Sustainability and Environmental Management

Develop the skills and knowledge to protect the delicate balance of our planet by acting on unsustainable practices and promoting social responsibility.

Many aspects of modern life are unsustainable, whether environmentally, economically, or socially, and it’s the job of sustainability experts to figure out what we do about it. There’s a huge worldwide demand for these professionals, who can lead the charge to address climate change, conserve resources and safeguard biodiversity. These individuals will play a crucial part in preserving the planet for generations to come.

This course explores why unsustainable practices develop, from the underlying factors to individual behaviours. Importantly, it’ll also empower you with the knowledge and skills to tackle these problems.

You’ll learn from a combination of environmental and social science approaches, first developing a robust understanding of environmental sustainability. Then, you’ll draw from several approaches to explore the social dimensions of sustainability, as you design pathways towards more sustainable societies.

Our expert tutors will train you in a wide range of data collection and analysis methods, helping you refine your research skills through projects and hands-on field training.

Upon graduation, you’ll have the expertise to make a positive difference in the world.

"This course is designed to allow sufficient time for students to take up great things outside the lecture theatre, and it is fully up to you what you make out of your time here."

Vaibhav Pramode Nair, Sustainability and Environmental Management BSc (Industrial)

Why study at Leeds

• A professionally accredited course: This course is accredited by The Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment.

• Engage with world-leading research: Our globally renowned research spans the world, from low-carbon cities in the UK to resource governance in sub-Saharan Africa and biodiversity conservation in Patagonia. This research feeds directly into your course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking.

• Learn from expert tutors: Experience expert teaching delivered by a team of specialist academics working at the forefront of their fields.

• 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 highly valued by employers in industry.

• 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.

Rankings and awards

• Top 100 in the world, QS World University Rankings 2026

• Top 40 in the world for Environmental Sciences, QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026

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

• Sustainability Consultant, Ramboll

• Sustainability Manager, IPC/Asda

• Transport Development Officer, Leicester City Council

• Sustainability Project Manager, M&S

• Policy Advisor & Analyst, Rail Delivery Group

• Technical Advisor, Valpak

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 Management and Assessment, Institute of