Environmental Science

Discover how you can forge a career out of protecting the environment from a range of threats.

Environmental scientists often work on the front lines against climate change and pollution, identifying and combatting risks to the air we breathe, the water we drink and the land we live on.

It’s their job to monitor air, water and soil quality and assess impacts from biodiversity loss and climate change. They then design solutions to minimise these effects and promote a healthier, more sustainable world for all living beings.

On our Environmental Science degree, you’ll develop your knowledge of the Earth’s interconnected environmental systems. You’ll then understand the social factors that lead to local and global environmental issues, before exploring how we can fix them.

You’ll learn from one of the UK’s largest environmental and Earth science schools, drawing from internationally recognised tutors with a wide range of expertise.

You’ll explore how to become an environmental scientist, as you collect, analyse, evaluate and communicate environmental monitoring data. You’ll also get the chance to engage in uncharted science through an independent research project in your final year.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have the expertise to challenge conventional thinking and help safeguard our environment for all who live here.

"The department has such an enormous array of sub-topics and modules to explore, you can never be sure what you will and won’t like. Chances are, something amazing is waiting to be discovered by you."

Hazel Mooney, Environmental Science BSc

Why study at Leeds

• A professionally accredited programme: This course is accredited by The Institution of Environmental Sciences.

• Engage with world-leading research: Our globally renowned research tackles complex global challenges, such as climate change, energy security and natural hazard management, feeding directly into your course and shaping your learning with the latest thinking.

• Learn from expert tutors: Experience expert teaching from leading specialists with extensive experience across the breadth of environmental science.

• Access excellent facilities: Access excellent specialist facilities, including lecture theatres, seminar rooms and computer clusters fully equipped with the latest technology to support your learning.

• Put theory into practice: Undertake fieldwork activities, where you’ll advance your research skills and gain hands-on experience that’s highly valued by employers in industry or in postgraduate education.

• Broaden your prospects: Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge with our exciting study abroad programmes and work placement opportunities.

• Engage with your peers: Join one of our societies, such as SusSoc, where you can meet like-minded people at events such as socials.

Where this degree could take you
Our graduates have secured employment in a rich variety of organisations, including:

• Air Quality Consultant, TRL

• Operational Meteorologist, Met Office

• Environment Officer, Environmental Agency

• Research Scientist, ITM Power

• Wildlife Specialist, Athens International Airport

• Senior Ecologist, British Waterways

• Senior Sustainability Consultant, DPP

• Environmental Scientist, Fugro Survey

• Senior Planner, Leeds City Council

• Environmental Compliance Advisor, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

• Project Lead, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

Careers support
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years by the UK's leading employers, The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Environmental Sciences, Institute of