Environmental Science (Taught)

Help protect our world by learning how to tackle the biggest environmental problems threatening our way of life.

Our planet faces many complex challenges. Climate change. Biodiversity loss. Dwindling resources. It’s up to the next generation of environmental scientists to help address these issues with innovative, practical solutions.

This course helps you understand the environmental impact of human activity, from which you’ll design and build solutions to help counteract its effects.

It’s a multidisciplinary programme that offers you a grounding knowledge in the physical and chemical operation of Earth’s oceans, atmosphere, climate and terrestrial water cycle. You’ll understand how human activities are disturbing these systems and engage in practical training to measure and assess environmental problems.

You can also tailor your course with options that will equip you for a career in delivering environmental solutions, solving related problems, informing policy or further study.

By the end of your course, you’ll have the expertise to analyse our environment and help safeguard it for future generations.

Student profile: Pragya Sharma

"Speak to people. Evaluate your priorities. If it aligns with your goals, there are so many opportunities to explore by studying in the UK. It builds your confidence. You get to test yourself and be open to all experiences."

Pragya Sharma, Masters student

Why study at Leeds

• Recognised research: Our globally-renowned research conducted here in our School of Earth and Environment feeds directly into your course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in environmental science.

• Your course, your choice: Advance your knowledge and skills in critical areas in environmental science, with the flexibility to tailor your course to what interests you through a range of optional modules.

• Think like an environmentalist: Conduct your own research project as part of your course and gain experience in researching and delivering a project that focuses on a real-world problem, allowing you to explore your specific interests.

• Gain essential skills: Learn invaluable skills in scientific research, critical analysis and communication, coding, data analysis and visualisation and machine learning.

• Expert tutors: Experience excellent practical and theoretical teaching by tutors who have years of research and field campaign experience from within the School of Earth and Environment.

• Get industry experience: Get the chance to collaborate with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of our 2-week online Global Industry Programme.

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

Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our graduates from our School have obtained:

• Consultant, Carbon Intelligence

• Local Transport Solutions Officer, Development Trust Association Scotland

• Economist, Natural England

• Assistant Project Manager, Network Rail

• Business Development Manager, Cofely UK – GDF SUEZ

• Senior Policy Analyst, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

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.

The course will be assessed through a diverse range of approaches such as posters, oral presentations, a variety of documents for different audiences and purposes (e.g. scientific paper, technical report, policy brief, funding proposal), numerical modelling and report writing. Many of these assessments are directly relevant to potential career choices and the development of key skills valued by employers such as critical thinking, data analysis and presentation and quantitative evidence-based approaches to problem solving.