Environmental Science focuses on understanding the natural environment and finding solutions to environmental challenges. Students learn about ecology, climate change, biodiversity, environmental management, water and soil science, conservation, pollution control, and sustainability.

The course trains students to analyse environmental problems and develop strategies to protect natural resources, ensure sustainable development, and support environmental policy and planning.

Which South African Universities Offer Environmental Science?

Universities Offering Environmental Science / Environmental Studies / Environmental Management

• University of Cape Town (UCT)

• University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)

• Stellenbosch University

• University of Pretoria (UP)

• North-West University (NWU)

• University of Johannesburg (UJ)

• University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)

• University of the Western Cape (UWC)

• Nelson Mandela University (NMU)

• Rhodes University

• University of Free State (UFS)

• University of Limpopo (UL)

• University of Venda (UNIVEN)

• Walter Sisulu University (WSU)

• University of Fort Hare (UFH)

• Durban University of Technology (DUT) – related environmental and applied science programs

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) – environmental and analytical chemistry

• Central University of Technology (CUT) – environmental health related programs

Which TVET Colleges Offer Related Programs?

TVET colleges do not offer a direct “Environmental Science” degree, but they provide environmental-related and science-based programs that lead toward the field.

Relevant TVET Programs

• Environmental Practice

• Water & Wastewater Treatment

• Agriculture

• Nature Conservation (some campuses)

• Chemical Engineering

• Science Laboratory Skills

These programs are found across various colleges, including:

• False Bay TVET College

• Letaba TVET College

• Mopani TVET College

• Esayidi TVET College

• Coastal KZN TVET College

• West Coast TVET College

• Boland TVET College

• Orbit TVET College

• Buffalo City TVET College

Career Opportunities

Graduates can work as:

• Environmental Scientist

• Environmental Consultant

• Climate Change Analyst

• Conservation Officer

• Environmental Impact Assessment Practitioner

• Water Quality Technician

• Sustainability and Environmental Manager

• GIS and Remote Sensing Analyst

• Waste Management Specialist

• Wildlife and Ecosystem Researcher