Meet some of our MSc Sustainable Environmental Management alumni

Here from our recent graduates

Claire Graham (2020/21)

Since completing my undergraduate degree with the University of Plymouth in 2017, I struggled to kick-start the career I wanted and decided to come back and complete my MSc in Sustainable Environmental Management. Despite my worries about being out of education for a few years, I immediately felt welcomed and supported by the lecturers on the programme. I have a strong interest in climate change and policy and the modules 'science, society and environmental governance' and 'climate change science and policy' were highlights of the programme for me, along with the opportunity to complete a placement with Plymouth City Council in the climate change team. I am now about to start my career with a council in Scotland as a Climate Change Officer and I cannot thank the lecturers on this masters enough for the knowledge and skills I gained, and the continued support.

Julia Grunnill (2019/20)

Graduate Julia Grunnill gained valuable knowledge, expertise and workplace experience during her MSc Sustainable Environmental Management, helping to land her a prestigious internship at the International Union of Conservation Nature (IUCN) before securing a position with environmental risk reduction specialists Adlar and Allan.

Prior to full completion of the MSc Sustainable Environmental Management student Julia Grunnill gained a sought-after six-month internship with the Brussels European regional office of the (IUCN).

Julia’s role was described as a Nature-based Solutions Intern and she supported two major projects which focus on implementing and upscaling nature-based solutions: GrowGreen, demonstrating the value of nature for climate and water resilience in cities; and NetworkNature, a European and global platform for strengthening the use of nature-based solutions.

Julia explained that the internship followed a placement with Plymouth City Council (working virtually due to covid-19), which provided her with an initial understanding of Nature-based solutions implemented at a local level, such as the Council’s Plan for Trees and their beaver re-introduction project.

She praised the staff at the University of Plymouth who she said: “have not only supported me throughout my MSc Sustainable Environmental Management masters by giving me a depth of knowledge and skills but continue to support me throughout the development of my professional career at the IUCN, by strengthening the awareness and implementation of nature-based solutions in urban planning, regional development, and for businesses.”

The internship involved contributing to mapping potential partners for nature-based solutions at EU, national and regional level, follows relevant EU policy developments, and maintains an overview of reports, documents and case studies of nature-based solutions.

On completion of the internship Julia secured a new position with Adlar and Allan a UK firm specialising in environmental risk reduction in relation to contaminated land, water quality and ecology.

Julia Grunnill - MSc Sustainable Environmental Management

Arran Roddy, MSc Sustainable Environmental Management

2020 graduating students securing jobs

Last year our graduates have secured professional positions with organisations including Natural England, Brittany Ferries, Environment Agency, Babcock International, RPS, and Adler and Allen/OHES Environmental. Arran Roddy said:

"Undertaking the MSc Sustainable Environmental Management equipped me with competencies necessary to work on large scale environmental projects and also an eagerness to innovate, which is crucial in today’s climate. Now as a Project Manager at Babcock International, I am working as the lead for the communications division in the Environmental Working Group. The MSc provided me with a wealth of contemporary knowledge regarding environmental law, science, and how modern society interacts with sustainable development and as a result, I feel prepared to challenge the status-quo to drive truly meaningful change."