Best UK Universities for Environmental Sciences 2025 | QS Rankings

About Environmental Sciences

Environmental Sciences address the complex interactions between human activities and the natural environment. In the UK, environmental science programs combine scientific principles with policy and management approaches, preparing students for careers in environmental protection, sustainability, and conservation.

UK universities offering environmental sciences degrees provide comprehensive education covering ecology, environmental chemistry, climate science, environmental policy, and sustainable resource management. Programs often include fieldwork, laboratory research, and interdisciplinary projects, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of environmental stewardship.

The QS World University Rankings 2025 for Environmental Sciences evaluates institutions based on academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations, and the H-index—providing a comprehensive view of each university's standing in this competitive field.

Career Prospects

Graduates in Environmental Sciences have excellent career prospects in the UK's growing green economy and environmental sector. With increasing emphasis on sustainability and environmental protection, demand for qualified environmental scientists continues to rise.

Popular career paths include:

Environmental Consultant and Advisor
Sustainability Manager and Green Business Specialist
Environmental Scientist and Researcher
Conservation Officer and Ecologist
Environmental Policy Analyst and Government Officer
Climate Change Specialist and Carbon Consultant
Water Quality Scientist and Environmental Engineer
Environmental Education and Outreach Coordinator

The average starting salary for environmental sciences graduates in the UK ranges from £22,000-£28,000, with experienced professionals often earning £40,000+ annually. The field offers excellent opportunities for fieldwork, research, and international work with environmental organizations.

The UK's environmental sector continues to expand, driven by climate change initiatives, sustainability goals, and increasing environmental awareness.

University	QS
University of Oxford	4
University of Cambridge	5
Imperial College London	13
University of Edinburgh	31
University College London	34
The University of Manchester	51-100
University of Bristol	51-100
University of East Anglia	51-100
University of Leeds	51-100
University of Exeter	51-100
University of Reading	51-100
University of Southampton	51-100
University of Glasgow	51-100
University of Birmingham	101-150
University of Sheffield	101-150
Lancaster University	101-150
Durham University	101-150
King's College London	101-150
University of Nottingham	101-150
University of St Andrews	101-150
University of Aberdeen	101-150
Cardiff University	151-200
University of Warwick	151-200
Newcastle University	151-200
Queen Mary University of London	151-200
University of Liverpool	151-200
Queen’s University Belfast	201-250
Bangor University	201-250

University

University of Oxford

University of Cambridge

Imperial College London

University of Edinburgh

University College London

The University of Manchester

51-100

University of Bristol

51-100

University of East Anglia

51-100