Environmental Engineering including an Industrial Year

Environmental engineering is the discipline that applies the principles of civil, chemical, and biological engineering to the protection of human health and the natural environment. It is concerned with the design, construction, and operation of systems that treat water and wastewater, manage solid waste and contaminated land, control air pollution, and assess and mitigate the environmental impact of industrial and infrastructure development. As the world faces intensifying challenges of water scarcity, resource depletion, climate adaptation, and pollution, the demand for engineers who can address these challenges with both scientific rigour and practical engineering skill has never been greater.

At Nottingham this four-year programme includes a foundation year at the start and an industrial year, giving you both the academic preparation to begin the degree and extensive professional experience in an engineering context before you graduate. The foundation year ensures students who may not have the specific prior qualifications for direct entry can develop the scientific and mathematical grounding the main degree requires. Across the programme you will study fluid mechanics, materials, thermodynamics, environmental chemistry, water and wastewater treatment, waste management, environmental impact assessment, and the regulatory and legal frameworks that govern environmental engineering practice.

The industrial year connects your academic learning to real engineering projects and organisations.

Environmental engineering graduates are in demand across water and wastewater utilities, environmental consultancies, waste management companies, local authorities, construction and infrastructure firms, and government regulatory agencies. Roles include environmental engineer, water engineer, waste management specialist, contaminated land consultant, and environmental impact assessor. Professional registration through the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management or the Institution of Civil Engineers is a common goal for graduates.

Many also continue to postgraduate study in environmental engineering, water resources, or sustainability, building on the technical foundation the degree provides.