Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineering addresses one of the defining challenges of our time: designing and building the systems that protect the natural environment, manage scarce resources, and reduce the impact of human activity on the planet. Water supply and treatment, waste management, air quality, contaminated land remediation, sustainable construction, and the engineering of renewable energy systems all fall within its scope. It is a discipline that demands both rigorous technical knowledge and a broad systems perspective, because the environmental consequences of engineering decisions are often complex, far-reaching, and irreversible.
At the University of Nottingham you will study across four years on a full-time programme, with a foundation year that builds your scientific and mathematical preparation for degree-level engineering, and a sandwich year that places you in a professional engineering environment. Work placement activity is embedded throughout, ensuring that your technical learning is regularly connected to real-world practice. The degree covers the engineering fundamentals of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, materials, and structures alongside specialist environmental content in water engineering, environmental impact assessment, pollution control, and sustainable infrastructure.
You will develop the quantitative and analytical skills that engineering demands alongside project and design work that mirrors professional practice. Nottingham's strong research base in sustainable energy, water engineering, and environmental science enriches the curriculum and gives you access to cutting-edge thinking in the field.
Environmental engineers are in growing demand across consulting firms, water utilities, local authorities, construction and infrastructure companies, government agencies, and international development organisations. Roles in site assessment, water treatment design, environmental compliance, flood risk management, and sustainable building design are all common early-career directions. Chartered engineering status is a valued professional goal, and the degree provides a sound basis for the further training needed to achieve it.
Postgraduate study in environmental engineering, hydrology, sustainable energy, or related disciplines is also a well-established pathway for those who want to specialise or move into research.