Sustainability and Environmental Management BSc

Course overview

Develop the skills and knowledge to protect the delicate balance of our planet by acting on unsustainable practices and promoting social responsibility.

Many aspects of modern life are unsustainable, whether environmentally, economically, or socially, and it’s the job of sustainability experts to figure out what we do about it. There’s a huge worldwide demand for these professionals, who can lead the charge to address climate change, conserve resources and safeguard biodiversity. These individuals will play a crucial part in preserving the planet for generations to come.

This course explores why unsustainable practices develop, from the underlying factors to individual behaviours. Importantly, it’ll also empower you with the knowledge and skills to tackle these problems.

You’ll learn from a combination of environmental and social science approaches, first developing a robust understanding of environmental sustainability. Then, you’ll draw from several approaches to explore the social dimensions of sustainability, as you design pathways towards more sustainable societies.

Our expert tutors will train you in a wide range of data collection and analysis methods, helping you refine your research skills through projects and hands-on field training.

Upon graduation, you’ll have the expertise to make a positive difference in the world.

This course is designed to allow sufficient time for students to take up great things outside the lecture theatre, and it is fully up to you what you make out of your time here.

Vaibhav Pramode Nair, Sustainability and Environmental Management BSc (Industrial)

Why study at Leeds

• A professionally accredited course: This course is accredited by The Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment.
• Engage with world-leading research: Our globally renowned research spans the world, from low-carbon cities in the UK to resource governance in sub-Saharan Africa and biodiversity conservation in Patagonia. This research feeds directly into your course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking.
• Learn from expert tutors: Experience expert teaching delivered by a team of specialist academics working at the forefront of their fields.
• Access excellent facilities: Access excellent specialist facilities, including lecture theatres, seminar rooms and computer clusters fully equipped with the latest technology to support your learning.
• Put theory into practice: Undertake fieldwork activities, where you’ll advance your research skills and gain hands-on experience highly valued by employers in industry.
• Broaden your prospects: Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge with our exciting study abroad programmes and work placement opportunities.
• Engage with your peers: Join one of our societies, such as SusSoc, where you can meet like-minded people at events such as socials.

Accreditation

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.

This course is accredited by The Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA), a major professional body for everyone working in environment and sustainability.

This BSc degree guarantees your eligibility for free student membership of IEMA and starts you on a fast-track route towards practitioner membership when you graduate.

Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP)

Course details and modules

Throughout the degree, you’ll cover core content in environmental natural and social sciences, as well as learning research and practical skills, and enhancing your employability. As you progress through years 2 and 3, there will be increasing scope to pursue individual interests and more emphasis will be placed on building independent research and critical thinking capabilities, and this will culminate in your final year with an independent research project.

Fieldwork will also be integral to your course, with opportunities to explore many different environments first-hand.

Each academic year, you'll take a total of 120 credits.

Course Structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.

For more information and a list of typical modules available on this course, please read Sustainability and Environmental Management BSc in the course catalogue.

Years 1 and 2

You’ll explore the fundamental principles that underpin sustainability, covering both natural and social science dimensions. A variety of case studies of environmental management and contemporary sustainability issues will be introduced, and you'll have the opportunity to learn and practice relevant research methods.

In your second year, you’ll build upon these foundations. You'll continue to develop core skills in sustainability science, research skills, and employability. You'll also begin to explore specific themes in more detail, depending on your interests. Examples could include sustainability economics; sustainable business; energy; transport; food systems; or conservation science.

We will help you build a career plan, and you'll develop approaches for enhancing your employability, and learn about employment opportunities. This is purposefully included in year 2 in order to support students intending to find short internships or undertake a work placement.

Year 1 compulsory modules

Sustainable Development, Politics and Policy (20 credits)

This module looks at origins of environmental concern and the compatibility of environmental sustainability and global development. It also explores how environmental concerns have been reflected in political debates, how different policy actors work to protect the environment, and explores other key issues around different forms of environmental politics and policy.

