Our environmental science course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge required for a job in the environment sector. You will maximise your career prospects by learning the latest techniques used in the management and assessment of environmental impacts and issues, and develop practical skills via extensive laboratory and fieldwork. We offer hands-on training in plant and animal species identification, geographical information systems (GIS), habitat surveys and river to coast catchment and water quality monitoring and carbon management to name but a few taught areas. The employability of our graduates is advanced through personal development planning embedded within the academic programme and opportunities for short (6-8 weeks) or longer-term (6-12 months) in the environmental sector with research projects placements in the UK and overseas.
Our students have a track record of successful and rewarding careers in diverse roles in the UK, Europe and further overseas. These include biodiversity conservation, ecology, waste management/recycling, implementing environmental management in companies, education and ecotourism as a few examples. Our students are employed across the globe in environmental consultancies e.g. AECOM, Atkins and Pell Frischmann , local and national authorities including the UK Environmental Agency, Natural England and overseas equivalents as well as non-governmental organisations such as the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), Kew Gardens,and the Rivers Trust. Others choose to enter a career in academia via MSc and PhD programmes as well as teaching or research and development coupled to industry where their scientific skills and training are sought after.
Experience
Opportunities for work experience in the environmental sector or related areas are provided within the degree structure. Environmental science students have found work experience and volunteering opportunities in areas such as conservation, ecology, waste management/recycling schemes, environmental education and ecotourism. You may also gain experience by contacting local organisations, charities or community groups that may need extra support to provide particular services or facilities. Consider organisations such as BTCV, Groundwork, the National Trust, Wildlife Trusts, the Enviroment Agency and the National Parks. Natural England often requires volunteers at nature reserves and sites of scientific interest to inform and educate visitors. You may want to consider working as part of a fundraising or publicity team of a local charity to inspire and encourage others to get involved in protecting and caring for their local environment.
In addition, international organisations offer practical internships to undertake field research in locations such as Madagascar, Costa Rica, Ecuador or Borneo as part of your final year research project. These opportunities are usually for a specific period of time and require funding. Many environmental science students enjoy travelling during vacations. Short-term voluntary opportunities or opportunities to observe conservation, environmental education, and international development could help to focus career ideas.
