Environmental Management and Sustainability

This interdisciplinary degree prepares you to address land and ocean environmental challenges, with expertise in science, geography and marine studies. Learn from leaders in climate, conservation and sustainability with strong industry links.

Out in the field
Start fieldwork in your first month, with trips ranging from Dartmoor to Greece, Sweden and Namibia – offering hands-on experience and global environmental insight.

World class facilities
Access cutting-edge tools like Europe’s first 5G microscope labs, drones and specialist research centres including LABplus, LEO and the Paleomagnetic Lab.

Personalised support and career-focused learning
Enjoy tailored support in small cohorts, interdisciplinary teaching, and practical training in data analysis – equipping you for careers in policy, consultancy and research.

This course is for you if...

• you’re passionate about addressing climate change and pollution and learning more about biodiversity and sustainability

• you’re driven to build a meaningful career and make a impact on people and the planet

• you're eager to enrich your learning and boost your employability with hands-on fieldwork experience

• you want to gain specialist and transferable skills that are in high demand across a range of sectors.

Course Modules

Year 1
From the first day you begin your studies we’ll show you how our wonderful world works and how it is also at grave risk from human threats. We’ll explore soils, water and climate. We’ll study species, biodiversity and ecological change. We’ll celebrate a new 21st Century way of thinking – sustainability science – and how we can best deliver a world fit for the future. Then we’ll also begin exploring how humans have polluted the planet and some of the key global threats for which humans must take some responsibility. At the end of year 1 you’ll be ready and impatient to take the next steps to fixing this broken world.

Year 2
Hot on the heels of your planetary exploration in Year 1, this year will develop your skill sets to reach those higher levels of analysis and communication that will allow you to influence and change the world. You’ll develop research skills both in England and abroad. You’ll learn how best to communicate ideas for the purpose of influence. You’ll also begin your journey of choosing your own path. Optional modules become available to you to specialise in those things that really excite you. Take a look at the list below to get some early insight into where you might go!

Year 3
An optional placement year is available, providing an opportunity to gain work experience through our extensive network of contacts with our alumni, employers and research links with institutes, companies and government organisations. Environmental programmes at Plymouth began in 1973. We were one of the very first in the UK to teach this subject. With nearly 7000 graduates over 50+ years, our alumni are spread all over the world. You’d be sure to find a placement that meets your interests!

Final year
Be the person you were meant to be! Become the professional. Now, in your final year, you are ready to show us what you can really do. Show us how you research and communicate through your research project. Choose the optional modules that most excite you and follow your nose deeper into the fascinating stories and understanding of the way the world works through specialist content taught by the specialists in those areas. See the list below for where this journey will take you.

For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.