Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Environmental Science and Sustainability

The BSc (Hons) Environmental Science and Sustainability at Derby is a future-focused programme designed to equip students with applied skills to help address current environmental challenges and anticipate those that may emerge in the future. The course develops an interdisciplinary and problem-solving approach to global sustainability, alongside an understanding of personal and organisational responsibility and accountability, with a strong emphasis on applied, solution-based learning.

The curriculum reflects an outside-in approach by embedding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the United Nations Biodiversity Framework, and the IUCN 30-Year Plan for Biodiversity throughout the programme. Teaching is delivered by an expert team of active researchers whose areas of investigation include climate change, marine ecosystems, environmental degradation, ecosystem services, urban sustainability, and biodiversity conservation.

The programme combines theoretical learning with extensive practical experience, including field trips that provide first-hand exposure to sustainability initiatives being implemented across charities, businesses, and government organisations, as well as opportunities to work on live briefs with local employers. The course can be studied with or without an Industrial Placement Year. As pressures on industries and governments continue to grow to respond to the environmental impacts of human activity and to develop innovative solutions for a sustainable future, this degree addresses the increasing demand for graduates skilled in creating positive change across environmental and sustainability sectors.

Graduates develop a strong interdisciplinary and problem-solving mindset, a clear awareness of responsibility and accountability at both personal and organisational levels, and the practical ability to deliver solution-focused responses to global environmental challenges. Practical learning is further supported through modules such as Environmental and Ethics Legislation in the second year, which includes a minimum of 30 hours of work placement, and the final-year Business and Sustainability module, which incorporates a field trip focused on contemporary sustainability initiatives across a range of industry sectors.