Environment and Business BA

Course overview

Our Environment and Business degree combines the study of social and environmental sustainability issues with sound business and management practice. You’ll learn the pressures and opportunities facing businesses as a result of the current environmental challenges and corporate social responsibility agendas.

Throughout the degree, you’ll develop skills in the use of concepts, methods and tools that can be used to transform business practices to help tackle global economic, environmental and social challenges. Your background could be in business, geography or other social sciences.

As well as the core Sustainability and Business module in the School of Earth and Environment, you’ll have the opportunity to study modules in the Leeds University Business School, the Institute for Transport Studies and the School of Law, and to undertake a major dissertation project. Your module choices will allow you to develop the specialist knowledge and transferable skills you’ll need to make your next steps in a career in this field.

Why study at Leeds:

• Our globally-renowned research that tackles complex global challenges such as climate change, energy security and natural hazard management feeds directly into your course and shapes what you learn at Leeds with the latest thinking.
• Experience expert teaching delivered by a programme team made up of leading specialists with extensive industry experience from across the breadth of our environment and business research disciplines.
• 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 by undertaking fieldwork activities, where you’ll advance your research skills and gain hands-on experience highly valued by employers in industry.
• Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate by undertaking a work placement. Our close industry links have given previous students the chance to work at — and build professional relationships with — organisations such as Unilever, IBM, Jaguar Land Rover and PepsiCo.
• Gain invaluable life experience and advance your personal development with our exciting study abroad programmes, spanning across many universities worldwide.
• Join one of our societies, such as SusSoc, where you can meet like-minded people at events such as socials and sports.

Course details

The course is designed around a combination of compulsory core modules, as well as opportunities to choose optional modules that allow you to follow areas of personal interest or broaden your learning.

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

Please note: field trip destinations specified below are typical examples but may be subject to change.

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 Environment and Business BA in the course catalogue.

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll study the underlying principles of business, the natural environment, and human impacts, alongside fieldwork and study skills which provide a solid foundation for your later independent studies.

Compulsory modules

Introduction to Sustainability Economics (20 credits) – This module will give you a grounding in basic economic theory as it applies to sustainability and will develop your ability to apply economic concepts of production, consumption, markets and the economy to social and environmental sustainability problems.

Sustainable Development, Politics and Policy (20 credits) – This module looks to answer questions surrounding the origins of environmental concern, the link between the environment and the political arena, and the compatibility of environmental sustainability and global development by drawing on both theoretical and applied debates.

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 they can 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 environmental science, major environmental challenges of today and their mitigation.

Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

• An Introduction to Law: What is Law? (10 credits)
• Introduction to Effective Decision Making (10 credits)
• Understanding Social Enterprises (10 credits)
• Introduction to Management (10 credits)
• Organisational Behaviour (20 credits)
• Business and Society (20 credits)
• Natural Hazards (10 credits)
• Resources (10 credits)
• Introduction to Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (10 credits)
• Ecology (10 credits)
• Atmosphere (10 credits)

Year 2

In Year 2, you’ll develop your business skills through a range of core and optional modules influenced by your own interests. In this year, you’ll interact with business executives and will work on real-world issues in environment and business. As you extend your analytical skills, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the issues regarding the interface between the environment and business practices.

Compulsory modules

Tools and Techniques for Sustainable Business (20 credits) – This module provides an overview of theoretical principles of the tools and initiatives, developed for and by businesses to help them and the societies where they operate become more sustainable, followed by group discussions and practical case studies of their application.

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.

Economics and Sustainability (20 credits) – This module provides both a macro and micro perspective on the relationship between the economy and environmental impacts, questioning the compatibility between economic growth and sustainability.

Personal Development for Careers in the Environmental Sector (10 credits) – This module considers life after completion of your undergraduate degree and how to make the most of your time now to assist in the transition from being a university student to employment and careers.

Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

• Managing Innovation in Business (10 credits)
• Transport, Energy and the Environment (10 credits)
• Advanced Management Decision Making (10 credits)
• People, Sustainability and the Environment (20 credits)
• International Law (20 credits)
• Adaptation and Mitigation (20 credits)
• Sociology for the Climate Crisis (20 credits)
• Contaminated Environments (10 credits)
• Principles of Marketing (10 credits)
• Leading and managing Small Businesses (10 credits)
• Principles of Corporate Strategy (10 credits)
• Managing Biodiversity (10 credits)
• Project Appraisal (10 credits)

Year 3

Your final year gives you the chance to produce your own work at a professional level through our own final-year project. You’ll be able to choose modules that enable you to pursue your specialist interests. These may include climate change, law, marketing and advertising, business management, or corporate strategy.

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.

Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

• School and Educational Placements (20 credits)
• Environmental Law (20 credits)
• Current Issues in Decision Making (20 credits)
• Managing Innovation and Technology (20 credits)
• International Business Management (20 credits)
• Diversity Management (20 credits)
• Global Perspectives on Work and Employment (20 credits)
• Gender and Equality at Work in Comparative Perspective (20 credits)
• Managing Social Media and Digital Work (20 credits)
• Strategic Energy Issues (10 credits)
• Environmental Risk: Science, Policy and Management (10 credits)
• Managing Global Value Chains (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 increasingly 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.

The Environment and Business degree offers fieldwork opportunities throughout years 1, 2 and 3, giving you the chance to study a fascinating subject in contrasting environments away from the University.

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

As a student in our Faculty, you’ll have the unique opportunity to do a paid summer internship. It’s your chance to get involved in the real-world research projects happening in and around the University – and advance your own 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

Most modules combine lectures with practicals, workshops or seminars, depending on the subject. These are enhanced with skills classes and fieldtrips. 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 environment and business disciplines, from specialists in their field. As Leeds is a research-intensive Russell Group University, you’ll be studying amongst staff who are at the cutting edge of research world-wide, 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. 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. You'll also receive support from fellow students through our peer mentoring scheme.

Taster lectures

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

• ‘The building blocks of infrastructure futures’

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

Assessments on the programme are designed to be inclusive and to help you learn. As well as academic essays and exams, we use assessments that are more ‘authentic’ to your future careers so that you can develop and practice a range of key transferable skills. These authentic assessments include things like group presentations and consultancy reports for partner organisations.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB

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 and Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate: Grade A plus BBB at A-level.

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.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: BBC 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. We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.

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 each section. 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: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
The fee for UK undergraduate students is decided by the Government and may vary if policy changes. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 will be £9,535.

The tuition fee for the following programmes with an integrated foundation year is £5,760 for the foundation year, and £9,535 for subsequent years of study:
•    Business Studies with Foundation Year BSC
•    Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
•    Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
•    Social Science (foundation year) BA
 

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.
 

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.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

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.

Faculty of Environment Undergraduate Bursary

UK students eligible for a reduced grade contextual offer will receive a cash bursary worth £1,000 to help with some of the costs of being at university.

International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to high achieving and particularly deserving international students. There are limited scholarships available.

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 2025

This course is taught by

School of Earth and Environment

Contact us

School of Earth and Environment Undergraduate Admissions

Email: admissions@see.leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

A degree from Leeds and the experience you'll gain here will give you the edge to find the career you want. Your course will give you the experience and knowledge that employers are looking for to help you secure a graduate job.

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 10 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2023, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are highly sought after by some of the most reputable companies in the field.

Environment and Business graduates are well placed to appreciate the fundamental advantages of a sustainability-oriented approach to business, and to help businesses deliver long-term solutions to environmental and social challenges.

Career options for graduates include environmental consultancy and management, corporate social responsibility. Work opportunities occur in private companies, non-governmental organisations or the public sector.

Our graduates have secured positions including:

• Data Acquisition Analyst, eVestment
• Personal Banker, Lloyds Banking Group
• Associate, Bank of England
• Property Support Administrator, British Red Cross
• Investor Relations, Department of Energy and Climate Change
• Key Account Executive, LEGO Group
• Creative Planner, Mindshare
• Deputy Head of Operations & Director, PCT Healthcare
• Trade Operations Assistant, Pfizer
• Sustainability Consultant, WRM

Read our alumni profiles to find out more about where our students are working.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one — that’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers. The University's Careers Service is one of the largest in the country, providing a wide range of resources to ensure you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Dedicated Employability Officer — gain quality advice, guidance and information to help you choose a career path. From CV and cover letter writing to supporting you with job applications, our School’s dedicated Employability Officer is on hand to help maximise your capabilities through a process of personal development and career planning.
• Employability and networking events — we run a full range of events, including careers fairs and industry talks in specialist areas and across broader industries, with employers who are actively recruiting for roles, giving you the opportunity to network and engage with industry sponsors. 
• Employability skills training – to support your transition to the workplace, we embed training in a range of key transferable skills valued by employers such as research and data analysis in all our programmes.
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

You'll also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

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

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.

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

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

A placement year is a great way to help you decide on a career path when you graduate. You’ll develop your skills and gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector. It will also help you to stand out in a competitive graduate jobs market and improve your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field
• Our strong connections with industry mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers
• Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in a particular company or sector
• Improve your employability

If you decide to undertake a placement year, this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

With the help and support of our dedicated Employability Team, you can find the right placement to suit you and your future career goals.

Here are some examples of placements our students have recently completed:

• Customer Development, Unilever Plc
• EU Consulting by Degrees Administrator, IBM
• Purchasing Placement, Jaguar Land Rover
• Sustainability Officer, PepsiCo

During your industrial placement, you'll have an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout your placement.

Find out more about Industrial placements.