What can I do with an environmental science degree?

What is environmental science? 

Environmental science is a multidisciplinary subject covering everything from biology and chemistry to geography and social sciences.  

Students learn to analyse the natural and human environment through many lenses, to understand the impact of human actions upon our ecosystems and to develop plans for the future. 

As an environmental science student, fieldwork will be a vital aspect of your studies and you’ll gain practical experience via trips to a variety of local and potentially international locations. Students get to explore different climates, ecosystems, land formations and communities, learning to capture data and carry out tests for analysis.  

If you choose to study an environmental science degree, the first stage of the programme will give you the foundational knowledge and cover the main principles of the subject.  

After that, you’ll be able to choose from a selection of modules to specialise in a particular area of environmental science, or to explore further areas you’re interested in.  

Why are environmental scientists important? 

Environmental science is invaluable to the world – to keep our livelihoods and ecosystems in balance, to better understand changes and challenges for natural and human environments, and to create sustainable solutions for the future.  

Environmental scientists work across a huge range of industries and interdisciplinary roles from research to consultancy, nature conservation and planning, even engineering and technology.  

Working with a range of other experts, environmental scientists can help to educate the world on how and why things happen in our environment, and how we can play our part in shaping the future.  

What jobs can I get with an environmental science degree? 

Let’s look at the wide variety of careers in environmental science; from more typical roles to the less expected jobs.    

Environmental science careers in research 

Most of your training as an environmental science student will be in analysing a variety of environments and working with data to understand environmental problems. As a researcher, you could work with an NGO or charity like Greenpeace, The Marine Conservation Society or WWF, for example.  

Environmental researchers dedicate their time primarily to understanding the changes in our ecosystems and finding solutions for a sustainable life. They could study anything from mountainous ranges and volcanoes to floods and droughts, or even wildlife and marine life. The possibilities are endless.  

Researchers time will be spent between collecting samples and data on site, to working in the lab, speaking to experts, writing papers and presenting findings.  

Environmental science careers in planning and development 

For environmental science students who choose to go into the planning and development field, there are a wide variety of roles available. Generally, an environmental planner will assess the planned development and use of land to ensure the impact on the environment is as minimal as possible.  

Working with construction companies, designers, community organisations and local councils, environmental planners can work on small-scale buildings to large commercial projects. Roles can vary from a generalised planner to a GIS analyst, land surveyor or planning advisor.  

Environmental science careers in management  

With growing demand for environmental change linked to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, there are many opportunities opening up in the business and management field to ensure companies and organisations are meeting targets, reaching standards and having real impact.  

Generally, environmental managers will supervise and oversee a company’s sustainability and environmental outputs. They will analyse, evaluate and advise on how changes can be implemented. More specialised roles include waste management officer, environmental monitoring lead, or an environmental impact offer, for example. 

Careers in this area will benefit from a passion for environmental issues and an ambition to facilitate change to processes and frameworks in your organisation or field.  

Environmental science careers in nature conservation 

Working in nature conservation is a hugely broad area which could take you from promoting the outdoors and encouraging people to get out into the natural environment, to monitoring and analysing wildlife and creating solutions for protecting endangered species.  

Roles might include a conservation project manager, park ranger, an ecologist or even a horticulturist. You’ll likely analyse the nature you’re in charge of, analyse the biodiversity in the area and implement action plans. The balance between field work and office time will vary but you’ll likely experience both in most roles.  

From local authorities and government to environmental agencies and nature organisations, like the Wildlife Trust, and even engineering companies, there are many opportunities to work in the conservation sector.  

Environmental science careers in consultancy 

Bringing together the core elements of environmental science and business consultancy, you’ll advise on a range of environmental issues from sustainability to flooding risk and the protection of wildlife.  

You’ll usually work for a consultancy or as a self-employed consultant, offering your services to businesses and organisations looking for external expertise on a specific environmental issue.  

As a consultant, you’ll require a number of years’ work experience in the environmental sector and the skills and experience to develop new frameworks and modules to create change. You’ll be expected to have extensive knowledge of environmental regulations and law, and the confidence to provide your opinions and analysis to non-technical leaders.  

Environmental science careers in government and policymaking 

With some similarities to environmental consultancy, policy makers and analysts will collect data, research, analyse and evaluate environmental policies, practises and laws to understand their impact on people and planet.  

The end goal is to deliver recommendations for new legislation, legal procedures or even awareness campaigns to better adapt to growing environmental issues. Working with stakeholders across the sector including businesses, government groups and political lobbyists, you'll work as a multidisciplinary team to create change.  

Roles in environmental policy making include policy analysts, research advisors, environmental policy managers, or a director of policy and practise.  

Environmental science careers in technology

One of the fastest growing industries globally is technology, as demand grows for innovative digital solutions to the world’s greatest challenges, including climate change and environmental sustainability.  

Environmental careers in technology are thriving in everything from carbon offsetting and renewable energy to supply chain solutions and sustainability leadership. You could work in app development, bringing your environmental science experience to those with more technical skills, or specialise in environmental engineering and apply scientific and engineering principles together.  

You could work as a green IT advisor, or with a company working to develop eco-housing solutions. Within tech, there are roles that don’t even exist yet and room to create a niche within the industry. 

Environmental science careers in education 

Fancy sharing your knowledge with the next generation of environmentally conscious workers? With a further qualification to teach, you could take your environmental science skills to the classroom or lecture hall.  

As a geography or science teacher, you could inspire school children to engage with environmental issues, working on creative group projects and raising awareness. As an environmental science lecturer, you could be involved in developing the course curriculum, undertaking research and will have the ability to teach a range of environmental science subjects.  

What organisations could I work for? 

With an environmental science degree, you could work for a range of organisations around the world, from the large conservation agencies like The Wildlife Trust and global consultancies to national environmental protection agencies, construction companies, government departments, charities and even start-ups and enterprises.  

Whichever area you choose to work in, opportunities in environmental careers are growing. It’s a great time to use your passion and skills for change.  

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