School of Environmental Sciences

Careers

[01] Transferable Skills

Studying environmental science, marine science or geography equips you with some very specific skills according to your particular course or specialism but also encourages the development of a broader set of transferable skills. These specific and the generic skills prepare you for a variety of jobs both highly related and totally unrelated to environmental, marine or geographical science. These include:

  • research skills and the ability to solve problems, useful in all professions;
  • competence in developing arguments from different points of view including scientific, ethical and philosophical perspectives;
  • the ability to plan and manage projects which might include time management, risk assessment, teamwork, problem-solving and analysis;
  • the ability to gather, analyse and communicate complex and often diverse technical data to others, developing both written and oral communication skills;
  • field survey techniques;
  • the flexibility to work in all kinds of environments, developed through field-work experience;
  • an understanding of the application of statistics and measurement techniques, which will demonstrate your numerical skills and confidence in the use of IT;
  • a broad understanding of local, national and global environmental issues.

You develop these subject-specific skills in addition to your own personal skills and abilities. Qualities such as self-motivation, teamwork ability and leadership may also be gained through non-academic activities and work experience.


[02] Diploma in Industrial / Area Studies

The option to gain a further qualification by choosing a four-year degree programme to study abroad (Diploma in Area Studies) or to do a year’s work placement (Diploma in Industrial Studies) are extra invaluable opportunities to broaden both your knowledge and life-based skills and enhance your employability. Ninety-four percent of the students who graduated from all programmes at Ulster are now recorded as being either employed or undertaking additional studies.


[03] Careers in Geography

Geography graduates have one of the highest rates of graduate employment and studying geography can provide you with good skills and a firm base for life-long learning. A degree in Geography is an entry point to many careers. For example: town and transport planning, chartered surveying, land and water management, environmental consultancy, development, tourism, conservation, demography, housing and social welfare.


[04] Careers in Environmental Science

A degree in Environmental Sciences is an entry point to many careers. Typical employers for environmental science graduates include local authorities, the Environment Agency, environmental monitoring organisations, environmental consultancies and charitable trusts.


[05] Careers in Marine Science

A degree in Marine Science is an entry point to many careers. For example: Public sector - Government agencies (e.g. Environment Agency, AFBI, Marine Institute), policy making, regulatory authorities, mapping, stock assessment, marine conservation, pollution monitoring, biodiversity. Private sector - Offshore renewables industry (e.g. wind farms, tidal energy), hydrocarbon exploration, environmental impact assessments, offshore engineering, hydrographic surveying, aquaculture industry. Research - Postgraduate research, Universities, Government agencies and Oceanographic Institutes.


[06] Careers Advice Centre

For additional information on careers, visit the University Careers Advice Centre, which provides comprehensive resources and services for students and graduates to develop, evaluate and implement career decisions and employment plans.


[07] Jobs and careers

For information on vacancies, career opportunities and volunteering in related fields, please follow this link.