Environmental Science and Mathematics

Environmental science and mathematics is a powerful combination for anyone who wants to understand the natural world quantitatively. Environmental science examines the physical, chemical, and biological processes that govern ecosystems, climate, and the Earth's natural systems, and asks how human activity is altering them. Mathematics provides the tools to model these systems rigorously, to analyse the data that environmental scientists collect, and to make predictions about how environmental conditions will change under different scenarios.

Together they equip you to work at the scientific frontier of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

At the University of Stirling, this four-year full-time programme develops your understanding of environmental science alongside a rigorous grounding in mathematical methods. You will study ecology, climatology, geoscience, and environmental policy alongside calculus, statistics, modelling, and data analysis, developing the combined quantitative and scientific competencies that are increasingly demanded in environmental research and consultancy. The programme includes a year abroad, broadening your perspective and giving you the opportunity to engage with environmental science in a different geographical context.

Graduates of environmental science and mathematics programmes work in environmental consultancy, government environmental agencies, research institutions, conservation organisations, renewable energy companies, and international environmental policy bodies. The quantitative skills the mathematics training develops are also valued in data science, modelling, and analytical roles across many sectors. Many graduates go on to postgraduate research in environmental science, ecology, climate modelling, or applied mathematics, where the rigorous quantitative foundation of the degree provides an excellent preparation.