Skills for Environmental Social Science (20 credits)

This module aims to develop a foundation of key academic skills for you to build on during your degree. You’ll start to consider how to develop skills associated with employability and implement research in the environmental social sciences through fieldwork.

Introduction to Business, Environment and Corporate Responsibility (20 credits)

You'll learn how to tell the difference between green PR and sustainability innovation in enterprises small and large. Critical company corporate responsibility strategies, ethics, barriers and opportunities will be covered. An essential module for future business managers or concerned consumers.

Environmental Science for Sustainability (20 credits)

On completion of this module, you should be able to understand the basics of physical environmental science of the atmosphere, oceans, geosphere and biosphere, and the (typically complex) nature of environmental science issues.

Introduction to Sustainability Economics (10 credits)

In this module, we will think critically about what the study of economics is, how it has contributed to policies and practices for resource management, environmental and social issues, and how different schools of economic thought can provide different perspectives for a more sustainable future

Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

• Natural Hazards (10 credits)
• Ecology (10 credits)
• Atmosphere (10 credits)
• Resources (10 credits)
• Foundation Chemistry (10 credits)
• Water (10 credits)
• Foundation Mathematics 1 (10 credits)
• Challenges in Transport and Mobility (10 credits)

Year 2 compulsory modules

Research in the Environmental Social Sciences (40 credits)

The objective of this module is to prepare you for a significant research activity, such as your final year enterprise project or dissertation.

People, Sustainability and the Environment (20 credits)

This module provides an understanding of the relationships between human needs and the environment, focusing in particular on the energy, food and climate change sectors. It explores different perspectives on the goals of improving human wellbeing and environmental conservation.

Climate change: mitigation and adaptation (20 credits)

This module will focus on two of the crucial challenges for the 21st Century: how to minimise humanity's negative impacts on the environment and how to adapt to the changes that will nonetheless occur. You’ll explore a range of perspectives on mitigation and adaption from across the natural and social sciences and build the skills needed to develop solutions to these crucial challenges on a local to global scale.

Personal Development for Careers in the Environmental Sector (10 credits)

The module introduces students to begin career planning during this 2nd year to assist in the transition from university study to employment.

Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

• Tools and Techniques for Sustainable Business (20 credits)
• Economics and Sustainability (20 credits)
• Sociology and Climate Crisis (20 credits)
• Ecosystems: Process, Pattern and Change (20 credits)
• Managing Biodiversity (10 credits)
• GIS for Geoscientists (10 credits)
• Transport, Energy and the Environment (10 credits)
• Contaminated Environments (20 credits)

Year 3

During your final year, you’ll have further opportunities to specialise in specific areas of interest.

You’ll also undertake a research project, which gives you the opportunity to follow your interests and put your acquired research skills and critical thinking capabilities into practice. You’ll work collaboratively with your supervisors throughout the project, who’ll be experts in your particular research area.

Compulsory modules

Change for Sustainable Development (20 credits)

This module will explore theories, strategies and tools for change that could be used to push economies and societies onto sustainable development pathways. You’ll work through a ‘project cycle’ process widely used in Sustainable Development projects and policy development, applied to research-based case studies from a range of global socio-environmental settings.

Environmental Research Project  (40 credits)

On completion of this module, you’ll have developed original subject-specific knowledge in your chosen area and written it up in the form of a research-based dissertation. In addition, you will have developed further skills in self-management (working independently, time management and organisational skills), in working towards academic targets, and in adopting a flexible approach to study and work.

Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

• School and Educational Placements (20 credits)
• Environmental Law (20 credits)
• Advanced Topics in Conservation Science (20 credits)
• Strategic Energy Issues (10 credits)
• Environmental Risk: Science, Management and Communication (20 credits)
• Social Analysis and Social Psychology for Transport  (10 credits)
• Atmospheric Pollution: Causes, Impacts and Regulation (10 credits)
• Terrestrial Biosphere in the Earth System (10 credits)
• Healthy Cities: Transport and Health (10 credits)

Fieldwork

Ask any of our students and they will tell you that taking part in fieldwork is one of the most enjoyable and memorable aspects of the course. We offer a range of sustainable fieldwork opportunities, giving you the chance to study a fascinating subject in contrasting environments away from the University.

It’s integrated with lectures and module coursework, giving you the opportunity to:

• Practice the skills you have learnt in class in real-life situations.
• Gain first-hand experience of collecting and analysing data.
• Build valuable individual research skills – vital for your final year research project.
• Develop professional skills sought after by employers like project planning, communication and teamwork.
• Get to know your lecturers and fellow students even better.

You could also undertake fieldwork as part of your third-year project, conducting your own research in a topic of your choice with the benefit of expert academic guidance.

Our field trips are designed to be as sustainable as possible and balance their carbon footprint with the learning outcomes of the trip.

One-year optional work placement or study abroad

During your course, you’ll be given the opportunity to advance your skill set and experience further. You can apply to either undertake a one-year work placement or study abroad for a year, choosing from a selection of universities we’re in partnership with worldwide.

Summer internships

During your time at Leeds, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a paid summer internship, giving you the chance to get involved in research projects to advance your professional skills in research and experimentation.

Want to find out more? Check out what our recent students got up to on their summer internships.

Learning and teaching

Teaching on the programme is designed to integrate theoretical principles of sustainability with real world environmental management challenges. You’ll explore case studies and apply your understanding through a variety of practicals, workshops and seminars. Skills classes, fieldtrips and small group academic tutorials also provide hands-on experience. You can expect to study in a variety of settings, from large lecture theatres to computer clusters, seminar rooms, tutorials, and out in the field.

We offer research-led teaching across the breadth of our disciplines, from specialists in their field. As Leeds is a research-intensive Russell Group University, you’ll be studying amongst staff who are active researchers, and who will incorporate this expertise into their teaching.

You’ll have a designated personal tutor throughout your studies at Leeds, who will be an academic member of staff and you'll have one-to-one meetings throughout your time here. In addition, our excellent student support team is based close to where you’ll work and study to help with anything from academic advice to timetabling and project submission enquiries.

Taster lectures

Watch our taster lecture to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds:

• ‘Fantastic beasts and why to conserve them’

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You'll be assessed through a variety of methods, including coursework, exams and practical exercise. There is a general progression towards more independent project work in your final year, through which you’ll apply the skills and understanding that you have developed throughout the course.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB including two from Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Economics, English, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, History, Law, Mathematics, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Sociology.

Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

GCSE: English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or higher, or an equivalent English language and Mathematics qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English instead of GCSE English.

Extended Project Qualification, International Project Qualification: Grade A plus BBB at A-level including two of the required subjects.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

If you live in a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education, we may be able to give priority to your application.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: BBC including two of the required subjects plus a pass in the Access to Leeds scheme.

For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.

Foundation years

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a Foundation Year. A Foundation Year is the first year of an extended degree. We’ve designed these courses for applicants whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university and who don’t meet the typical entry requirements for an undergraduate degree.

We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without science and mathematics qualifications.

You could also study our Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc which is for applicants whose background is less represented at university.

On successful completion of your Foundation Year, you will be able to progress onto your chosen course.

Alternative Entry Scheme for Mature Students

If you are a mature applicant and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and Math qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.

Further information on the support available for mature students can be found at https://www.leeds.ac.uk/mature-students.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: £10,050

International: To be confirmed

The amount of tuition fees you pay is based on whether you are classified as a home (UK) or international student. Find out how we assess your fee status.   

Tuition fees for UK students 
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2027/28 are £10,050.  

Subsequent years 
The UK government sets the maximum tuition fee caps that universities can charge UK students. This means your tuition fee in future academic years will reflect any changes set by the government.   

