Exploring Environmental Research

Engage with our experts as you explore environmental research across a range of disciplines.

Register your interest for 2026

Who it's for

This programme is open to international undergraduates currently studying any major. If you are motivated by environmental issues and keen to develop critical thinking and diverse research skills, this summer school will inspire and empower you. 

What you'll learn

Join our world-leading Cabot Institute for the Environment to explore the planet's most pressing challenges, from climate change to food security. You'll dive deep into interdisciplinary research while engaging with experts who are pioneering innovative solutions. You'll learn:

  • how diverse disciplines - from sciences to the arts - contribute to solving environmental challenges; 
  • different approaches and methods for environmental research;
  • tools for effective communication about environmental research to diverse audiences
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This course will introduce you to different forms of cutting-edge environmental research, including biodiversity, sustainable energy, and urban resilience. You’ll explore real-world projects, collaborate across disciplines, and gain practical skills and understanding to help you address global environmental issues. 

The programme content is centred around six themes: 

  • Tackling environmental challenges through research 
  • Water in a changing world 
  • Just transitions 
  • Planting to feed 
  • The future of cities 
  • Weather, hazards and extremes 

You’ll have the opportunity to engage with current research projects addressing key global challenges through our field trips, hands-on workshops, and guest lectures from leading researchers. 

Through a deepened understanding of a wide range of current environmental research and different research approaches, the course will support your ability to critically engage in discussions and debates, and challenge misinformation about environmental change in your own lives. 

You can read the course content, intended learning outcomes, and teaching and assessment information in our Unit Catalogue. If the Unit Catalogue link doesn't work, please contact us at bristol-summer@bristol.ac.uk for this information.

Find out more about your summer experience by viewing our Exploring Environmental Research Sample Timetable (PDF, 155kB). Please note that this programme outline is subject to change. 

If you need to view the programme outline in another format, email bristol-summer@bristol.ac.uk.

Register your interest for 2026

Key Information

Please note this summer school is now closed for 2025 applications. Please click on button above to register your interest for 2026.

Programme dates: to be confirmed for 2026

Programme fee: to be confirmed for 2026 - see what's included in the fee 

Qualify for a 10% discount: We offer a single 10% discount for either:

Students who apply through an agent will not be eligible for a fee discount.

Credits: upon successful completion of the programme, students will receive 10 academic credits, suggested as equivalent to 5 ECTS or 3 US semester credits.

Early bird applications end: 1 March 2026

Closing date for all applications: To be confirmed for 2026. Places are limited and offers for programmes are made on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Why choose a Bristol Summer?

Study at a top-10 UK university and explore one of the UK’s most exciting cities.

Entry requirements

Age: 18 or over

Study level and subject: international undergraduates currently studying any major

Current academic attainment: GPA equivalent to 60-63% on the UK scale, C on the ECTS scale, or 3.0 on a 4.0 GPA scale

English language: you meet our requirements if: 

  • you are a native speaker; or 
  • your degree is taught in English; or 
  • you meet our Profile C English language requirements. Visit the page and select the 'English Language Proficiency Tests' tab for more information.

For this programme, we do NOT accept CET-4 or CET-6 scores.