Environmental Studies and Environmental Science

Environmental Studies students examine the inter-relationships between industry, people, and the environment, developing diverse knowledge and skills.

Environmental Studies students explore how humans can make a constructive impact on the earth. They develop skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and communication, and bring a creative, multidisciplinary approach to their work. Students explore human behaviour, resources, and issues such as globalisation, development, and sustainability. Environmental Science students examine these with a greater focus on the science of the Earth’s surface and the forces that shape it. Students often combine their major with other subjects such as Geology and Geophysics, Ecology, Geography, Space Science, Statistics, or Data Science.

Roles and career pathways

Working for public or private sector organisations

As an Environmental Studies and Environmental Science graduate, you can work in a variety of roles that use your broad range of skills. This could include government ministries or local bodies in roles such as :

  • policy adviser
  • project coordinator
  • communications adviser
  • planner
  • research analyst

Private companies that are researching or implementing best environmental practices in areas such as construction, manufacturing, or procurement and logistics or technology, energy, or financial companies that want o increase their sustainability focus, could recruit Environmental Studies or Environmental Science graduates in roles such as:

  • sustainability advisers
  • environmental consultants
  • transport adviser
  • urban planners
  • resilience advisers
  • procurement advisers
  • project monitoring and evaluation advisers
  • waste management advisers

Postgraduate study (such as an Honours or Master's degree) in Environmental Studies or Environmental Sciences is recommended for most intermediate to senior policy and research roles where specialised, in-depth analysis is important. You could consider a Master of Science by thesis and coursework, a Master of Environmental Science or a Master of Environmental Studies.

Environmental Studies and Environmental Studies graduates in the non-profit sector

Graduates may also work for non-profit organisations or social enterprises that advocate for societal change through educational programmes, or for private businesses such as technology, energy, or financial companies that are looking to increase their sustainability focus. These may also include roles such as resilience advisers, community development coordinators, volunteer coordinators, and programme coordinators.

Environmental Science can lead to more technical roles in the public and provate sectors

Environmental Science graduates may enter similar roles to Environmental Studies graduates, but they may move into more science-related roles. This may include roles such as:

  • environmental scientist
  • data analyst
  • environmental planner
  • land adviser
  • conservation coordinator

Postgraduate study (such as an Honours or Master's degree) in Environmental Studies or Environmental Sciences is recommended for most intermediate to senior policy and research roles where specialised, in-depth analysis is important.

Studying teaching at a postgraduate level can lead to secondary science and  Geography teaching

Environmental Studies and Environmental Science graduates, who also study a second teachable subject and complete a secondary school teaching qualification, can work as secondary school Science teachers. Environmental Studies graduates also have the option to teach Geography. For more information, see Teaching and Victoria University of Wellington Faculty of Education.

Where Environmental Studies and Environmental Science graduates work

Environmental Studies and Environmental Science graduates work across the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Recent graduates have worked in organisations such as:

Build relevant skills and experience

Part-time work and volunteering during study all help to increase your job prospects when you graduate. Sustainability or environmentally focused volunteering through the University with student groups or clubs such as Conservation Biology or community organisations such as Forest and Bird, Conservation Volunteers, and the Sustainability Trust.

The FHSS Internship course, run by the Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, helps develop practical workplace experience in local organisations. The course is limited entry, and students from all  Victoria University of Wellington faculties can apply.

Make career connections

Get involved in groups on campus

Making connections with individuals and groups during your degree can help you learn more about career and networking opportunities. The Victoria Development Society is a student-led club that looks at issues of development, sustainability, and equality. You can get involved in events around networking and career development.

The Antarctic Research Centre (ARC) and the New Zealand Climate Change Research Institute (CCRI), based at the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, can offer opportunities to network, learn, and get involved in postgraduate research.

The School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences hosts regular seminars where you can learn and network with staff and other students.

Network with industry contacts

The Environmental Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ) is a professional body for students, graduates, and professionals that offers resources, events, networking, and a mentoring programme. The School also holds regular seminars to learn and network with staff and students.

Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Wellington Young Professionals also offer various events and opportunities for networking.