(Full time) 2022 start
Sustainability and Environmental Management (International) MEnv, BSc
Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
Our Sustainability and Environmental Management (International) MEnv, BSc is a four-year Integrated Masters degree with a year spent at a partner university in Australia, Canada or the USA. It 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 will help you 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.
- Spend a year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions before returning to Leeds to study Masters-level modules in your fourth year.
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. 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 state-of-the-art building 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.
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.
Course content
Our modules cover a broad range of areas, with a core focus on environmental social science and options to pursue themes such as energy and transport, climate change, biodiversity and conservation, environmental economics, business and policy. This allows you to tailor the degree to your interests.
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.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Sustainable Development 10 credits
- Ecology 10 credits
- Atmosphere 10 credits
- Skills for Environmental Social Science 10 credits
- Introduction to Business, Environment and Corporate Responsibility 20 credits
- Environmental Politics and Policy 10 credits
- Environmental Science for Environmental Management 20 credits
- Challenges in Transport and Mobility 10 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Natural Hazards 10 credits
- Foundation Chemistry 10 credits
- Water 10 credits
- Foundation Mathematics 1 10 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Personal Development for Careers in the Environmental Sector 10 credits
- People, Sustainability, and the Environment 30 credits
- Research in the Environmental Social Sciences 30 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Ecosystems: process, pattern, and change 20 credits
- Climate Change: Science and Impacts 10 credits
- Contaminated Environments 20 credits
- Tools and Techniques for Business, Environment and Corporate Responsibility 20 credits
- Economics and Sustainability 10 credits
- GIS for Geoscientists 10 credits
- Managing Biodiversity 10 credits
- Transport Land Use and Development 10 credits
- Transport, Energy and Environment 10 credits
Year 3
Compulsory modules
- Study Year Abroad 120 credits
Year 4
Compulsory modules
- Environmental Research Project 45 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Hydrological Processes and Analysis 15 credits
- Business, Environment and Sustainability 15 credits
- Introduction to Ecological Economics 15 credits
- Environmental Economics and Policy 15 credits
- Environmental Policy and Governance 15 credits
- Critical Perspectives in Environment and Development 15 credits
- Environment & Development International Field Course 30 credits
- Climate Change: Physical Science Basis 15 credits
- Climate Change: Impacts and Adaptation 15 credits
- Climate Change Mitigation 15 credits
- Tools and Techniques in Ecological Economics 15 credits
- Terrestrial Biosphere in the Earth System 15 credits
- Green Logistics 15 credits
- Analysing Transport and Society 15 credits
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 their 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 (SRI) 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. You will also receive support from fellow students through our peer mentoring scheme.
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:
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, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA 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 AAB 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.
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BTEC
D*DD 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.
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Cambridge Pre-U
D2, M1, M1 including two relevant subjects.
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall, with 17 points at higher level to include 5 points in two relevant subjects.
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
AAAAAA/H2H2H2H2H2H2 in two relevant subjects.
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AAABB overall with AA in 2 Advanced Highers (AH). For non-AH applicants AAAAAA. 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: ABB 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 undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee 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 UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £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 international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.
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.
Career opportunities
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.
We prepare our graduates for a range of careers. They work in a range of organisations - in small organisations and large companies or public sector organisations, such as the Environment Agency - and in a broad range of non-environmental and environmental roles, including environmental sustainability roles and environmental consultancy.
Our graduates have secured positions including:
Field Environment Advisor, Tullow Oil Kenya
Analyst, NextGen
Junior Project Manager, Global Sustainable Management Gmbh
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, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions 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 and work placements
Study abroad
On this course, the study abroad year replaces the third year of your degree. During the year, you will follow the sustainability course at your host institution and will return to Leeds to complete the final year of study at masters level.
Find out more on the Study Abroad website.