Sustainability and Environmental Management

Sustainability and environmental management is a degree that prepares you to address the practical challenges of operating organisations, managing resources, and shaping policy in ways that protect ecological systems and promote long-term human wellbeing. It is a discipline that combines scientific understanding of environmental systems with the management, policy, and social science perspectives needed to translate that understanding into action. As organisations across every sector face increasing pressure to demonstrate environmental responsibility and to navigate regulatory and market requirements around sustainability, the demand for graduates with this combination of skills has grown substantially.

At the University of Leeds, this three-year full-time programme develops the skills and knowledge needed to protect the balance of natural systems by challenging unsustainable practices and promoting social responsibility. A sandwich year is built in, giving you the opportunity to work in an environmental, sustainability, or management role before your final year. A year abroad is also incorporated, and work placement is additionally available, ensuring that by graduation you have substantial professional and international experience alongside your academic training.

You will study environmental science, ecology, environmental policy, corporate sustainability, environmental management systems, climate change, and social and economic dimensions of sustainable development.

You will develop research and analytical skills alongside practical competence in environmental management tools and techniques, and the ability to communicate environmental challenges and solutions to a variety of audiences.

Graduates go on to work in environmental consultancy, sustainability management in business and industry, government environmental agencies, conservation organisations, urban planning, international development, and a growing green economy. Postgraduate study in environmental management, sustainability, or related fields is a common next step for those wishing to specialise.