Environmental Science A Level AQA

Applications Open – 3rd November 2025

Applications Close – 31st July 2026

Entry Requirements –We do have entry recommendations for some courses, especially A-levels, as we would not want you to start a course that would not be suitable for you. We want to give you the best chance of future success.

The course programmes are flexible: students can mix Level 3 courses with Level 2 courses, or A-levels with BTECs. We provide impartial advice and guidance and seek to put you on the courses you want and are likely to be successful in.

Students are expected to study up to 3 A level equivalent subjects (this can be from either A levels and/or Level 3 BTEC subjects) building their own personalised combination of Level 3 subjects OR a full time Level 2 course.

The sixth form runs on a flexible timetable with some courses running until 6.00pm. This flexibility means we can offer as much as possible, to as many as possible, as often as possible.

How to Apply – Please apply via Kent Choices.

View our courses here

As a science and an A level, Environmental Science has been available as a qualification now for over 20 years.

As human society has developed we are becoming increasingly aware of how fragile our planet and its resources are. We are becoming more concerned about the sustainability of our planet and how life will be for future generations. It is more important than ever that we have educated young people who understand the planet, our population, the challenges we face and how we can overcome them.

Environmental Scientists do this through understanding the science, the measurable data, where there is really an issue and where there is not, and suggest practical and scientific solutions. As a subject it mixes well with Geography, Biology and Chemistry.

Environmental Science is a holistic subject with many interconnected systems and processes related to every key area on the earth – the hydrosphere (all our water); the atmosphere (all the gases); the lithosphere (all the rocks and soils) and the biosphere (all living things). A change to one process in one system can affect many other processes over different areas and time scales.

Environmental scientists believe that consideration of environmental issues and any conclusions reached should be based on reliable evidence-based information and quantitative data. Additionally, students must develop an understanding of how human society relies upon our Earth’s natural systems for resources and life support. By understanding these systems, we can then propose changes in society that would produce more sustainable lifestyles and safeguard future generations.

· The living environment

· The physical environment

· Energy resources

· Pollution

· Biological resources

· Sustainability

· Research methods

There are 2 exams, Paper 1 and Paper 2.

Paper 1 is a 3 hour exam with a combination of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing question. It covers:

• The physical environment

• Energy resources

• Pollution

• Research methods

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.

Paper 2 is a 3 hour exam with a combination of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions and covers:

• The living environment

• Biological resources

• Sustainability

• Research methods

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.

We would recommend a grade 5 at GCSE in Science and a grade 5 at GCSE in English Language.

Students may go on to study degrees in environmental, marine, earth science, animal and conservation related topics.