Exploring Environmental Research
Engage with our experts as you explore environmental research across a range of disciplines.
Who it's for
This summer school 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 programme 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
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 previous participants' experiences by reading our Exploring Environmental Research Sample Timetable (PDF, 155kB). Please note that this timetable is subject to change.
If you need to view the programme outline in another format, email bristol-summer@bristol.ac.uk.
Learn more about the Cabot Institute for the Environment and our MScR in Global Environmental Challenges.
Key Information
Please note this summer school will not be running in 2026. Please click on button above to register your interest for 2027.
Programme dates: to be confirmed for 2027
Programme fee: to be confirmed for 2027 - see what's included in the fee
Qualify for a 10% discount: We offer a single 10% discount for either:
- early-bird applicants who apply by 1 March (to be confirmed for 2027);
- students from International Partner Universities and Study Abroad student mobility partners;
- students who apply for two consecutive programmes; or
- groups of 10 or more students from the same university.
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 (to be confirmed for 2027)
Closing date for all applications: To be confirmed for 2027. 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.