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Environmental Science

This course provides an ideal base for employment, for example, ecology and wildlife conservation, land management, town planning, architecture, forestry, geology or climatology. Students could work for a charity like Greenpeace or work for a Wildlife Trust. There are also opportunities in environmental management and the growth industry of environmental sustainability.

Alternatively students could use their A Level in Environmental Science as the stepping stone for Higher Education in a wide range of courses, including degrees in Land Management, Wildlife Conservation, Geography, Geology, Marine Science, Climate Studies, Teaching or a degree in Environmental Science. This subject is a rigorous science A Level and therefore works best when it is taken alongside another science based subject e.g. Geography, Geology, BTEC Science , Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths. We also require our students to take Core Maths.

Compulsory field trip: (approx. £450)

Qualifications & Assessments

Exam Board AQA
Level Level 3
Qualification A Level
Assessment Method 80% examination, 20% non-examined assessment
Entry Requirements Entry Requirements

Year 1

  • The Physical Environment
  • The Living Environment
  • Research Methods; including a 4 day compulsory residential field work course. Bursary students may be given assistance towards costs (approx. £350)

Year 2

  • Energy Resources
  • Pollution
  • Biological Resources
  • Sustainability
  • Research Methods

How is the course assessed?

Two written examinations at the end of 2 years; each paper is 50% of the A Level. A combination of multiple choice and short answer questions, extended writing and essays.

Students will be expected to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire course of study to show a deeper understanding of the interconnections between topics.

Coursework involves a compulsory 4 day residential field trip.

This course provides an ideal base for employment, for example, ecology and wildlife conservation, land management, town planning, architecture, forestry, geology or climatology. Students could work for a charity like Greenpeace or work for a Wildlife Trust. There are also opportunities in environmental management, education or law.

Alternatively students could use their A Level in Environmental Science as the stepping stone for Higher Education in a very wide variety of courses, including degrees in Geography, Geology, Marine Science, Climate Studies, planning and teaching or a degree in Environmental Science.

This course requires a compulsory residential trip. For more information about this trip please see the Trips and Travel page

Other trips may include Conservation workshops at Chester Zoo, Manchester Waste Recycling Facility and an urban farm in Liverpool.

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News & Blog

Latest From Aquinas

Last night saw the presentation party for the latest, great issue of our student magazine. There was yet again a great selection of articles and stories, all written and designed by our fantastically, talented students.

Photograph of students who worked on the AQ Magazine

We are proud to announce the launch of our brand-new website! This platform marks an exciting step forward in our commitment to innovation and excellence. Designed to support academic success and enhance the student experience, our new website serves as a central hub for information, events, news, and resources related to life at Aquinas College.

Screenshot of the new website

I am thrilled for Aquinas students who have produced another outstanding set of results. Over 58% of A level results have been at the highest grades of A*, A or B, with a 99% pass rate. In addition, 70% of Vocational grades were at Distinction* or Distinction grades with a 100% pass rate. These amazing […]

Aquinas students celebrate their A level results

On Wednesday 19th June the media department took a group of students to visit the excellent facilities at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)’s Media Factory. The students were given a tour of the facilities including a state of the art fully functioning TV studio.

Photograph of inside the Media Factory's TV studio control room.