Environmental Sciences Degrees are usually undertaken by students who like the natural, physical, and biological sciences.
By studying this specialisation, young people get new knowledge about the processes and phenomenons that affect the environment and find solutions to problems that concern nature.
Students’ interest has increased a lot in recent years due to climate change, pollution and other adverse effects on the environment. Environmental Sciences graduates bring multiple benefits to the world they live in, analysing systems and finding effective solutions to develop sustainability and green processes.
The main advantage of the Environmental Sciences Degree is that students are becoming more aware of how we need to protect the environment, give up chemicals and harmful products that pollute the planet in favour of the ones that are biodegradable or environmentally friendly. By becoming aware of the dangers we are facing, students find innovative ideas for sustainability and sustainable development.
This specialisation encourages young people to develop skills such as critical and creative thinking, teamwork, adaptation. Complex issues are debated through this degree, so students need to be innovative and think outside of the box to use resources wisely, protect and, above all, preserve natural wealth.
Besides the advantages listed, the rate of employment is high, because the jobs are being more and more diversified. It has been noted that there is a greater need for environmental consultation, biologists exploring natural environments, and sustainability consultants. This degree can also be useful for other jobs, such as Landscape Architect.
The structure of the degree includes several subjects, depending on the university a student chooses. Some universities prefer to focus on the theoretical policies and notions discussed in the courses, while others choose to rely on systematic research and practical experience gained in the environment. In principle, these studies require a background in the following sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Ecology, Physics.
Bachelor Degrees in Environmental Sciences last between 2 and 3 years. Courses are based on the knowledge of the Sciences of Nature and Social Sciences. Most Bachelor programmes are based on college courses, but also on practical projects. A Master’s programme lasts for about 2-3 years and is recommended for those who want to continue with in-depth research into the elements of the environment. Doctoral courses are designed in such a way that students will be guided to conduct independent research, having a much different structure than during their Bachelor. This programme lasts between 3 and 6 years.
It is important to know that students can choose to pursue this degree online. In this way, students can take advantage of the flexibility and save money, as costs are much lower compared to those spent at universities. For example, The Open University offers online courses, the level of information being authentic and useful for the students.
The program is a bit messy and vague. It covers a lot of topics, as sustainability is quite a broad field. The build environment track, which I am taking, is focused mostly on urban mobility, urban planning, and logistics, and I am not very satisfied with it because I would prefer to focus on building technologies and materials. This track is lacking the sustainability side of the built environment.
However, the major courses are very focused on the socio-technical aspects of sustainable innovations, which is something I like so far.
The programme is going well so far, the courses at the beginning of the academic year provide a building foundation of knowledge and skills that will later aid in having a better understanding of more specific courses. However, I think that the specialization procedure should be conducted before the start of the academic year, as the scheduled time is kind of (late) and if you are still not sure of your choice, you will have to choose a specialization even before taking a course in that area to check if it is the path you want to follow.
View moreThe research facility and the environment are really conducive. Professors are very helpful for finding thesis topics and research areas. They are also experts in their respective fields which really helps when you want to do your thesis. Professors are also open to you suggesting your own topics for thesis. The courses are also very well designed for research and in-depth of the topics.
View more