Environmental Science

Society is increasingly affected by environmental issues such as climate change, pollution and reduced global biodiversity. As a student of Environmental Science, you will be given tools to tackle these issues by identifying, analysing, and solving complex environmental challenges on a regional, national, and global scale.

Environmental Science at Roskilde University is the only interdisciplinary programme of its kind in Denmark: We have a strong foundation in the natural sciences, but we also look to the social sciences in examining, how environmental issues are mediated through societal factors. As a student, you will gain an in-depth knowledge of biological systems from individual to ecosystem level, and you will learn to design and conduct experiments within environmental science.

In addition, you will learn to apply and present your knowledge in an interdisciplinary context. We train you to conduct survey and impact studies using various statistical techniques, simple dynamic models, GIS-tools, and other methods – and to analyse and present the data you obtain, to contribute to solving environmental challenges. You will learn to measure societal effects on the environment and use your knowledge to suggest new ways forward. In short, you will be equipped to work with environmental issues in a complex world.

You will join a faculty of dedicated researchers, many of whom are leading in their field in Denmark. We conduct research into areas like minimising the environmental impacts of micro plastic pollution, methods of making fishing and fish farming more sustainable, and assessing the ecological impact from existing chemical contamination to prevent future contamination. You will be able to shape your education from a wide variety of elective courses, giving you an academic profile to match your interests.

DIn hverdag på studiet

We have an open-door tradition and consider you scientist from day one, giving you the opportunity to work very closely with our research and teaching staff. You will be thoroughly introduced to both staff and fellow students, and you will join a lively study environment. We are passionate about our field, and so a trip to the kitchen for a cup of coffee might easily land you in a chat about the latest news or discovery in our field!

The programme is very hands-on, with much time spent in the laboratory and with field work. We like to get our hands dirty – often quite literally – working with real problem and with external partners, from both the public and private sector. As all student programmes at Roskilde University, we work extensively through problem-oriented projects, usually in groups.

Karriere og kompetencer

Our graduates go on to a wide variety of jobs in the environmental sector – from jobs focusing on field surveys, data gathering and analyses, to jobs on a more administrative level working with the impact of environmental legislation. Examples of employments include:

• Research manager at the company Ocean Rainforest, developing methods of sustainable seaweed cultivation
• Ecotoxicologist at the Danish Ministry of the Environment, managing regulations of toxic materials in the environment
• Head of section at World Wildlife Foundation in Denmark, overseeing NGO projects and strategy
• Freshwater biologist at a Danish municipality, monitoring and managing the local freshwater areas

You can find employment with public environmental authorities at local, regional, national, and international levels, as well as with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), working within this field. You will also be attractive to private companies offering advisory, analysis and consulting services in the environmental field, and to industries working with the use of natural resources. The programme qualifies you to enter a PhD-programme.

Folder om uddannelsen