Environmental Science - A Level (AQA)

Environmental Science is an exciting and engaging field of study that allows students to explore the complex interactions between humans and the natural world. A Level in Environmental Science provides an incredible opportunity for students to learn about various fascinating topics. There is always something new and exciting to discover, from the living and physical worlds to energy and resources, pollution, and human health.

Beyond simply acquiring knowledge, studying Environmental Science also helps students develop critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving skills. These skills are essential for success in today's world and can be applied to various fields and careers. By studying Environmental Science at A Level, students can lay the groundwork for further study or exciting careers in areas such as conservation, ecology, and environmental management.

This course is available for international students, if you are applying as an international student please click here.

You will have 4.5 hours of taught environmental science lessons each week with skilled and passionate teachers.

In these lessons, there is a mix of content delivery and practical work, making the lessons both informative and interactive. The practical work allows students to apply their knowledge in a hands-on way, and to see how the concepts they learn about in class apply to real-world situations. This approach also allows students to develop essential practical skills that they can apply in their future studies or careers.

To ensure that students get the most out of each lesson, pre-learning is used to prepare them for more complex aspects of the course. This preparation enables students to come to the lesson ready to engage with the material and to ask insightful questions. The pre-learning can take the form of reading materials, videos, or online discussions, and is designed to spark students' curiosity and deepen their understanding of the topics covered in the lesson.

In addition to the lessons, the course is supplemented with lots of educational trips and enrichment opportunities. These trips can take students to a variety of different environments, such as local ecosystems, national parks, or wildlife reserves. These experiences provide students with the chance to see first-hand the concepts they learn about in class and to develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world.

The AQA A Level Environmental Science course covers a wide range of topics related to the natural world and the impact of human activity on it. Here is a general overview of the course content:

1. The living world: This topic covers the fundamental concepts of ecosystems, the different types of biomes, biodiversity, and conservation.
2. The physical world: This topic covers the physical environment, including atmospheric science, weather and climate, and geology.
3. Energy and resources: This topic explores different types of energy, including renewable and non-renewable sources, and their environmental impacts. It also covers resource use, sustainability, and waste management.
4. Pollution and human health: This topic covers the different types of pollution, including air, water, and soil pollution, and their environmental and health impacts. It also explores the use of chemicals in society and their impacts on the environment and human health.

Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to develop critical thinking and analysis skills and to apply their knowledge to practical problem-solving exercises. They will also complete a practical element where they will carry out experiments and investigations related to environmental science. The course provides a strong foundation for further study in environmental science or related fields, as well as for careers in areas such as conservation, ecology, and environmental management.

You will need:

• Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language
• Grade 5 or above in GCSE Maths
• Grade 6-5 or above in GCSE Combined Science (if you are studying GCSE Triple Science, you will need grade 6 in Biology and grade 6 in either Physics or Chemistry)
• Grade 6 or above in one written subject, including History, Geography, Humanities, English Literature, Business, Media Studies, Religious Studies (full course), Drama or Film.
• A further GCSE at grade 4 or above

When applying for an A Level programme at City and Islington, please refer to the general entry requirements on our A Level Courses page as well as the subject-specific details listed above.

You will be assessed with a mix of content delivery and practical work, making the lessons both informative and interactive as well as written assessments. 

Aged 16-18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August prior to the start date of your course and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your programme then your study with us will be free. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

Studying A Level Environmental Science can prepare students for a range of exciting career pathways, as it equips them with the knowledge, skills, and understanding of environmental issues that are relevant across many different industries. Here are some career pathways that students who study A Level Environmental Science might pursue:

• Environmental Consultant: Environmental consultants work with clients to help them understand and manage the environmental impact of their operations.
• Sustainability Officer: Sustainability officers work to develop and implement sustainable practices within an organization, with the goal of reducing its environmental impact.
• Ecologist: Ecologists study the relationships between living organisms and their environment.
• Environmental Educator: Environmental educators work to teach people of all ages about environmental issues and how they can be addressed.
• Environmental Policy Analyst: Environmental policy analysts work to develop and evaluate policies related to environmental issues.
• Renewable Energy Specialist: Renewable energy specialists work to develop and implement renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal.

These are just a few examples of the many career pathways that students who study A Level Environmental Science might pursue.

Click here to see some of the teachers that teach A Levels at the college