Sustainability and Environmental Management BSc

Course overview

Many aspects of modern life are unsustainable, either environmentally, economically, or socially. Why is this? What can we do about it?

Our Sustainability and Environmental Management degree explores why unsustainable practices develop, from underlying drivers to the behaviours of individuals, and will provide you with the knowledge and skills to tackle these problems.

To do this you'll combine environmental and social science approaches. Environmental sciences will allow you to build an understanding of the fundamental environmental basis of sustainability. Perspectives from politics, economics, policy and law will then allow you to explore the social dimensions of sustainability and develop pathways towards more sustainable societies.

You’ll be trained in a wide range of data collection and analysis methods and will refine your research skills through research projects and hands-on field training.

Sustainability is an increasingly important area for business, public sector organisations, research, and non-governmental organisations. This degree will provide you with the skills and knowledge to work in a huge range of sectors and to make a real difference to the world.

Why study at Leeds:

• This course is accredited by The Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment.
• 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.
• Experience expert teaching delivered by a programme team made up of specialist academics working at the forefront of their fields.
• 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 with our 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 E.ON, Starbucks, Hilton, Ramboll, Johnson & Johnson 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.

Accreditation

Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA)

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.

Course details

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.

Challenges in Transport and Mobility – 10 credits

This module will introduce you to a range of approaches (lectures, reading, tutorials and place-based case studies) to explore how travel and mobility contribute to quality of life. It also considers how transport activity causes a range of problems for the wellbeing of society and the environment that have moved it up the political and media agenda in recent decades.

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

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.

Adaptation and Mitigation – 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.

Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

• Tools and Techniques for Business, Environment and Corporate Responsibility – 20 credits
• Economics and Sustainability – 20 credits
• Sociology for the 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)

• Geographers into Teaching: School Placements – 20 credits
• Environment, Conflict and Policy – 20 credits
• Environmental Law – 20 credits
• Advanced Topics in Conservation Science – 20 credits
• Strategic Energy Issues – 10 credits
• Environmental Risk: Science, Policy and Management – 10 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

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

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 and Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate: 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.

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: 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

Sustainability is the future! All organisations, from small NGOs to transnational companies to local and national governments need experts in sustainability to help them embed sustainability in their thinking and their practices. This course will equip you with the broad knowledge base needed to understand sustainability issues wherever you encounter them and develop clear pathways towards more sustainable behaviour.

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

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research.

Specific positions that our graduates have secured include:

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

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:

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

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.