Environmental Science is a holistic subject with many interconnected systems and processes. A change to one process can affect many other processes to different degrees.
Consideration of environmental issues is based on evidence-based information
and an understanding of how society works. Students will develop an
in-depth understanding of both of these approaches.
Awarded By:

Key Facts
Programme Costs:
The fees for this course are currently being confirmed.
Please contact Student Recruitment for more information.
Level:
3
Awarding Body:
Assessment & Qualifications Alliance (AQA)
Course Code:
- 23/24A1QENV
Mode of Attendance:
- Full Time
Course Duration:
2 Years
Dates:
- September 2023
CourseContent
The Environmental Science course enables students to gain a well-informed insight into the environment, and the scientific processes that control and affect it. The central theme is an understanding of how different events and cycles within the environment interrelate, the human impacts on these events and cycles, and the strategies that can be used to minimise the problems caused.
Year 12:
- The Living Environment
- The Physical Environment
- Energy Resources
Year 13:
- Pollution
- Biological Resources
- Sustainability
- Research Methods
Features/
Benefits
The skills developed on this course enable students to gain a thorough understanding of the world in which we live and the risks and threats Earth faces.
Students are required to participate in a minimum of field work over the two
year course in addition to practical, laboratory-based activities. Due to
current COVID Regulations, all fieldwork is simulated in the
laboratories.
Entry
Requirements
Minimum Entry Requirements:
All Loughborough College
Sixth Form courses have minimum entry requirements of at least five GCSEs at
grade C/4 or above, including English Language and Maths.
Subject Specific Entry Requirements:
Two science GCSEs at
grade 5 - these can be core and additional science or any two separate
science subjects.
Assessment
Methods
Two x 3 hour exams (50% each).Progression
Opportunities
An A Level in Environmental Science is an excellent combination with science and humanities subjects. It can lead to further study in a scientific or geographic field.
Career options directly related to this pathway include:
- Environmental consultant
- Environmental education officer
- Environmental manager
- Nature conservation officer
- Recycling officer
- Sustainability consultant
- Waste management officer
- Water quality scientist
Jobs where this pathway would also be useful include:
- Environmental health practitioner
- Landscape architect
- Town planner
- Toxicologist
- Transport planner
FAQs
DO YOU OFFER THE EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION (EPQ)?
- Yes, but only to Year 2 students who have demonstrated in Year 1 that they have the academic ability to cope with this extra research project.
HOW MANY A LEVEL SUBJECTS DO I NEED TO TAKE?
- You will need to choose three subjects minimum with a maximum of 4. See page 5 for more details on subject choices.
I’M INTERESTED IN A LEVELS BUT I’M NOT SURE WHICH ONES
- That’s okay! We know that deciding on A Levels can be a long process and
that you can change your mind—a lot.
When you initially apply, we’ll ask you for your options, but you’re not tied down to these subjects. We’ll confirm your final choices at a later date.
DO I HAVE TO STUDY THE SUBJECT I WANT TO STUDY AT UNIVERSITY AS AN A
LEVEL?
- Not always; it depends on your chosen university course. Subjects like Medicine and Architecture have very specific entry requirements, whereas you can study Psychology or Law at university without having studied them at A Level. Check university entry requirements to see if they are asking for specific subjects.
ARE A LEVELS THE ONLY ROUTE INTO UNIVERSITY?
- No. We also offer Level 3 BTEC Extended Diplomas, which are the equivalent to three A Levels and many universities accept them as an alternative.
CAN I STUDY 3 A LEVELS AND BE A PART OF THE ACADEMY OF SPORT PROGRAMME?
- Yes. Visit the Academy of Sport pages for more information.
CAN I STUDY A DIPLOMA IN SPORT AND ONE A LEVEL?
- Yes, but it is only recommended for high-performing students due to the demands that both courses will place on timetable and ability. We will need to ensure that your combination is suitable for future progression and doesn’t clash on the timetable.
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information contained on this website is correct, the College accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Please note that details are subject to change without notice with regard to the provision of courses, course times and dates and the fees and charges levied.