BSc (Hons) Environmental Science and Outdoor Education
Environmental Science and Outdoor Education is our unique course blending environmental science with practical teaching on running outdoor activities. Be the difference outdoors!
Key facts
- Award BSc (Hons)
- Start date September 2023
- Duration 48 months
- Mode of study full time, part time
- Delivery on campus
- UCAS Code FX99
- Study abroad opportunities
Overview
If you want a highly respected degree in Environmental Science that also provides you with outdoor teaching and guiding activities, this unique degree has been designed for you.
The University of Stirling is a superb place to study Environmental Science, with our history of innovation in environmental research and study. This course blends the academic elements of our Environmental Science degree with practical training in navigation and outdoor safety.
You'll explore global environmental issues, contemporary environmental science, landscape evolution, and scientific techniques. In addition, you’ll learn how to design, lead and deliver outdoor programmes with environmental and ecological learning outcomes.
Our leading mountaineering instructors and outdoor specialists will teach you outdoor leadership, mountain skills and environmental education. You'll have the opportunity to complete a semester abroad, a work placement module and gain the Mountain or Lowland Leader Award, endorsed by the Mountain Training Association. This is a physically demanding course requiring a good level of health, fitness and mobility.
Top reasons to study with us
Professional accreditation
The Mountain Leader Award is recognised by the Mountain Training Association and the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA).
Prizes or awards
At the end of year 3 the Altajir scholarship of £500 is awarded to the two best performing students in Environmental Science and Environmental Geography.
Entry requirements
Year 1 entry – Four-year honours
SQA Highers
AABB - by the end of S5
AAAB - by the end of S6
GCE A-levels
BBB
IB Diploma
30 points
BTEC (Level 3)
DDM
Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics.
Widening access students
Widening access students may be eligible for an adjusted offer of entry. To find out if this applies to you go to our widening access pages.
Care-experienced applicants will be guaranteed an offer of a place if they meet the minimum entry requirements.
Other Scottish qualifications
Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.
Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.
SWAP access course - for mature students only.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B
Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics.
Other qualifications
English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions
English, Welsh and Northern Irish access courses
Access to Higher Education - 60 credits, minimum 45 at QCF Level 3, pass at 60% or above.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Essential subjects
To include one of Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics.
International entry requirements
Advanced entry
Advanced entry is not available for this course.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, INTO University of Stirling offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore INTO University of Stirling to see the Foundation and International Year 2 routes available.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with 5.5 in each skill
- Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) 169 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE) 180 overall with a minimum of 162 in each sub-skill
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
- IBT TOEFL Special Home Edition 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
- Trinity ISE II Pass overall and Pass in each sub-skill, ISE III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISE IV Pass overall and in all sub-skills
- Aptis (4 skills) CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills
- LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator - Pass with minimum 33 in each sub-skill
Last updated: 23 August 2022
For more information on ways that you can meet our English language requirements, including options to waive the requirement, please read our information on English language requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
We blend lecture-based teaching, substantial field-based learning about the environment and practical training in navigation, mountain hazards and outdoor safety. We’ll also train you to design and deliver outdoor courses with environmental and ecological learning outcomes.
We have strong links with outdoor education and environmental management employers, giving you the opportunity to get hands-on experience working with industrial partners during your degree.
In the outdoor education components you’ll learn from some of the UK’s top mountaineering instructors and outdoor educators. The optional but included Summer Mountain Leader Award requires you to complete a minimum of 40 quality mountain days, but all students will complete their Mountain Leader Training.
This degree requires a good level of health, fitness and mobility and a commitment to outdoor pursuits (in particular, mountain walking).
We’ve a proud history of innovation in Environmental Science. University of Stirling was one of the first universities to establish a degree course in Environmental Science in 1980 and we are still committed to training graduates with the skills valued by employers today. We offer the only Environmental Science MSci course in Scotland, which is accredited by the Institution for Environmental Sciences (IES).
Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the current academic year (September 2022). Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
Course details
Teaching
We were awarded five-star excellence for teaching in the QS Stars University Ratings 2021.
You'll be taught through a mix of lectures, on-line materials, field and laboratory practical exercises and tutorials. You'll have the opportunity to gain work-based experience as part of your degree, which will count towards your degree progression.
Fieldwork
You’ll spend a considerable amount of time out in our exceptional Scottish landscapes, both on fieldtrips and gaining independent experience for your Mountain Leader Award.
You will have the choice of two residential field trips (in Year 3 and Year 4). Currently one of these is based in the NW Highlands of Scotland; and we are we currently seeking a new location for the other, likely to be in continental Europe. These 7-day field courses introduce students to the process of designing, conducting and analysing your own small research project.
