Environmental Science
Top 15 in the UK for Geography and Environmental Science
11th in the Complete University Guide 2025
Top 50 in the world for Environmental Sciences
QS World University Subject Rankings 2024
Study climate change, biodiversity, sustainability, and environmental decision-making
Unique field course and work placement opportunities in the UK and abroad
Degrees at Penryn Campus, Cornwall
Why study Geography and Environmental Science?
If you want to make a difference and change the future of our world for the better, then environmental science is the subject for you. Climate change is now acknowledged by scientists, governments, businesses and social, environmental and economic organisations as one of the greatest challenges of our time.
Our degrees will give you the skills and expertise to address the world’s greatest challenges in climate change, such as biodiversity, sustainability and environmental decision-making.
You will study in Cornwall, which is a perfect living laboratory covering a diverse range of marine and terrestrial habitats and a wealth of natural resources, and you will learn practical and theoretical insights from research experts working at the forefront of environmental knowledge.
Jobs in environmental sectors across the globe are likely to increase in the future as population growth intensifies demand for resources and emerging global environmental policies place a question mark over the longevity of carbon-hungry energy supplies. Environmental scientists work in areas as diverse as contaminated land assessment and remediation, natural resource management, practical conservation, pollution mitigation, ecosystem service assessment, environmental monitoring, mapping and consultancy.
Unlike Streatham, the Penryn Campus has a smaller cohort of students. This facilitates more opportunities for students to interact with the lecturer. As a result, I benefited tremendously from consultations and talks after the lecture itself.
My favourite part of the programme is going on field trips. We went to West Penwith in the first year and the Isles of Scilly in the second year. The highlight was going to Isles of Scilly because prior to the field trip we seldom hung out as a group and there were few opportunities to get to know each other better.
My Human Geography lecturer, Dr Michael Leyshon, made a huge impact on my studies. His lectures were content heavy but he made them engaging. In addition, he gave us reports, presentations and debates as assessments, which prepared us for the real world.
The overall rank of my course and the University played a huge role in my decision to come here. Plus, the University of Exeter is one of the few universities in the UK that is known and recognised by Singaporeans. Furthermore, I have heard great things from my friends who have graduated from Exeter.
Another great thing about Penryn is the amazing Gylly Beach located just 30 minutes away from campus! This is a major hangout spot during spring where everyone, literally everyone, has a beach barbeque experience! That is one thing I will never forget. Finally, the views surrounding Penryn and Cornwall itself are truly breath-taking! And as an Environmental Scientist, I simply must mention that the air we breathe here is 100% fresher! So, you should definitely come down for a visit! I am sure you will love it as much as I have.
I am interested in recycling and electronic waste management. As such, I intend to work with the Environmental Agency in Singapore to better understand the recycling predicament we are facing and how we can resolve that. Alternatively, I would like to join an agency specialising in electronics. Today, electronic waste is very prevalent and the amount of electronics and electrical equipment discarded is alarming. I hope to join the sustainability team in the company to make a difference.
Cheryl
BSc Environmental Science, Penryn Campus
You won’t find another university which has a stronger sense of community, good quality teaching and the chance to travel the world during the course with awesome field trips! The field trips are fantastic for getting to know your peers and staff in a more relaxed and fun environment.
My advice for anyone considering applying for the University of Exeter would be to go for it! The teaching is absolutely world class. The lecturers in Cornwall are fantastic, incredibly helpful and will go out of their way to make sure that you get the most out of the degree. Dr Karen Anderson and Dr Jon Bennie are two lecturers who particularly stand out for me, but they're all fantastic.
Living on campus and in Falmouth in Cornwall has been amazing. The university has such a tight-knit atmosphere and you feel part of a community. There's always something going on and it’s never dull with both university and public events on campus and in the towns of Penryn and Falmouth. The laboratories on campus are fantastic. There’s plenty of computers in the computer labs and the other labs are amazingly well kitted-out.
I am vice-president of the Geography Society at the Penryn Campus, and involved in lacrosse, hockey, kayaking, running and climbing.
I would like to pursue a career in the wildlife filming and documentary production sector, educating the public about wildlife and our impacts on the world and wildlife.
Michael
BSc Environmental Science, Penryn Campus
