Sustainability and Environmental Management BSc

Our Sustainability and Environmental Management degree explores the environmental, economic and social implications of our decisions and attempts to find sustainable solutions to environmental problems.

Drawing on environmental science and ecology, you will develop your knowledge and skills in the science underpinning environmental issues. At the same time, learning opportunities in politics, economics, policy and law help you to evaluate societies' role in, and interaction with, changes in the natural world.

You’ll be trained in data collection and analysis and will refine your research skills in a research project and through hands-on field training.

Course highlights

• You’ll be taught by internationally renowned academics working at the forefront of their fields, who are passionate about the subjects they teach.

• You’ll join a large and vibrant school, which brings together expertise ranging from geology and geophysics, environmental science, meteorology and climate science, to environmental social science.

• The content of your course is shaped by our world-leading research. Our research takes place across the globe, from low-carbon cities in the UK, to resource governance in sub-Saharan Africa, to conservation in Patagonian rainforests.

• Field work is a key part of all our degrees, where you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience.

• Our theoretical modules are supported by extensive practical sessions in the laboratory, which are designed to reinforce the material taught to you in the lectures.

• Throughout your studies you’ll benefit from a structured support system, with a personal tutor who will offer help and advice about your approach to studying and how to become adept at independent learning.

Programme team

Dr Stephen Whitfield is Programme Leader for Sustainability and Environmental Management and Associate Director of the Global Food and Environment Institute. His main research interests are in socio-politics of agri-food systems and the multiple priorities and challenges associated with these systems, both in the UK and overseas. He has also worked on projects in the UK as well as in Africa and Latin America and have a broad interest in agricultural development, climate change adaptation, natural resource management and ecosystem services.

The wider programme team is made up of academics and researchers from across the School of Earth and Environment, who work within the School’s research institutes and groups.

Teaching facilities

You’ll benefit from excellent teaching facilities including large lecture theatres, seminar rooms and computer clusters. Our School is in the centre of the campus and provides an ideal working environment, and offers quiet study and coffee areas when you are not in class.

Find out more about our facilities.

Enhancing your degree

During your time at Leeds, you can decide to study abroad or undertake an industrial placement.

We also offer an Integrated Masters (combining bachelor and Masters level study), where you spend a year studying abroad at a partner university and return to Leeds to study Masters-level modules in your final year.

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 IEMA, the professional body for everyone working in environment and sustainability. Enrolling on this programme means you can apply for free student membership of IEMA and for a fast-track route to membership once you graduate, starting you on a route towards practitioner membership.

Throughout the degree you will cover core content in environmental social sciences, as well as learning research and practical skills, and enhancing your employability. As you progress through years two and three 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.

Years one and two

You’ll explore the fundamental principles that underpin environmental social sciences. A variety of case studies of environmental management and contemporary sustainability issues will be introduced.

You will have the opportunity to learn and practice relevant research methods.

In your second year you will build upon these foundations. You will continue to develop core competencies in environmental social science, research skills, and employability. You will also begin to explore themes of environmental politics and policy; sustainability economics; sustainable business; energy, transport, and food systems; conservation science and ecology; contaminated environments; and atmospheric science.

Through optional modules there are opportunities to begin to specialise in one or more of these themes.

Through a career skills module in year two you will receive advice about career planning, develop approaches for enhancing your employability, and learn about employment opportunities. This is purposefully included in year two in order to support students intending to find short internships or undertake a work placement.

Year three

During your final year, you will have further opportunity to specialise in specific areas of interest.

You will 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.

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.

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

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

<p><h3>Fieldwork</h3><p><a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/see-undergraduate/doc/fieldtrips">Fieldwork</a> will be an essential element of your degree, and is one of the most enjoyable and sociable parts of the course for students and staff alike. We offer opportunities for fieldwork during all years of study, both in the UK and abroad. For example, in Year 1 we have a residential trip in West Yorkshire to study flood management and learn research tools and techniques. Our Year 2 students travel to Amsterdam to study topics such as water management, sustainable transport and sustainable energy.</p><p>Field classes are closely integrated with lectures and module coursework in order to offer an excellent opportunity to get hands-on experience and develop practical research skills. A project in Year 3 offers you the chance to undertake research in a topic of your choice with the benefit of expert academic guidance.</p></p>

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

Teaching on the programme is designed to integrate theoretical principles of sustainability with real world environmental management challenges. You will 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, laboratories 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 at the cutting edge of research world-wide, and who will incorporate this expertise into their teaching.

