A Level Environmental Science

Please refer to EN's Entry Requirements Guide for specific advice on our Admissions Policy. This guide is supplied at interview to prospective students and is also available to Schools & Careers Advisers.

Environmental Science is a very topical, inter-disciplinary A level subject combining aspects of Biology, Geology, and Geography. You will study the science behind a range of issues including conservation in the UK and abroad, managing water and mineral resources, energy supplies, global warming, pollution, waste management, farming and food supplies. Ultimately the course provides overview of the issues arising as a result of a growing and developing population.

It’s ideal for anyone interested in contemporary environmental issues, systems thinking and sustainability.

This is a linear course and students will be expected to be on this course and take examinations at the end of the two years. There are no AS levels associated with this course from September 2021.

The living environment – exploration of the interaction of living organisms with each other and their abiotic environment, and how an understanding of this can inform decisions that lead to sustainable human activities.

The physical environment – exploring how anthropogenic activities are interconnected with physical processes, to formulate management strategies and plan sustainable activities – focusing on the atmosphere, hydrosphere and lithosphere.

Energy resources – exploration of the importance of energy resources in both past and future developments in society and the impact of future energy supply problems and solutions.

Pollution – exploring how the properties of materials and energy forms interact to result in environmental change and how these problems may be reduced.

Biological resources – exploration of the challenges posed by the need to provide food and forest resources for a growing population without damaging the planet’s life support systems.

Sustainability – exploration of the entire course to consider sustainability on local, national and global scales.

Research methods – these will be assessed with a combination of fieldwork and laboratory tasks.

Exam - 100%

A-level Assessment

- One 3 hour exam

- A combination of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions

Students will be expected to draw on their knowledge of the entire course to show a deeper understanding of the interconnections between topics.

At least a Grade 4 in GCSE English Language and a Grade 5 or higher in GCSE Maths. Grade C or above in GCSE Geography is desirable.

Many students who study Environmental Science, continue this subject at university. An A Level in Environmental Science opens up a variety of career choices from Teaching to Tourism, or Military to Marketing, this subject helps develop skills of analysis, team work and lab work.

The majority of companies have environmental targets/goals and NEED environmental scientists to help meet these.

The world is becoming increasingly green.