School of Earth and Environment
Mineral dust and Earth's oxygen levels
Mineral dust played a key role in raising oxygen levels in the Earth’s atmosphere billions of years ago, with major implications for the way intelligent life later evolved, say researchers
Find out more
Geotechnical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship MSc
This apprenticeship will provide you with an extensive understanding of the ground, geological and design processes vital to all construction and infrastructure projects
Find out more
23rd
in the world for Earth Sciences
ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2022
96%
'world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent'
Submitted research - REF 2021
39th
in the world for Environmental Sciences
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022
Research and innovation
We are a major international powerhouse for environmental research that has wide-ranging and positive impacts on the world that we live in. Our research is carried out within five institutes which represent our core research areas, but much of our work is cross-cutting, tackling complex global challenges.

Billions of tonnes of ice lost from Antarctic Ice sheet
Scientists have calculated that the fastest changing Antarctic…
More on Billions of tonnes of ice lost from Antarctic Ice sheet
Activity deep in Earth affects the global magnetic field
Compass readings that do not show the direction of true north and…
More on Activity deep in Earth affects the global magnetic field
Designing parks to help women feel safe
As International Women’s Day (IWD) 2023 urges people to #EmbraceEquity, we…
More on Designing parks to help women feel safe
Mineral dust and Earth's oxygen levels
Mineral dust played a key role in raising oxygen levels in the Earth’s…
More on Mineral dust and Earth's oxygen levelswater@leeds: at the heart of global water research
Wednesday 8 March 2023 - Wednesday 29 March 2023, 18:30 - 20:30
More on water@leeds: at the heart of global water researchGlobal weather research recognised by Queen's award
A Queen's Anniversary Prize - the UK’s highest accolade for universities and colleges - has been awarded to the University of Leeds for research into tropical weather systems and climate science.
Outreach and public engagement
We deliver events and activities to showcase this fascinating subject area to students at schools and colleges across the UK.
More on Outreach and public engagementOnline study
Explore the relationships between people and nature, and the challenging and difficult decisions we face when managing natural resources, through this flexible program of online courses.
More on Online studyRecruit our students
We provide businesses with access to our talented students through a free end-to-end, managed recruitment service.
More on Recruit our studentsEquality and inclusion
The University community is made up of a wide range of people with diverse backgrounds and circumstances, which we value and regard as a great asset.
More on Equality and inclusion“RT @UniversityLeeds: Research led by Dr Ben Davison from @SEELeeds is revealing the huge quantities of ice lost from glaciers draining i… t.co/NLs7YQdspC” -
1 day ago
“Are you an ambitious software developer looking for your next challenge? @SEELeeds is seeking to appoint a Softwa… t.co/ZrXCWl9oUS” -
1 week ago
“RT @acmaycock: Happy #IWD2023 to all of my amazing colleagues in @ICASLeeds @SEELeeds. I am fortunate to work with many incredible… t.co/MR5qihkWIP” -
2 weeks ago