This course is provided through the Sustainability Research Institute in the School of Earth and Environment, one of the leading UK Centre's for Environmental Social Sciences.

You will have a designated personal tutor throughout your studies at Leeds, who will be an academic member of staff. You will have fortnightly academic tutorials with your tutor throughout your first two years, in your tutor group (of typically 5 students), as well as one-to-one meetings twice per semester. 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.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

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 will 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.

Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): We recognise the value of this qualification and the effort and skills required to undertake it, where an applicant is taking the EPQ this may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. The EPQ taken with A-Levels, for example, could be BBB with an A in the EPQ.

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

• Access to HE Diploma

  Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, 30 credits with Distinction and the remaining 15 credits with Merit or above.

• BTEC

  DDM in Extended Diploma/3 Subsidiary Diplomas in two relevant subjects. We will accept a combination of BTECs and A-Levels. Please contact the School's Undergraduate Admissions Team for more information.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3, M2, M2 including two relevant subjects.

• International Baccalaureate

  34 points overall, with 16 points at higher level to include 5 points in two relevant subjects.

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  AAABBB/H2H2H2H3H3H3 in two relevant subjects.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AABBB overall with BB in 2 Advanced Highers (AH). For non-AH applicants AABBBB. To include 2 relevant subjects.

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 an alternative 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 alternative 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.

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.

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.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on 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.

Read our guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Visit Days

If you receive an offer to study with us, we’ll invite you to attend one of our visit days. You’ll have the opportunity to meet our academic staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course and what it’s like to be a student at Leeds.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2022

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £23,000 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time students starting in 2022, the fee for 2022/23 will be £9,250.  
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the Government and may vary if policy changes.
 

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

<p>Because we recognise the value of field experience, the school heavily subsidises or covers transport and accommodation costs for compulsory taught field courses and many optional field trips. You will have to supplement the cost of some optional field trips.</p>

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 about additional costs

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.

Governments, businesses, NGOs and researchers now hold sustainability at the core of their thinking about the environment and our place in it. The environment is important to everyone, but it is under increasing pressure from our demands on natural resources and the waste generated by our lifestyles. This means there’s a demand for literate and numerate graduates with good analytical skills and a thorough understanding of the environmental, economic and social implications of the decisions that we make and the strategies that we use to find sustainable solutions to environmental problems.

Graduates from this course go on to work in environmental consultancy firms; local councils and civil service; in industry roles related to corporate social responsibility and operations; and in third sector organisations and charities.

Our graduates have secured positions including:

• Sustainability Consultant, WRM Ltd

• Technical Manager, IPC/Asda

• Transport Development Officer, Leicester City Council

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. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.

You will be supported throughout your studies by our dedicated Employability team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and industrial placements, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.

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

Visit our Careers and employability page to find out more.

There are also plenty of exciting ways you can volunteer during your time at Leeds. Find out more at the Leeds University Union website.

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.

The optional study abroad year takes place between years two and three and will extend your studies by 12 months. You will return to Leeds to complete your final year of study.

Find out more on the Study Abroad website.

You may also be interested in our integrated Masters degree. On this course, your year abroad replaces the third year of your degree and you return to Leeds to study Masters-level modules in your fourth year.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can choose to undertake a salaried industrial placement year at one of the 100+ companies that we work with. If you decide to undertake a placement year this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

Below are examples of placements our students have recently completed:

• Atkins, Water & Environment Placement

• E.ON UK Limited, Safety, Health and Environment Advisor

• Hilton Worldwide, Energy & Environment Intern

• PepsiCo, Sustainability Officer

• Shropshire Council, Assistant Countryside Maintenance Officer

• Starbucks, Energy & Sustainability Intern

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

The optional placement year takes place between years two and three.

Find out more about Industrial placements.