Sustainability and Environmental Management Degree

Our Sustainability and Environmental Management BSc 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.

A wide range of optional modules, such as environmental politics, climate change and sustainable consumption, reflects the breadth of expertise in the School. Pathways allow you to develop specialist knowledge and skills, which can help you succeed in the employment market.

Research-led teaching by experts

Teaching draws on the research expertise of academics in the School, in both environmental, natural and social science. 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. Read about research in the Sustainability Research Institute.

Extending this degree

You can convert your 3-year degree into a 4-year degree by spending an additional year on an industrial placement or overseas, before returning to Leeds to complete your final year of study.

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. Read Sustainability and Environmental Management (International) MEnv, BSc.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by IEMA. IEMA is the professional body for everyone working in environment and sustainability. This course entitles students to FREE student membership for the duration of the course and on successful completion you qualify for GradIEMA. Graduate membership is a launchpad for future leaders within environment and sustainability and offers a range of benefits to support you throughout your career. You can then “Fast track” to Practitioner Membership.

The programme 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 through our specialist pathways.

Five specialist pathways run throughout the programme and you’ll be introduced to all of them in your first year, choosing that which interests you most in subsequent years:

• The Business and Sustainability pathway examines the interactions between the two and equips you for a career in corporate social and environmental responsibility.

• The Energy and the Built Environment pathway focuses on transport and energy and develops skills for a career in policy and planning.

• The Natural Resources and Biodiversity pathway takes an interdisciplinary approach to biodiversity and natural resources management, preparing you for a career in environmental consultancy.

• The Earth Systems pathway gives you in-depth knowledge of climate change, pollution and regulation, mixing social and natural science.

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

Broadening your academic horizons

At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

Teaching on the programme is designed to integrate theoretical principles of sustainability with real world environmental management challenges. Students 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. Students interact with and learn from internationally-recognised experts from the Institute throughout the course.

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 ne 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, psychology, physics, politics, sociology.

Other subjects may be considered. Offers exclude general studies.

GCSE: English and Mathematics at grade C (4) or above, or an equivalent English language or Mathematics qualification.

• 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.

• International Baccalaureate

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

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  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.

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.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU 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

Offerholders will be invited to a post-application Visit Day as this gives you the opportunity to meet our staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course. During the day you’ll find out more about studying at Leeds, have your questions answered and have an informal one-to-one meeting with an academic member of staff, to check that it’s the right course for you and your career plans.

After you apply we will send you a link to book your place on the applicant day, if you are unable to attend ​or have previously attended an admissions event at Leeds then please let us know.

Admissions policy

Faculty of Environment Undergraduate Admissions Policy 2020

Fees

UK/EU: See fees section below

International: £21,750 (per year)

Undergraduate tuition fees for 2020 entry 
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2020, the fee for 2020/21 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 and non-UK EU undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2020/21 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry 
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2021/22 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. In other years, the government has confirmed fee levels in summer. When the fee is confirmed, we will publish an update on this website.

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.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

Additional cost information

<p>While the School heavily subsidises or covers the cost of all compulsory taught fieldcourses, you may have to supplement these trips depending on the destination you choose. There will however always be a free option for you to select. You may incur some costs for some optional fieldtrip modules. Full details are available on request.</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.

Scholarships available.

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

If you wish to continue with further study, you could enhance your employment prospects even further by taking a vocational MSc degree in Leeds – with industry sponsored scholarships and other funds available.

Careers support

The School of Earth and Environment is committed to enhancing employability and offers a range of initiatives to ensure our students receive the highest level of support throughout their studies. Read about careers and employability on the School website.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Study abroad

You can convert your 3-year degree into a 4-year study abroad degree by spending an additional year overseas, before returning to Leeds to complete your final year of study. You don’t apply directly to this course, instead you can register your interest with us once you’ve enrolled on the 3-year degree.

To be eligible for Study Abroad you’ll need to maintain a good average in your assessments in years 1 and 2 and, for some destinations, you may have to show you have the necessary language skills. Read more about eligibility on the Study Abroad website.

The Study Abroad Office and the School provide guidance to help you set up a study place at one of the University's partner institutions from around the world. Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

You may also be interested in our integrated Masters, which includes a year studying in Australia, Canada and the USA. Read Sustainability and Environmental Management (International) MEnv, BSc.

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.

Year in industry

You can convert your 3-year degree into a 4-year industrial degree by spending an additional year on an industrial placement, before returning to Leeds to complete your final year of study. This allows you to gain valuable hands-on experience, and earn a salary, before you complete the final year of your degree.

The School has strong connections with industry - companies such as General Electric, PepsiCo, Unilever and IBM regularly offer industrial placements to students on this course. You will receive help from the School throughout the search, application and interview process. You may end up working in or near Leeds, near your home, or perhaps overseas. The School will provide guidance and assistance throughout the process and will support you during your placement, liaising with your employer to ensure that your work is of value to your academic development.

Students who choose the Year in Industry option frequently receive attractive offers of employment when they graduate. The employability benefits include opportunities to:

• apply your academic learning in the workplace

• gain valuable work experience, as part of your degree, that will enhance your CV and job opportunities

• enhance your personal development and life skills

• develop your transferable skills, providing important evidence for job application forms

• return to your final year of studies with enthusiasm and a better appreciation of the opportunities available to you as a student at the University of Leeds.

Read more about Year in Industry.

Fieldwork 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. 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.

Because we recognise the value of field experience the school covers the transport and accommodation costs for all compulsory taught fieldcourses and many optional field trips.