What can I do with a Masters in Environmental Science?

A Masters in Environmental Science helps you understand how the Earth works. From its chemistry and biology to the major challenges we face, like climate change and pollution. This degree can lead to roles like environmental consultant, sustainability officer, or GIS analyst, all focused on making a real difference. As more industries look for experts in sustainability, this could be your way of solving the planet’s most pressing issues.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what you can learn during a Masters in Environmental Science and the skills you’ll gain, like research and problem-solving. I’ll also go over common jobs people go into, such as consultancy, conservation, or clean energy. Plus, I’ll share some government data to help you understand your job options and what kind of salary you might expect after graduating.

Let’s face it — the world’s in a bit of a mess. Climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss… it's a long list. A Masters in Environmental Science gives you the tools to understand what’s going wrong — and more importantly, what we can actually do about it.

Most people on these courses come from a science or engineering background and want to take that knowledge in a more planet-friendly direction. Whether you're into data, policy, conservation, or just want to stop the seas from filling up with plastic, there's usually a route that fits.

Some programmes offer a broad overview of the field. Others zoom in on more focused topics like:

• Environmental health

• Sustainable water use

• Pollution monitoring

• Geographic Information System (GIS)

• Urban sustainability

• Environmental policy

• Conservation and biodiversity

• Risk and hazard management

You won’t just be sitting in lectures either. Expect hands-on fieldwork, lab sessions, and maybe even a soggy afternoon in a nature reserve. Along the way, you'll pick up useful skills in data analysis, research methods, and risk assessment — all the stuff employers love.

And yes, you’ll finish with a dissertation. It’s a big project, but also a rare chance to go deep into a topic you care about — with the bonus of looking impressive on your CV.

Environmental Science Masters come in different types to suit your career goals. Here are the main options:

General Environmental Science MScs

These programmes offer a broad overview of topics like climate systems, biodiversity, and pollution control. They’re great if you want flexibility or are still exploring your interests.

Specialist pathways

If you have a clear focus, you can choose programmes in areas like Environmental Management, Sustainable Development, or Climate Change. These are ideal for roles in government, NGOs, or consultancy.

Field and research-intensive programmes

Designed for those seeking hands-on experience, these programmes often lead to PhDs or technical roles in areas like environmental monitoring and conservation science.

Flexible study options

Many universities offer part-time or distance learning, so you can work while studying.

You can find a wide range of Masters courses on our site. If you’re thinking about research in Environmental Science, check out FindAPhD.com for more PhD options.

A Masters in Environmental Science can lead you down several career paths — not just into forests and rivers (though those are options too). Graduates often go on to work in government bodies, environmental consultancies, research organisations, NGOs, and private companies working on sustainability and compliance.

Depending on your interests and skills, careers with a Masters in Environmental Science might include roles such as environmental consultant, sustainability manager, water pollution specialist, GIS analyst, field technician, environmental engineer or toxicologist.

There’s also growing demand in sectors like renewable energy, environmental policy, and education — so whether you're more science lab or policy brief, there's usually something that fits.

Doing a Masters can also help you launch into a career in research or academia, including PhD study and specialist research roles.

Studying a Masters in Environmental Science can be a big investment of time and money, so it’s important to know what kind of salary boost you might get.

According to the latest data, five years after finishing your Masters, the median salary for Environmental Science graduates is £34,300. If you only have a Bachelors in the same field, you’ll earn about £30,300 — that’s a 13% increase with the Masters degree.

Salaries can vary depending on the job, location, and sector. Positions in consultancy, policy, or engineering often pay more, while roles in conservation or field research might pay less.

A Masters won’t make you rich right away, but it can help you get better-paid and more specialised jobs, giving you an edge in the job market.

So, you’ve got a better idea of what you can do with a Masters in Environmental Science — from consultancy and conservation to clean energy and policy. But what now? To help you navigate the road ahead in this ever-evolving field, here are a few tips I’ve cooked up:

• Start thinking about your career early: But don’t stress if it takes time to figure things out. Environmental careers are wide-ranging, and it’s normal to explore a few before landing on the right fit.

• Look for practical experience wherever you can: Internships, fieldwork, volunteering. Even short bits of experience can help build your CV and give you a clearer sense of direction.

• Stay flexible: You might begin with one interest — say, pollution control — and end up drawn to environmental policy or data analysis. That’s not a detour; it’s a discovery.

• Talk to people: Lecturers, guest speakers, alumni — they’ve been where you are and often have valuable insights (and leads). Networking in Environmental Science, can go further than you think.

And lastly, remember that there’s no single route through the environmental sector. Whether you’re aiming to work in the field, influence policy, or shape sustainable business, your Masters is just the beginning!