What is A Level Environmental Science?

If you've spotted A Level Environmental Science (opens in a new tab) on your school's options sheet, you might be wondering what it involves, and whether it’s more like science or geography.

Essentially, it's a natural science – currently only offered by AQA (opens in a new tab) – combining biology, chemistry and geography, as well as physics.

This guide covers what you'll learn, how it’s assessed, and where it can lead you in the future.

Key Takeaways

• AQA is currently the only exam board offering A Level Environmental Science

• The course covers seven topics, including the living environment, pollution and research methods

• Assessment is two equally-weighted written exams (50% each), both of which test you on research methods

• Fieldwork and laboratory activities are integrated into the course rather than separately assessed

• It opens routes to degrees such as Environmental Science, Geography and Wildlife Conservation, as well as careers in policy, law and cleantech

What A Level Environmental Science actually is

A Level Environmental Science explores the challenges facing our planet, green technologies, and the science that sustains life. It is an interdisciplinary qualification that connects the fields of biology, chemistry and geography, as well as physics.

As a linear qualification, your final grade comes from two written exams sat at the end of Year 13.

Most students take it alongside A Level Biology, Chemistry or Geography for a science-leaning subject mix.

What you study in A Level Environmental Science

A Level Environmental Science consists of the following seven topics, each with opportunities for skills development and independent thinking:

1. The living environment

• Conditions for life on earth

• Conversation of biodiversity

• Life processes in the biosphere and conservation planning

2. The physical environment

   • The atmosphere

   • The hydrosphere

   • Mineral resources

   • Biogeochemical cycles

   • Soils

3. Energy resources

   • The importance of energy supplies in the development of society

   • The impact of the features of energy resources on their use

   • The sustainability of current energy resource exploitation

   • Strategies to secure future energy supplies

4. Pollution

   • The properties of pollutants

   • How environmental features affect the severity of pollution

   • Strategies to control pollutants based on their properties and features of the environment

5. Biological resources

   • Agriculture

   • Aquatic food production systems

   • Forest resources

6. Sustainability

   • Dynamic equilibria

   • Energy

   • Material cycles

   • The circular economy

7. Research methods

   • Scientific methodologies

   • Sampling techniques – includes fieldwork and laboratory activities

Which exam board offers A Level Environmental Science

The only exam board currently offering A Level Environmental Science is AQA. If your school offers Environmental Science, it will be using the AQA specification.

If your school doesn’t offer A Level Environmental Science and you still want to take it, consider using a distance education provider like the Open Study College (opens in a new tab).

How A Level Environmental Science is assessed

Your entire A Level grade is determined by two 3-hour written exams you’ll take at the end of Year 13.

Paper 1 covers the physical environment, energy resources and pollution, while Paper 2 is on the living environment, biological resources and sustainability.

Both papers also test you on research methods and are worth 120 marks (50% each). Questions in both involve tables, graphs and essay writing.

What you need to take A Level Environmental Science

While AQA makes it clear that there are no prior learning requirements, it does recommend that students have the skills and knowledge associated with GCSE Combined Science (or equivalent).

The course also requires mathematical skills that are at least the standard of higher tier GCSE Maths.

Most schools expect Grade 6 or above in GCSE Biology, Chemistry, Geography or Physics. Some accept Grade 5 across these if the rest of your GCSE profile is strong.

Read our guide on how to prepare for A Levels after GCSE for practical strategies on getting ready for sixth form.

A Level Environmental Science vs Geography vs Biology

Given the interdisciplinary nature of A Level Environmental Science, it’s easy to confuse it with overlapping subjects. Here are some of the key features of each subject make a note of:

A Level Environmental Science is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to shape a more sustainable world. It uses research-led science to explore strategies for dealing with environmental challenges.

A Level Geography examines how the planet works, both physically and through human activity. It has more of an emphasis on geopolitics and urban environments than A Level Environmental Science.

A Level Biology is an in-depth, scientific study of life and living organisms. It goes into more detail on areas like cells, genes and evolution than A Level Environmental Science.

Many students take Environmental Science alongside Geography and/or Biology. Our guide to most common A Level combinations shows which different subjects tend to go together.

Where A Level Environmental Science can take you

Here are just some of the pathways A Level Environmental Science can open up for you:

Further Study

• Russell Group universities like Birmingham and Exeter offer strong Environmental Science programmes

• Degrees in Geography, Wildlife Conservation, Climate Science, Marine Biology and Environmental Engineering

Careers

• Policy, e.g. corporate climate strategy

• Law, e.g. environmental lawyer

• Cleantech, e.g. renewable energy

Frequently Asked Questions

Which exam boards offer A Level Environmental Science?

AQA is currently the only exam board offering A Level Environmental Science.

Is A Level Environmental Science a good A Level?

Yes, especially if you’re also taking A Level Biology and/or Chemistry (which both rank highly in the top 10 most popular A Level subjects in the UK).

It’s also a good A Level if you’re looking to study a science or geography-related degree.

Can you study A Level Environmental Science online?

Yes, through distance education providers like the Open Study College (opens in a new tab). These providers should also include the necessary fieldwork.

Do universities accept A Level Environmental Science for science degrees?

Yes, particularly if you plan to take Environmental Science BSc.

For degrees in medicine, dentistry or pharmacy, traditional Biology and Chemistry A Levels are usually still required.

As an interdisciplinary subject combining science and geography, A Level Environmental Science is a highly relevant qualification with real-world application. See if it’s available at your school and, if not, consider taking it with a distance education provider.

Refer to our full list of A Level subjects to choose from to make an informed decision about your A Levels.