Assessment
Students are assessed through a diversity coursework assessments that allow them to demonstrate their understanding and skills on a range of topics. These include written work (outdoor education lesson planning, landscape interpretation and preparing environmental consultancy reports), presentations and practical demonstrations. This’ll give you highly relevant training for employment as you study for your degree.
Work placement opportunities
Students have the opportunity to complete a work placement module at the start of their 3rd year that counts towards their degree. A range of employers are available with many students choosing their own work placement company that fits their interest. Previous placements have included; the national parks, local environmental charities, outdoor education centres and adventure centres.
Study abroad
During Year 3 you can spend one or two semesters abroad where you study courses equivalent to those taken at Stirling and have the opportunity to broaden your environmental and cultural experience.
In addition to the exchange opportunities available to all Stirling students, Environmental Geography has a well-established exchange programme with universities including the University of Agder, Norway, University of Guelph in Canada and the University of Fairbanks, Alaska.
Contact
Dr Alan Law, Programme Director for Outdoor Education Degrees
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
| Academic year: | 2022/23 | 2023/24 |
|---|---|---|
| Scottish students | £1,820* | £1,820 * |
| Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| European Union students | £18,800 | £20,300 |
| Overseas students (non-EU) | £18,800 | £20,300 |
Scottish students
* This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change.
You will be charged the annual tuition fee each year when you enrol.
Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, students domiciled in Scotland can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government on their behalf. If you’re unsure of your fee status, you can check your eligibility.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you’ll be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland are eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,250 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
We also offer additional funding – such as our Honours Year Scholarship – for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities below for more information.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
European Union students
Eligible EU students will automatically receive our EU Undergraduate Scholarship, which is worth up to £30,000 over the duration of your course.
Students from the Republic of Ireland should see the fee and funding information under England, Wales, NI and Republic of Ireland.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Overseas students (non-EU)
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
We subsidise costs for fieldtrips, but you’ll be required to make a financial contribution.
Funding opportunities
See what funding opportunities and loans are available to help you with tuition and living costs.
Students domiciled in Scotland
Use our scholarship finder to find funding opportunities for Scottish-domiciled students.
EU students
Eligible students will automatically receive our automatic scholarship of up to £30k, which is worth up to £30,000 over the duration of your course.
Students domiciled in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
Eligible students will automatically receive our Undergraduate Choice Scholarship, Undergraduate Merit Scholarship, and our Honours Year Scholarship, which are worth between £1,000 and £9,250.
Students domiciled overseas
The University of Stirling offers generous undergraduate funding opportunities for overseas students. To find out if you're eligible to apply for an award, use our scholarship finder.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
EU and overseas students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
What jobs can you get with an Environmental Science and Outdoor Education degree?
Our combined approach for this degree will allow you to enter a wide range of relevant careers, from outdoor instructor through to environmental consultant or ecologist. Graduates have found work as countryside rangers, guides and environmental science or geography educators (raising public awareness of environmental issues), and other careers specific to outdoor education.
In addition, students will be prepared for employment in the same professions as our standard Environmental Geography and Environmental Science graduates, such as education, conservation and the environment, science and technology, travel and related occupations, and sports and fitness.
Our course will give you the foundation for graduate entry to postgraduate taught and research degree courses in the environmental field.
This course is not designed to train you to become an outdoor instructor. However, you may wish to gain additional qualifications independently (e.g. SPA or BCU awards) or undertake a suitable postgraduate programme in outdoor education which would qualify you for this type of career.
Employability skills
Engagement with potential employers, work-related learning and the dissertation project in your final year will develop your professional skills. Throughout the course you’re encouraged to develop personal effectiveness skills to allow you to complete work in a professional and timely manner.
Companies we work with
Ardroy Outdoor Education Centre; Climb Industries; Glenmore Lodge; Oban Mountain Rescue; John Muir Trust.
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What our students said
Scotland
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science and Outdoor Education
Read Rachel's storyThe three main stand out features of this course is the chance to undertake a work experience module, complete the Summer Mountain Leader award and gain a first aid qualification. These are all so beneficial to anyone looking into starting a career in the outdoors.
Scotland
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science and Outdoor Education
Read Kyle's storyThe course offers high-quality academic learning on environmental, human and physical geography whilst simultaneously qualifying you to work professionally in mountainous areas and even provides opportunities to work with groups in the outdoor environment. To my knowledge, there are courses that will only provide one of these aspects to aspiring learners making the University of Stirling a uniquely attractive prospect.
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science and Outdoor Education
Read Julie's storyUniversity of Stirling was my first choice for a variety of reasons, and after visiting each university that I applied to at least once at open days, it still came out on top. As well as being a beautiful campus within easy commuting distance for me (very important as a Mum of three with work and volunteering commitments!), every single person I spoke to at Stirling was welcoming, supportive and genuinely seemed happy to be there.
Flexible study
This course is not available as a combined degree.