SOS help us explore sustainable degrees in the science subjects
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A science degree can lead you in lots of different directions, but what do you choose to study when you also want to be part of making a sustainable future? To help you narrow down the options, we've teamed up with Students Organising for Sustainability (SOS) to show you how you can combine science and sustainability.
What is sustainability in the world of science?
It’s probably no surprise that sustainability and science go hand in hand. After all, the research, projects, and processes that have led us to understand sustainability are rooted in science.
Plus, it's possible to make scientific progress that has a positive impact without doing so at the expense of the natural environment. Sustainability isn’t just about the science itself, but also the way in which scientists actually do the research. Think about chemical processes that use sustainable materials, or pharmaceutical companies that are powered by renewable energy.
Can you give me some examples?
The American Chemistry Society runs its own Green Chemistry Awards to honour innovators in the worlds of sustainable chemistry. Past winning projects include greener ways of making antivirals for HIV, and batteries being made from real-world brines.
Not-for-profit organisation The Company of Biologists launched the Sustainability Initiative, which is designed to enable biologists to collaborate remotely from across the world to minimise their impact on the environment – e.g. by reducing their air miles.
As sustainability becomes a growing part of the science world, it has also become a greater part of the school curriculum. Topics in physics like thermodynamics and magnetism are more and more often studied with sustainability in mind.
For more information about subjects related to sciences, check out the Subjects Library.
Where can I study it?
Thinking about studying a sustainable sciences degree? Check out the courses below.
Focusing on the theory and practice of clean and sustainable chemistry production, this degree allows you to follow your passion for science in a way that will have a positive impact on the world around you. You’ll look at the core chemistry modules, like bonding and chemical change, as well as ways to measure the ‘greenness’ of products and processes.
Explore how to balance human-made and natural resources and processes on this degree. With a focus on soil and water management at its core, it aims to teach you how to manage natural resources and prevent exploitation, combining scientific theory with practical solutions.
Combine your love of sport science with sustainability and geographic sciences in this unique degree at Loughborough. You'll study environmental hazards, the fundamentals of exercise science, and even how to teach PE. And if that's not enough, you can also choose to take a placement year or study abroad!
These details are all correct at the time of writing (2026). For up-to-date information or to explore more courses, take a look at Unifrog's shortlisting tools.
How can I start building my experience?
It’s never too early to start thinking about the experiences you can use to apply for courses in this area. Check out our tips below to help you on your way!
Use your EPQ
If your school or college offers the extended project qualification (EPQ), this could give you a great opportunity to explore the link between science and sustainability. You could:
research environmentally-friendly alternatives to nuclear waste
explore greener processes in chemistry
choose a ‘green’ science project that’s been in the news and delve into how sustainable it really is
Stuck for ideas? The Principles of Green Chemistry are a good place to start, or check out the Evolving Science page, where you can read articles on the latest projects in sustainable science to get you going. See ‘Good stuff from elsewhere’ below to find them.
Explore sustainability at school or college
Think about the things you’re studying in your science classes at school or college and how you can view them from a more environmental point of view. For example, how does your school dispose of practical science experiments? Is there a more sustainable way of doing this?
Learn about what other people are doing
Find out about the scientists, analysts, technicians, and developers using their work to effect change in the world by searching ‘sustainability’ on the Read, Watch, Listen tool.
Then, delve more deeply into a topic that interests you by taking a MOOC. Don’t forget to make a note of everything you’ve done on the Activities tool so you can come back to it later.
Curious about other degree subjects with a sustainable twist? Check out the rest of the Sustainable degrees series.
Good stuff from elsewhere
SOS SOS is a UK-based student-led charity empowering young people to take action against climate change. They believe education can bring about change, so they offer training programmes for staff and students, organisations and universities.
