Environmental science is the holistic study of the planet’s ecosystems. This branch of science specialises in humanity’s impact on nature, how biological, chemical and physical processes interrelate with life on Earth and the analysis and interpretation of data to generate conservation methodologies and solutions for the future.
With climate change and sustainability being at the forefront of political and social discussion internationally, a degree in environmental science is more relevant now than ever before. And, since the subject is so broad, it will equip you well to work in many industries globally.
A qualification in environmental science will combine the study of atmospheric sciences, ecology, environmental chemistry, geosciences and social sciences. As such, students of environmental science should not only have an aptitude for science and maths but also strong data analysis and research skills.
Courses related to environmental science include biology, chemistry, climate change, geography, earth sciences, environmental management, marine sciences, physics and social sciences.
Studying environmental science usually takes three to four years, depending on your study destination, degree and mode of study. Environmental science qualifications can be studied at diploma, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and PhD level.
Depending on the field in which you hope to work, you may need to check that your course is approved by a relevant accreditation body. For example, the Institution of Environmental Sciences in the UK. Environmental science is usually taught as a mixture of lectures, seminars and tutorials alongside fieldwork and laboratory sessions.
Many courses also offer work placements to help you gain practical knowledge. At the undergraduate level, most environmental science courses will allow you to select modules to tailor the degree to your areas of interest. Some may also offer the opportunity to enrol for an additional year in a related subject (such as computer science) to develop your skills in a specific direction.
Some areas that you may cover in an environmental sciences degree include:
1. Biodiversity, ecology and conservation
2. Climate change
3. Environmental policy
4. Environmental pollution
5. Evolution
6. Sustainability
Some of the many environmental science specialisations include:
1. Climate change
2. Environmental conservation
3. Marine biology
4. Soil ecology
5. Renewable energy
To study environmental science overseas, you must meet basic entry requirements. These will differ depending on the institutions you apply to, but generally, at the undergraduate level, you will need at least:
1. Three A-Levels (or equivalent qualification).
2. Grades between ABB and AAB at A-Level (or equivalent)/International Baccalaureate score of 34-35 points.
3. At least one A-Level, or equivalent qualification, in geography or a science or maths subject (this requirement may vary between specific institutions and courses)
4. IELTS (or equivalent) overall score of 6.0 with no band score lower than 5.5
To study environmental science at the postgraduate level, you will usually need to have attained a 2:1 in a related undergraduate degree.
Some universities may also consider a 2:2 if you have significant work experience in your field. If you want to study for a master’s degree or PhD in environmental science abroad, the IELTS overall requirement may increase to 6.5 or even 7.0. Always check the acceptance and applicability of your existing qualifications with your prospective university.
If you hope to study as an international student, you might be wondering which countries are best for environmental science degrees. The good news is that environmental science has such an international scope that most countries offer a great selection of institutions teaching the subject. Why not explore some of the best institutions globally for the subject? According to the QS World University Rankings by subject, the best universities for environmental sciences in 2023 are:
1. Harvard University (USA)
2. Wageningen University and Research (Netherlands)
3. University of Oxford (UK)
4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (UK)
5. University of California, Berkeley (USA)
How about studying environmental science in Australia? The best universities for the subject there, according to the QS World University Rankings by subject, are:
1. University of Queensland
2. University of Melbourne
3. Australian National University
Or perhaps you’ve always dreamed of studying in Ireland, where the best universities for environmental science, according to the QS World University Rankings by subject, are:
1. Trinity College Dublin
2. University College Dublin
3. University of Galway
If you choose to study an environmental science degree abroad, you will find plenty of career options to choose from across many industries. For those wanting to work in conservation, a degree in environmental science is a great starting point. Although it is unusual for conservation professionals to earn a significant salary, many experience high levels of job satisfaction.
In the UK, a nature conservation officer can usually expect to earn GBP 19,000 to GBP 30,000, although more senior positions may pay more. For students hoping for an international career path, a degree in environmental science may well give you such opportunities.
Although these are not always the most lucrative roles, jobs which include travel to unusual areas and remote fieldwork are not uncommon within environmental science. Some of the jobs and roles you can fulfil with your environmental science degree include:
1. Conservationist
2. Ecologist
3. Environmental consultant
4. Environmental educator
5. Horticulturalist
Sustainability consultant Common employers of environmental science graduates include:
1. Charities and NGOs
2. Governmental departments
3. Environmental consultancies
4. Environment protection agencies
5. Local authorities
6. Research laboratories