Environmental Science A Level - Level 3
Overview
IMPORTANT
Applications are now open for academic year 2026/2027, but our full-time courses are still being finalised. If your chosen course changes, we’ll contact you to offer a suitable alternative that matches your goals. For more information, call our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626.
This course can be studied alongside 2 A Levels or 1 A Level and 1 vocational course (as part of our 2+1 offer).
Studying the natural environment has never been more important and relevant than today.
On this course you will learn about the conservation of diverse species and habitats around the world, the composition of the atmosphere, nutrient cycles and the soil, methods of energy generation and climate change, different types of pollution and how to reduce them, sustainable agriculture and fisheries, forestry and deforestation, recycling and sustainability. The breadth of the topics makes it both interesting, but also difficult.
If you want to learn about how science and humans affects the world today, then this is the perfect course for you.
What subjects does it combine well with?
What our students say
Evie talks to us about the exciting opportunities studying A Levels with us has presented her, including how it differs from school, using the West Notts Travel Pass, and her plans to progress onto university.
Attend an A Level open event
Over 70% of students achieved an A*-C grade in 2025. Join us to find out more about our A Level courses and to see our dedicated sixth form campus. Book today!
Entry requirements
- GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths grade 5-9
- GCSE Double Science grade 6/5 plus another GCSE grade 4-9
OR
- GCSE Triple Science grade 6/5/5 in any combination
- An overall average of a grade 4*.
*To work out your grade average, add all of your grades together and divide by the number of GCSEs you've taken. If you need help, please contact our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626 or via email at enquiries@wnc.ac.uk.
Study programmes - essential skills for employment
If you’re aged 16-18 (or 19-25 with an EHC Plan), we want to make sure you have the best possible chances of landing an awesome job once you finish college.
Therefore, if you do not have GCSE grade 4-9 in either English Language or Maths, you will study one or both of these courses alongside your full-time study programme. If you do have GCSE grade 4-9 in English Language and Maths then you will not be required to undertake these subjects. By doing so, you'll be building a stronger set of skills that will significantly boost your employability in the future.
Think of it as a chance to supercharge your knowledge and abilities. You'll be equipped with the tools necessary to tackle the world beyond college with confidence. Plus, we'll be right here to support you every step of the way.
How long is the course?
Two years.
What does the course lead to?
Careers are often pursued as an environmental scientist, marine biologist, town planner, environmental analyst, scientific adviser and many more.
What can I progress onto?
Further study at university-level* in a range of courses including environmental science, geography, marine biology, and geology.
*As we are a partner college of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), you may qualify for various benefits should you choose to apply to NTU after completing your college course. This could include a Progress NTU offer, where you would receive an offer one grade below their standard offer. For instance, a typical offer for one of their courses might require 128 UCAS tariff points. With Progress NTU, your requirements would be 120 UCAS tariff points. For further details, please call us on 0808 100 3626 or discover more about this benefit here.