Environmental Science

Explore the processes which impact the wide range of ecosystems and environments on Earth. You can tailor your degree to suit your interests and focus on specialisms such as global environmental change, conservation, sustainability and environmental quality and technology.

Become a specialist in this vital international discipline, and lend your expertise to combat the climate crisis.

One of the first degree programmes to be established in the subject, Sheffield remains at the leading edge of environmental science – as you’ll see, when you experience our blend of research-led teaching in the field and in the lab.

From the essentials in geography, earth science and biology, you’ll forge your own path in years two and three. Your study will take you to a range of far-reaching research specialisms such as global environmental change, conservation, sustainability and environmental quality and technology.

Practical work and field classes are an essential part of the course. Third year students typically carry out an extended research project in the lab or in the field, and the University is happy to cover the costs to ensure everyone has this chance.

With environmental science now a rapidly evolving, in-demand discipline, you’ll find there is no shortage of careers in industry, research, conservation and ecology – to name a few.

Why study this course?

• We cover field trip costs: To ensure everyone has the chance to carry out fieldwork, all costs for the core residential field classes are met by the school. This includes the costs of travel, accommodation and food during your residential stay.

• Fully accredited: Both the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) and the Committee of Heads of Environmental Sciences (CHES) have accredited this course. You'll also be eligible to become student members of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) – the first step toward achieving Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) status.

• 2nd in the Russell Group for learning opportunities in the subject of environmental sciences: National Student Survey (NSS) 2025

• Top 10 for geography and environmental science: Complete University Guide 2026

• Top 10 for geography (this includes environmental science): Guardian University Guide 2026