From 2028/29 onwards, tuition fees are likely to increase annually, at least in line with inflation, and may rise further if the government increases the fee cap.   

Tuition fees for international students 
The international fee applies for each year of full-time study and will remain the same for the duration of your course.    

Read more about tuition fees.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Additional cost information

Standard travel and accommodation costs associated with compulsory field trips are covered by the University. However, you must pay for some subsistence, incidental or personal expenses such as suitable clothing, footwear and any related visa costs associated with overseas travel.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your degree. Find out more and check your eligibility below:

• Scholarships for International students
• Scholarships for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Applying

Apply to this course and check the deadline for applications through the UCAS website.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Admissions guidance

Read our admissions guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

What happens after you’ve applied

You can keep up to date with the progress of your application through UCAS.

UCAS will notify you when we make a decision on your application. If you receive an offer, you can inform us of your decision to accept or decline your place through UCAS.

How long will it take to receive a decision

We typically receive a high number of applications to our courses. For applications submitted by the January UCAS deadline, UCAS asks universities to make decisions by mid-May at the latest.

Offer holder events

If you receive an offer from us, you’ll be invited to an offer holder event. This event is more in-depth than an open day. It gives you the chance to learn more about your course and get your questions answered by academic staff and students. Plus, you can explore our campus, facilities and accommodation.

International applicants

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students.

We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Read about visas, immigration and other information here.

If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2027

This course is taught by

School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability

Contact us

School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability Undergraduate Admissions

Email: admissions@see.leeds.ac.uk

Career opportunities

Sustainability is the future. All organisations, from small NGOs to transnational companies and local and national governments, need experts to help them embed sustainability in their thinking and their practices.

This course will equip you with the expertise needed to understand sustainability issues wherever you encounter them and develop clear routes towards greater social responsibility.

Our graduates are changing the world in a huge range of positions, and the transferable skills you'll gain will set you up for working in almost any industry, civil society or government.

Where this degree could take you

Our graduates have secured employment in a rich variety of organisations, including:

• Sustainability Consultant, Ramboll
• Sustainability Manager, IPC/Asda
• Transport Development Officer, Leicester City Council
• Sustainability Consultant - Fashion Lead, Avieco
• Sustainability Project Manager, M&S
• Policy Advisor & Analyst, Rail Delivery Group
• Technical Advisor, Valpak

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.

• Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
• Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
• Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
• MyCareer system – access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video‑interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
• Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world, whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.

From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.

This programme offers you the option to spend time abroad as an extra academic year and will extend your studies by 12 months.

Once you’ve successfully completed your year abroad, you'll be awarded the ‘international’ variant in your degree title upon completion which demonstrates your added experience to future employers.

Work placements

Make connections, practice skills and build confidence in your future with an industrial placement year as part of your course.

A work placement can be a great investment in your future:

• Choose from 100+ organisations in the UK and overseas.
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field.
• Be in direct contact with potential employers thanks to our close industry links.
• Advance your experience and skills by putting course teachings into practice.
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in your chosen industry.
• Improve your employability.
• All placements sourced by the University are paid positions
• We also offer shorter-term placement opportunities.

Our Employability Team are here to help you every step of the way. They run several placement sessions to answer your questions, discuss available opportunities and support you with CV writing and interview preparation.

If you decide to undertake a placement year, your period of study will be extended by 12 months.

If your application is successful, during placement, you'll be supported by an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout.

On successful completion of your placement year, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

Students in our Faculty have recently completed the following placements:

• Water & Environment Placement, Atkins
• Safety, Health and Environment Advisor, E.ON UK
• Energy & Environment Intern, Hilton Worldwide
• Sustainability Officer, PepsiCo
• Assistant Countryside Maintenance Officer, Shropshire Council
• Energy & Sustainability Intern, Starbucks

We can’t guarantee a work placement. The job market is competitive – and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation. That said, we encourage everyone to apply.