Environmental Science

Environmental science is the interdisciplinary study of how natural systems work and how human activity affects them. It brings together ecology, chemistry, physics, geography and social science to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change, biodiversity loss, air and water pollution, resource depletion and the transition to more sustainable ways of living and producing. Environmental scientists need to understand both the physical and chemical processes that underpin environmental systems and the social, political and economic factors that shape how those systems are managed.

At the University of York you will study environmental science over four years of full-time study, including a year abroad that broadens your perspective on how environmental challenges are understood and managed in different national and international contexts. The programme examines the social, political and economic dimensions of environmental management alongside the natural sciences, preparing you to engage with environmental issues in their full complexity. You will study climate systems, pollution and air quality, energy transitions, ecology and biodiversity, and develop the expertise to analyse and address issues such as climate change and shifts in energy usage.

The typical tariff of 136 reflects a programme that expects strong scientific foundations and commitment to the quantitative and analytical demands of the subject.

Environmental science graduates work in environmental consultancy, government agencies, NGOs, the water and energy industries, local authorities, international development organisations, conservation bodies and research institutions. Roles include environmental impact assessment, ecology and nature conservation, climate policy, pollution monitoring, sustainability management and scientific research. Many graduates go on to postgraduate study in environmental management, ecology, climate science or related fields, and the combination of scientific depth, analytical skill and policy awareness developed through this programme is genuinely sought across a wide range of employers working on environmental challenges.