Study Environmental Egineering in the UK
Where can I study environmental engineering?
When it comes to engineering heritage the UK is recognised around the world, from its world–class
universities to an industry that is currently worth more than £420bn . Today, 22 institutions around the
country offer environmental engineering degrees, with 82 courses to choose from. The University of
East Anglia alone boasts Gold rated teaching and 90 per cent employment for their environmental
engineering graduates, on top of having one of Europe’s biggest community of researchers in
environment, health and plant science on its doorstep.
When it comes to engineering heritage the UK is recognised around the world, from its world–class
universities to an industry that is currently worth more than £420bn . Today, 22 institutions around the
country offer environmental engineering degrees, with 82 courses to choose from. The University of
East Anglia alone boasts Gold rated teaching and 90 per cent employment for their environmental
engineering graduates, on top of having one of Europe’s biggest community of researchers in
environment, health and plant science on its doorstep.
What do environmental engineers do?
There are three main areas that environmental engineers try to address:
• Maintaining the balance of the ecosystem
• Protecting human health
• Improving quality of life
Once qualified as an environmental engineer, you’ll be using your knowledge of science and
engineering to design technologies, systems and processes that will help humans prevent a range of
threats to our environment and reverse damage that’s already been done, from preventing flooding to
combating air pollution.
What is the application process?
Most M.Sc. (Master of Science) or M.Eng. (Master of Engineering) qualifications in environmental
engineering will expect an undergraduate engineering degree, but they are not always essential.
Some will accept a related qualification, such as chemistry, environmental science or geology. The
typical requirements for International Baccalaureate is 35 points, with typical IELTS requirements
being 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each element. Studies usually last one–year full time, or two
or more years part time.
What is the course structure?
Courses typically integrate elements from a wide range of disciplines, from engineering and
environmental sciences to chemistry, physics, data–based modelling and ecology, though the details
will vary from course to course.
The subject matter you focus on will directly address the key issues facing the environment today. So
you’ll learn about:
• Drainage and flooding
• Water supply and sanitation
• Waste disposal and pollutant management
• Environmental compliance
• Infrastructure and development
• Land recovery
The modular approach to learning followed in the UK means you will be able to focus on the areas
that interest you most and specialise as you go, whilst getting all the essential industry–related skills
you need to excel once you graduate. From problem–solving, creative thinking, analytical skills and
collaboration, it’s the best possible preparation for taking on unique challenges in different parts of the
world – with all kinds of different people.
The subject matter you focus on will directly address the key issues facing the environment today. So
you’ll learn about:
• Drainage and flooding
• Water supply and sanitation
• Waste disposal and pollutant management
• Environmental compliance
• Infrastructure and development
• Land recovery
The modular approach to learning followed in the UK means you will be able to focus on the areas
that interest you most and specialise as you go, whilst getting all the essential industry–related skills
you need to excel once you graduate. From problem–solving, creative thinking, analytical skills and
collaboration, it’s the best possible preparation for taking on unique challenges in different parts of the
world – with all kinds of different people.
Why is the UK a good choice for environmental engineering?
The UK’s engineering knowledge is in high demand all over the world and we are home to three of
the top engineering universities . Our environmental engineering courses blend that knowledge and
heritage with world–leading science and conservation. From the excellence on offer in the classroom
to the practical learning experiences you’ll have outside it, the UK offers the best possible start to a
career devoted to environmental causes.
What is environmental engineering like in the UK?
Environmental engineering can be seen on display all over the UK, as well as exported overseas.
From the cutting–edge research being undertaken in our universities to a booming renewables
industry worth £46.7 billion, it’s a great place to launch a career or a new business.
Are there any scholarships for environmental engineering?
There are more than a thousand scholarships, fellowships and grants available to international
students who choose to study environmental engineering in the UK. Most universities offering
master’s and doctorate degrees in this specialism will have some kind of a scholarship scheme in
place for international students able to demonstrate academic excellence. You can also choose to
apply for one of the more high–profile opportunities such as the Chevening Scholarship, which is open
to residents of any country to apply.
What are my work options after I graduate?
All environmental engineering graduates who study in the UK will find a wide array of careeropportunities open to them once they are qualified. UK graduates are among the most desirable in
the world, according to employers, and you could choose any number of paths. Many graduates
choose to specialise in a specific field of environmental engineering, such as toxic waste or sewage,
and take that expertise to different projects and roles. Alternatively, you may want to choose more of
a management route, supervising other engineers or technicians, or entire projects.
Lots of larger engineering and construction firms offer graduate entry schemes, though you can find
them with smaller or medium sized companies too. Whether you choose to work freelance, search for
full time roles in the public or private sector, or set up your own environmental engineering
consultancy, you’ll find plenty of demand worldwide – and you’ll have the transferable skills you need
to make the most of them.
Salaries for environmental engineers tend to start between £18,000 and £28,000. Experienced
engineers can earn up to £45,000 while chartered engineers and project engineering managers tend
to earn around £40,000 to £60,000, or more depending on the country and sector.
International students who have completed an undergraduate or master’s degree can apply to stay
and work in the UK for two years upon graduation, through the Graduate Route.
To find out more about studying environmental engineering in the UK and to find a course,
