The most interdisciplinary of the three paths
Environmental Studies is a broad, interdisciplinary field that sits at the intersection of the natural sciences and the humanities, social sciences, and policy. Rather than focusing primarily on scientific measurement, it explores the human dimensions of environmental issues, including politics, economics, law, culture, and ethics.
Students move comfortably across disciplines. The programme draws from environmental policy and law, economics, sociology, history, and communications, equipping graduates to engage with environmental problems as deeply human and societal questions rather than purely scientific ones.
What you'll actually study
The coursework spans natural science foundations, social science, policy, and the humanities. The unifying thread is the relationship between human systems and the environment. Expand each topic to learn more.
The skills you graduate with
Environmental Studies produces graduates who can think, write, argue, and communicate across disciplines. These qualities are in high demand in government, NGOs, journalism, policy bodies, and international organisations.
Research and writing
Strong academic and professional writing developed through policy papers, reports, and analytical essays across disciplines.
Policy analysis
Ability to read, critique, and develop environmental policy arguments across regulatory and political contexts.
Advocacy and communication
Training in making evidence-based, persuasive arguments for public, professional, and community audiences.
Interdisciplinary thinking
Connecting economic, legal, historical, and scientific perspectives to form integrated analyses of environmental issues.
Media and public communication
Many programmes include journalism, media literacy, and public engagement components suited to outreach roles.
Ethics and community
Sensitivity to environmental justice and the ability to engage diverse stakeholder communities with ethical grounding.
Where this degree takes you
Environmental Studies graduates are well-positioned for roles in government, law, international development, journalism, non-profit work, and corporate sustainability. It is also one of the strongest undergraduate pathways into law school or public policy postgraduate programmes.
Graduate paths commonly include law school, public policy programmes, international environmental governance, or further academic research in environmental social science.
Who tends to thrive here
Environmental Studies is ideal for students who are strong readers and writers, drawn to questions of justice, politics, and society, and who want to understand environmental issues as fundamentally human problems rather than only scientific ones.
Students who are more drawn to laboratory science and fieldwork may find Environmental Science a better match. Those who are gifted in maths and want to build systems and infrastructure should consider Environmental Engineering. Students who want to shape the policy conversation, engage with law, or work in advocacy and communications will find Environmental Studies provides the most fitting foundation.