Environmental Science Pathways in the UK

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.