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Studying environmental science abroad

Prepare for a global career tackling some of the planet's most urgent challenges

Encompassing physical science and ecology, environmental sciences has roots in biology, chemistry and earth science, giving students an understanding of the world around us, as well its inhabitants. The rapidly growing population, and increase in stress on resources, it is becoming more important that we are aware of our effects on the environment we rely on so heavily.

Depending on where you choose to study, you may be able to specialise towards the end of your degree. This specialisation can influence where you choose to work after you have graduated. Common specialisations include:

  • Marine Science
  • Sustainable Development
  • Environmental Issues
  • Renewable Resources
  • Waste Management
  • Climate Change
  • Environmental Management

If your degree requires you to write a dissertation or submit a research project in your final year, this will give you an opportunity to further explore a favoured area of environmental science.

Due to the holistic nature of an environmental science degree, graduates will have a wide variety of career opportunities available to them. You might choose to work as an environmental scientist, within industrial organisations, consultancy agencies, and local government. You might also choose to work in research and development.

As well as working directly within environmental science, you will have gained transferable skills that provide you with career paths not directly related to the field. Skill include project management, data collection and analysis, evaluation and management, and problem solving.

The accreditation of your degree will depend on where you choose to study. Different countries can have different accreditation systems. Generally, you can expect to be awarded a Bachelor of Science (BSc), or an integrated Master of Environmental Science (MEnvSci).

Some environmental science degrees are accredited by professional bodies, such as the Institution of Environmental Sciences.

Typically, an undergraduate degree in environmental science will take three to four years to complete. Foundation degrees, diplomas and certificates can last up to two years, when studied full-time.

Once you have successfully completed your degree, you can choose to either seek employment in your chosen area, or further your studies. Continuation of your studies could be in the form of a postgraduate degree, such as a masters or a PhD, or a graduate diploma or certificate.

All environmental science courses

Highlighted course

Environmental Science (with Foundation Year) BSc (Hons)

Hartpury University United Kingdom

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BSc (Hons) Environmental Sciences BSc (Hons)

University of Nottingham Ningbo China China

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Environmental Science BSc

University of Alberta Canada

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Energy and Environmental Sciences Master Degree

University of Groningen Netherlands

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Marine Sciences MSc

University of Milano-Bicocca Italy

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Environmental Social Science PhD

University of Kent United Kingdom

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Mobility Engineering MSc

Politecnico di Milano Italy

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Horticulture & Business Management BSc

HAS green academy Netherlands

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Geology: Applied Geoscience Master Degree

University of Wroclaw Poland

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Epidemiology Postgraduate

University of Antwerp Belgium

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Global Project and Change Management BBA

Windesheim University of Applied Sciences Netherlands

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Environmental Science and Politics BSc

University of Stirling United Kingdom

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Environmental Science BSc

University of Sheffield United Kingdom

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Environmental Science GradCert

Murdoch University Australia

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