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You will benefit from the programme's strong practical element, which includes field-based teaching and visits to environmental organisations.

Your degree will be built on a foundation of core modules that ensure you understand environmental issues and acquire the skills you'll need to analyse, interpret and manage the environment sustainably.

Many of our courses are taught in small groups and involve lots of practical application.

Diversity in your studies

We use a wide range of teaching and learning approaches, including lectures, small group workshops, tutorials, laboratory and computer practicals and field trips.

Practical work is an essential part of your degree and during your first and second years you will make regular visits to sites and organisations such as the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the New Forest.

The aim is to study different aspects of management and issues, such as conservation, renewable energy and sustainability, using diverse environments as study areas. You'll have the opportunity to visit habitats such as moorlands, rivers, coasts, national parks, and natural and plantation woodlands as you learn about the complexities of maintaining and managing specific resources.

In your final year, you'll look at specific issues addressed by environmental management organisations, often using case studies or practical work examples. You will also work on an independent research project on a subject of your choice.

Learn from industry experts

Our academics and researchers influence government policy, new innovation and product development. Many are often featured in international press coverage on topics such as climate change, biodiversity and food security.

We're a significant contributor to the University-wide centres for climate change and soils research, and the Institute for Food Nutrition and Health, and host innovation centres in food, agrimetrics and environmental analytics.

We also work with other institutions, many of them overseas, to conduct research in more than 50 countries.

Because our staff are actively engaged in world-class research, they tailor their teaching to reflect changing trends within the sector. And when transferred to a teaching environment, our research excellence enables students to develop similarly excellent research skills that are highly regarded by employers.

Learn a language

Many companies and organisations working in environmental management operate in a global environment. Understanding another language gives you skills that are highly valued by potential employers and puts you on a par with your multilingual, international peers.

You can learn a language during your time at Reading through the Institution-Wide Language Programme (IWLP). Modules are offered at up to five different levels (from beginner onwards) in a range of languages.

Study abroad

Stand out from the crowd by considering our Study Abroad option. By choosing to do a four-year degree, you can apply to study at one of our partner institutions for a year, or spend six months abroad and another six months working in the sector.

In an increasingly international and mobile world, studying abroad can help boost your future employability. It provides an exciting opportunity to acquire numerous transferable and desirable skills, and study specialisms additional to what's offered at Reading. It's also a fantastic life experience.

To qualify for the Study Abroad option, you must meet the requirements of the host institution. This option is highly competitive and is therefore not guaranteed.

All courses offered by our partner universities are taught in English.

Learn more about studying abroad

Graduating with overseas experience has proven to be crucial in obtaining employment opportunities both at home and abroad. For example, I have completed an internship in Chile, had my dissertation printed in an international magazine, produced an environmental impact assessment in Kenya, worked with leading UK institutions on agricultural development, and contributed to agricultural handbooks in Zimbabwe.
Luke Herman, BSc Environmental Management, with a placement in Ghana

Placements

A placement is a fantastic opportunity to gain work experience, develop industry-specific knowledge and skills, and network with potential future employers.

Getting the balance right between theory and practice is a vital part of maximising your future career prospects.

We've developed links with professional bodies and industry contacts in the sectors that are relevant to you, and we offer work experience opportunities during term time and in the vacation periods. Additionally, all environmental management and sustainability students do a short professional placement during their second year.

We also encourage our students to take part in a wide-range of volunteering opportunities related to conservation or habitat management through local environmental groups and the Reading Experience and Development Award.

View our placements brochure (PDF, 524 KB)

Professional placement year

If you're doing a four-year degree, you'll have the opportunity to spend 12 months on a placement year and work with one of our partners in the environmental sector.

We have strong links with employers and can help you explore a diverse mix of companies that offer relevant placements for students.

Recent students have undertaken their year with Kew Gardens, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, the Field Studies Council, and Samsung, in their corporate social responsibility department. You can also apply for placements abroad or develop your own tailor-made experience.

You'll be supported by our advisory services and a dedicated member of staff who will assist in finding and supporting your year out.

I believe that doing a placement is a unique opportunity to work in an industry that would normally only be available to graduates. It was different to anything else that I've done before and gave me a preview of what work in my area of interest might be like.

Joe Bishop, BSc Environmental Management with a placement year at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Six-month placements

On a four-year degree, you have the option to spend six months on a placement with the other six months spent studying abroad.

Summer placements

Many of our students undertake three months of paid work experience during the summer vacation to gain further insight into the career path they want to pursue.

You can also participate in a six-week placement linked to research undertaken at the University. These placements are generally completed in the summer before your final year.

Our degree

Our BSc Environmental Management and Sustainability degree is ideal for students with a passion for our environment and creating a sustainable future. It combines biology, geography and socioeconomic perspectives to tackle some of the 21st century's greatest challenges.

Why study with us?

Tailor your course to suit your interests, learn in our outdoor classroom and have the opportunity to carry out work that is truly valued in today's society.

Life in the Department

Studying a degree in our Department of Sustainable Land Management means you'll join a thriving community of undergraduates in our School of Agriculture, Policy and Development. Interact with students from a range of degrees in teaching sessions and our common room.