What can I do with my environmental science degree?

Studying Environmental Science will enable you to develop an understanding of climate change, biodiversity, conservation and sustainability, in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Throughout the course you will establish solid foundations across a range of scientific, legal and economic subject areas in order to explore environmental challenges and enable you to propose solutions. You will get to grips with economics and resources, sustainable development, environmental law and policy. By the third year you will understand how to construct concepts and practice and put together a credible environmental impact assessment.

You'll also develop a broader set of transferable skills, including:

• research, analytical and problem-solving skills utilising the facilities such as the laboratories, the Marine Station and multiple research vessels.
• competence in developing arguments from scientific, ethical and philosophical perspectives and forming these into environmental impact assessments
• planning and project-management skills from group project work to field work in the UK and abroad
• verbal communication skills developed through conveying complex scientific information and delivering presentations with complex technical data.
• written communication skills developed through regular submission of concise, coherent reports
• flexibility to work in all kinds of environments, developed through working in the field
• numerical and IT skills, developed through the application of statistics and measurement techniques
• a broad understanding of local, national and global environmental issues.

Finally, students can get involved with clubs and societies and enhance their transferable skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork and problem solving. The Students Union Environmental Society organises environmental talks, scenic walks on Dartmoor National Park, campaigns on local environmental issues, beach cleans and regular social events.

15 months after graduating

92% of our environmental science graduates are in work or further study

100% of environmental science graduates in highly skilled work said their degree was a formal requirement or gave them an advantage*

Environmental managers advise organisations on how to minimise their impact on the environment and, in some cases, oversee the delivery of impact reduction strategies. They typically develop and then measure the success of the schemes for waste management, renewable energy, recycling, pollution reduction and pollution prevention.

Alternative and closely related job titles include ‘environmental adviser’, ‘energy manager’, ‘sustainability manager’ and 'energy consultant'. In some organisations, the role will also be combined with health and safety or corporate social responsibility (CSR) duties.

As well as working in environmental or geotechnical roles your in-depth knowledge of environmental sciences and lab and field work equips you for a career in a whole range environmental sectors including research, consultancy, education, policy, planning, compliance and enforcement. There are also opportunities available in the utilities sector with water companies and waste management companies. Many graduates join the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment that helps with gaining experience, networking, training, accreditation and recognition of excellent practice.  

Employers of environmental science graduates include:

• Local authorities
• Environment Agency (EA)
• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
• Environmental monitoring organisations
• Environmental consultancies
• Charitable trusts, such as Natural England and English Heritage

You could also apply the broader skills developed during your degree to many other opportunities: it is estimated that although graduate employers often specify a minimum degree classification as part of their shortlisting, approximately 70% of graduate employers do not specify that you must have studied a particular subject to work for them. However, graduate employers do highly prize skills such as strategic planning, resilience under pressure, creative problem-solving and commercial awareness which are some of the key skills you can develop during your course. Therefore, you could use your degree to access work in a multitude of sectors or industries.

Researching your career options  

With such a wide range of careers open to you as an Environmental Science graduate, it is important to make sure you explore and research your options thoroughly so that you can make informed decisions about your future.     

Take a look at the Prospects, TargetJobs and the professional associations websites for inspiration:    

• Prospects – What can I do with Environmental Science degree
• Women into Science, Engineering and Constructions (WISE) 
• Defra
• Environment Agency
• Fera
• Forestry Commission
• Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
• Natural England
• Chartered Institute of Waste Management
• Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment
• Operation Wallacea

Employment Opportunities

Below is a snapshot of what some of University of Plymouth environmental science graduates told us they were doing six months after graduation. For some graduates, these jobs serve as steppingstone to professional posts by providing relevant workplace experience.

• Researcher
• Scientific Diver/ Coral reef Surveyor
• Science Technician
• Graduate Environmental Scientist
• Assistant Geo-Environmental Consultant
• Data Prep Manager
• Graduate Health Physicist
• Environmental Support Officer
• Teaching Laboratory Technician in Chemistry
• Biogas and Water recovery plant operator
• Field Ecologist
• Ecologist
• Environmental Officer
• Ranger
• Quality Manager
• Husbandry Technician
• Graduate Environmental Consultant Environmental Impact
• Hydrographic Data Technician
• Bioresource Graduate
• Environmental Supervisor
• Air Quality Consultant
• Environmental Technician
• Environmental Field Technician
• Research Assistant
• Marine Mammals Observer
• Lab technician
• Laboratory Technician
• GIS Enquiry Technician
• Environmental Reporting Officer
• Graduate Consultant
• Hydrographic Data Technician

