Programme description

We use innovative scientific approaches, at a macro scale down to a molecular scale, to study the environment, to understand natural processes, and to understand how human activities are changing the world and environment we live in. We study how human activity changes the climate, and how in turn the climate and weather affects human society and life on our planet. We can also use environmental science research to examine air and water quality, and examine the causes, consequences, management and mitigation of pollution events. This can include the management of our nuclear legacy through investigating nuclear decommissioning and nuclear waste management and disposal. Research within the Department also investigates the sources, utilisation and exploitation of energy, water, food and mineral resources. Many aspects of research into environmental function require an understanding of chemical interactions in environmental systems, such as the characterisation of mineral-water-organic matter reactions in surface and subsurface environments.

Career opportunities

A research degree in Environmental Sciences is highly regarded by employers as evidence of a thorough training in numerate problem-solving and opens a wide range of possible career choices. In addition to continuing Environmental Sciences research in industry, an MSc provides the entry level training to undertake a PhD in this area.