Environmental Science

Environmental Science combines physical, biological and chemical sciences to study the environment and discover solutions to environmental problems such as climate change, pollution, loss of biodiversity and the sustainable provision of energy, food, and clean water.

Our Environmental Science courses blend scientific knowledge and technical training. You'll gain the analytical, field and laboratory skills to understand the complex interactions between people and the environment. Our research-led teaching ensures you are up-to-date with the latest knowledge.

Stirling is a superb place to study Environmental Science with a proud history of innovation in environmental research and study. We were one of the first UK universities to introduce an Environmental Science course. Stirling is also a hub for conservation and environmental organisations and we’re ideally located for diverse landscapes and industrial sites.

Environmental Science courses

Courses labelled are available for online study only.

Undergraduate courses
CourseStart date
BSc (Hons) Ecology and ConservationSeptember 2022
BSc (Hons) Environmental Geography and Outdoor EducationSeptember 2022
BSc (Hons) Environmental ScienceSeptember 2022, January 2023
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science and Outdoor EducationSeptember 2022
Postgraduate courses
CourseStart date
LLM International Energy and Environmental LawSeptember 2022
MSc Environmental ManagementSeptember 2022, January 2023
MSc Environmental Management (Conservation)September 2022, January 2023
MSc Environmental Management (Energy)September 2022, January 2023

Graduate careers in Environmental Science

Our Environmental Science degrees focus on scientific knowledge and technical training to create genuine career opportunities with a wide range of organisations, including water authorities, research institutes, renewable energy companies, conservation bodies, businesses, local authorities and government agencies.

Graduates from our Environmental Science degrees enjoy successful careers around the world in areas such as environmental consultancy, transport planning, waste management, environmental protection agencies, education and ecotourism.

Jobs directly related to an Environmental Science degree include:

  • environmental consultant
  • nature conservation officer
  • recycling officer
  • sustainability consultant
  • environmental education officer
  • environmental manager
  • transport planner
  • teacher
  • ecotourist officer
  • waste management officer
  • water quality scientist

Partnerships and industry

Many of our Environmental Science degrees are accredited by the Institute of Environmental Sciences (IES). Our BSc (Hons) Environmental Science degree course is also accredited by the Committee of Heads of Environmental Sciences. On our BSc (Hons) Environmental Science and Outdoor Education degree, students have the opportunity to gain the Mountain Leader Award, endorsed by the Mountain Training Association.

The University of Stirling is a hub for conservation activity in Scotland. Several organisations have offices on our campus, including the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, Scottish Natural Heritage, British Trust for Ornithology and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. We work closely with these and other organisations, such as the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, in conducting research, arranging placements and field training, and developing our Environmental Science courses.

We also have links with Environmental Science organisations throughout the UK and overseas, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature, European Environment Agency, Gabonese National Parks Service, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research.

Specialist facilities

The Stirling Controlled Environment Facility is a world-class experimental facility for conducting experimental research investigating the impacts of climate and climate change.

We also have 11 specialist laboratories supporting a wide range of research interests from ecology to analytical chemistry to thin section and micromorphology.

 

Societies

Environmental Enterprises - a student lead enterprise for anyone to develop gardening, food production, marketing or business skills to be more environmentally friendly.

Marine Conservation Society - a student run society that are passionate about saving our oceans. Be a part of conservation efforts through action and education.

Environmental Science research

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), 60 percent of our research in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences was rated 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent'.

We consistently attract major research grants and our research impact positions us as leaders in the area of Environmental Science, Environmental Protection and Biological Conservation.

Postgraduate research opportunities

Postgraduate research students in Environmental Science will join a vibrant research environment in which we seek to understand the fundamental processes driving the evolution and maintenance of biodiversity, from the molecular to the ecosystem level. See our PhD and MPhil opportunities in:

Environmental Biogeochemistry Research Group

The cutting-edge research concerns the planetary life support systems upon which we all depend. The group is global in geographical scope and academic reach, and conducts research in terrestrial, freshwater and marine realms.

Earth and Planetary Observation Research Group

We harness satellite, airborne and in-situ sensor technologies to provide new understandings of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem responses to environmental change, and deliver data-driven solutions to pressing global challenges.

Ecosystem Change Research Group

They focus on interdisciplinary research bringing together ecology and social science to model, predict and manage ecosystem change for the benefit of biodiversity and human wellbeing

Healthy Environments: Sustainable Societies Research Group

The group's research provides interdisciplinary evidence to drive innovative management of land, air and water, and policy tools that promote societal well-being and ecosystem resilience.