Employers

• GVI
• AMEY
• Geo Environmental Group
• Ground and Water Ltd
• School Health Education Unit
• Babcock International
• Greenpeace
• Dialogue matters
• Wyke Farms Limited
• WRC
• National Trust
• Plymouth Aquarium
• Biffa
• WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff
• United Kingdom Hydrographic Office
• First Data
• ReefDoctor
• GENeco
• CR Construction Ltd
• Ramboll Environ
• Viridor
• Barracuda Networks
• Affinity Water
• Furgo
• TCS bio sciences
• Reticulae
• Severn Trent
• Pennotec
• Somerset Council
• Sevenoaks Environmental Consultancy
• SOCOTEC
• Natural Resources Wales
• Arcadis

*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for 24 UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.

Some of the careers chosen by Environmental Science graduates will require or benefit from further study, so this should be considered carefully. The University of Plymouth offers the following postgraduate study options that could be of interest to Environmental Science graduates:

• MSc Environmental Consultancy
• ResM Environmental Science
• MSc Environmental Geochemistry
• MA Environmental Humanities
• MSc Sustainable Environmental Management
• MRes Sustainable Environmental Management
• MSc High Performance Buildings
• MSc Applied Marine Science
• MSc Marine Conservation
• MRes Marine biology

You should consider the financial implications of further study as well as selecting a programme that suits your interests, learning style and future career direction. The following websites are a good starting point for exploring postgraduate options, but you may also benefit from talking to a Careers Consultant about your particular situation.  

Some useful websites to help you find a suitable post-graduate programme;  

• Find a Masters
• Find a PhD  
• Prospects

It is also worth investigating what further study options the University has to offer as you may find the perfect course for yourself in an institution you already know. There are also sometimes financial benefits of staying on such as a fee discount to Alumni, find out your funding options here.

Accessing support from the Careers Service couldn’t be easier, come along to the Careers Service Helpdesk in the Student Hub or access our 24/7 online resources.

There is a wide range of support available from skills workshops to events, placements and internships advice, 1-2-1 appointments and help getting started with LinkedIn.

Our bite-sized Skills Workshops can give your career the boost it needs. Choose from a range of topics:

• effective career planning
• job hunting techniques
• finding part-time work
• CVs and interviews
• mastering LinkedIn
• and more.

Workshops are delivered by the Careers Service, however they are also an opportunity to learn from your peers, share experiences and ask questions. Visit myCareer to see the full range of activities and to book your place.

Build your network and job sector knowledge using LinkedIn’s alumni tool. This will allow you to see the career journeys of graduates from your programme, the qualifications they completed, the skills they developed and employers they worked for. You can then ‘connect’ with people of interest.

• Search LinkedIn for ‘University of Plymouth’
• click on ‘Alumni’
• filter the results by subject, sector, company or location.

For more information about the alumni tool click on LinkedIn alumni tool guide. If you are looking for help to set up or learn how to make the most out of your LinkedIn profile, click on the LinkedIn guide for students or come to one of our workshops.

Gain work experience

Undertaking work experience in your first and second years will help you stand out from the crowd when the time comes for you to complete applications for graduate employment and further study. Work experience develops valuable skills and qualities that employers are looking for and is essential for many roles. It can also help you to confirm or rule out particular career choices. Furthermore, experience in the workplace can bring you into contact with people who may be able to assist you at the beginning of your career.

You have plenty of options open to you. You could apply for a placement year, work part-time around your studies, undertake volunteering or approach organisations directly to negotiate short periods of work experience. Some organisations offer paid internships over the summer or of one year’s duration.

The University of Plymouth Students’ Union also offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities.

Clubs & Societies    

Engaging in a sport or society shows employers you are engaged and seek out opportunities, it also helps you improve your teamwork, communication and negotiation skills. Committee members develop leadership, diplomacy and organisational skills and will gain experience of meetings, handling funds, and society promotion

You may choose to join a society that is specifically linked to environmental science such as EnviroSoc or take the opportunity to explore the huge range of clubs, societies and sports, all of which can help you to broaden your horizons and explore new interests.

Tutor and academic support

Your tutor and other academic staff are an excellent source of support for your career development. They will have experience and contacts across industry and academia, so do approach them for advice and insights into careers you are considering. Your tutor will ultimately be writing references for your employment or further study applications, therefore establishing a positive relationship with this person is invaluable.