysis, data interpretation and presentation skills.
15 credits
This module has three key components. First, an understanding of the fundamental principles of soil science is developed whereby the various soil properties and processes, including storage/retention and transport of water and chemicals in soil, are explained. This provides a good support to developing an understanding of soil and hydrological interactions with soil nutrients and contaminants. This knowledge of soil and water environmental interaction 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. It also discusses pollution mitigation and control/remediation strategies.
30 credits
You will be tutored in aspects of research design, including defining research questions, research philosophy and appropriate methodologies. You will also learn practical aspects of research design, such as logistical considerations of time and budget limitations, as well as data archiving.
You will receive practical field skills training in techniques such as surveying, sediment coring and riverine sampling. You'll be trained in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and learn how to collect, manipulate and interpret statistical environmental and geographical data. You'll then be able to apply this learning to your project-based investigations.
15 credits
With the increasing focus on data science and big data, data literacy and the ability to develop and implement analytical workflows have become essential transferrable skills. This module is concerned with how to obtain, process, integrate, analyse, visualise, and analyse geographical data within GIS software to discover and quantify spatial patterns. It offers the means to critically evaluate data, analytical approaches, and the outcomes in relation to the principles of information and cartographic design.
The principles and methods of digital data collection and post-processing are introduced (e.g. GPS, mobile apps, aerial and space-based survey, secondary data, APIs). Students will learn how to apply exploratory and basic analytical techniques (e.g. buffer, spatial join, overlay, surface and network analysis) to discover pattern. They are introduced to and gain practical experience of the relational database, and network and surface data models and their analytical use.
15 credits
This is a core module for all Level 5 students on engineering programmes. Students will demonstrate a developing awareness of the skills required to operate as a professional in their subject area. This module will scaffold Future Skills from Level 4 Navigate to Level 6 Apply.
This module considers the principles and practices for the design and management of engineering projects. The nature of engineering project management is discussed in the context of constraints on quality, time, risk, and sustainability. The module broadens the student's knowledge of how organisations undertake and monitor projects.
The module is skills-rich, including the development of team-working, interpersonal and interdisciplinary skills, critical self-reflection, communication and presentation, time management, and the ability to organise, strategise and prioritise.
A key element of this module will be the participation in an inter-disciplinary design thinking project. Students will contextualise their subject-specific knowledge, skills and behaviours as an interdisciplinary team member charged with developing a solution to a designated sustainability challenge. The teamwork project enables students to demonstrate their ability to explore and contextualise their subject specific knowledge and helps prepare them for their individual project in Level 6.
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
15 credits
The module will provide an opportunity for the apprentices to consider and prepare for their End Point Assessment. The apprentices will be guided to understand key themes associated with their End Point Assessment Portfolio, and to undertake a case study exercise which highlights their developing competencies against their relevant IfATE Standard KSBs (ST0331, ST0417 and ST0778), such that on conclusion of this module, they are fully prepared to gather together evidence and collate this towards their portfolio submission at Gateway. The apprentices will develop a suite of technical, management and interpersonal skills required to perform in a team environment, building on skills developed at Levels 4 and 5. Apprentices will participate in Kingston University's Bright Ideas competition where they will develop and present a business idea of their choice, in-so-doing developing competence and confidence in delivering their work-based project presentations which are integral to their End Point Assessments. Apprentices will be guided to interact with professional and learning communities beyond the university and reflect on these interactions.
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.
15 credits
This module explores the science of climate change through an in-depth exploration of the components of the climate system and an examination of climate change indicators such as sea-level change and ocean acidification. The influence of human activities that contribute to climate change, such as greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation will be explored, and future climate models and scenarios will be evaluated. Archives of past climate change will also be examined, to give context to future climate change scenarios.
The module will highlight how recent climate change is predominantly due to anthropogenic forcing rather than natural climate drivers. Students will learn to critically evaluate and discuss models of future climate change and will produce their own climate projections for the UK based on real data.
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
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 tackles the key issues and challenges relating to climate change in the three main subject areas of science, policy and society. The module will investigate a series of climate-related hazards, including riverine flooding, coastal flooding and erosion, severe weather hazards, landslides, heatwaves, droughts and wildfires, crop failure and famine.
You will explore options to reduce the risks associated with climate change, through appropriate mitigation and adaptation strategies. The module will include an investigation of climate change hazards in the agricultural sector, and you will explore how agriculture can adapt to future environmental change.
You will learn how to examine, interpret and evaluate international, national and local policies and practices responding to climate change. The UN Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) will be embedded throughout the module discussions and used to help guide solutions to climate change hazards.
Future Skills and career opportunities
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
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it
For more information on how Kingston prepares you for the future job market, visit our Future Skills page.
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.
To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally attracts 10 learners and lecture sizes are normally 10-105. However this can vary by module and academic year.
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 free 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.
