Environmental Science and Sustainability

Environmental science and sustainability address some of the most urgent challenges of our time. From climate change and biodiversity loss to resource depletion, pollution, and the pressures of a growing global population, the relationship between human activity and the natural world is in crisis in ways that demand both scientific understanding and practical solutions. Graduates who can combine rigorous scientific knowledge with strategic thinking about sustainability are among the most sought after in today's labour market.

At Derby this programme includes a foundation year providing an additional entry route for those who need further preparation before advancing to the main degree. The curriculum draws on an interdisciplinary blend of ecology, earth science, environmental chemistry, policy, and sustainability management, equipping you to understand environmental problems and develop innovative approaches to addressing them. You will engage with real-world case studies and applied projects, developing both analytical skills and practical competencies in monitoring, assessment, and sustainable design.

The programme includes a sandwich year and a year abroad, giving you professional experience and international perspective, alongside work placement opportunities that connect your learning to the environmental and sustainability sector.

Graduates go on to careers in environmental consultancy, conservation, sustainability management, government agencies, urban planning, corporate sustainability roles, and international development organisations. The growing pressure on businesses and public bodies to demonstrate sustainability credentials has created substantial demand for graduates who understand both the science and the governance of environmental challenges. Many graduates also continue to postgraduate study in environmental management, conservation, climate science, or related fields, building expertise in areas where specialist knowledge is particularly valued.