Key takeaways
- Environmental Studies integrates Science, Law, Economics, and Society.
- This field covers Climate Change, Law, Sustainability, and Technology.
- It helps solve global and local issues and opens up international careers.
- Why multidisciplinary? Because environmental challenges are interconnected.
- For Indian students, there are great career prospects abroad, plus opportunities in India’s sustainability sector.
If you’re an Indian student exploring courses abroad, chances are you’ve come across Environmental Studies as a growing field. But here’s a common doubt: Why is it called “multidisciplinary”?
Well, the environment isn’t just about forests, rivers, or pollution. It’s about science, society, culture, economics, and technology, all in one. That’s exactly why Environmental Studies is multidisciplinary, and why universities abroad treat it as such an exciting field.
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Now, let’s break it down, so you’ll know what to expect if you choose this course for your higher studies.
Table of Contents
- What do we mean by the multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Studies?
- Multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Studies: Definition, scope, and importance
- Why is Environmental Studies considered a multidisciplinary field?
- What does the multidisciplinary approach involve?
- What are the admission requirements for Indian students applying to Environmental Studies programmes abroad?
- Universities offering courses in Environmental Studies
- Career opportunities for Indian students
- Frequently asked questions
What do we mean by the multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Studies?
The multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Studies means it draws knowledge from multiple subjects, like the Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geology), Social Sciences (Economics, Geography), Humanities (Culture, Literature), Law & Policy, and Engineering & Technology (Renewable Energy, Waste Management).
Instead of looking at environmental problems from just one angle, it combines perspectives. That’s the multidisciplinary nature.
For example, tackling air pollution isn’t just Chemistry. It also involves Law (regulating industries), Economics (incentives for clean tech), and Social Sciences (studying how people adopt eco-friendly practices).
Multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Studies: Definition, scope, and importance
Definition
Environmental Studies is an academic field that studies the relationship between humans and the environment, using insights from multiple disciplines to promote sustainability.
Scope
The scope of Environmental Studies is vast and highly relevant for global challenges. It covers climate change and global warming, energy and sustainable technology, environmental policy and governance, urban planning and smart cities, and public awareness and education.
Importance
For Indian students looking to study abroad, here’s the importance of Environmental Studies:
- The world needs experts who can think across disciplines.
- Countries like the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada offer excellent programmes in sustainability, climate science, and environmental law.
- It opens up diverse career opportunities, from research to corporate sustainability roles.
“A transition to a greener economy could create 24 million new jobs globally by 2030”
— International Labour Organisation
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Why is Environmental Studies considered a multidisciplinary field?
Environmental problems don’t fit neatly into one subject because they often involve complex interactions between science, society, economics, and politics. A few common examples can include situations from your daily life, like air or water pollution, or even global climate change.
Instead of studying ecosystems or human behaviour separately, Environmental Studies explores how they interact. This includes climate change, biodiversity loss, sustainable cities and green technologies, and more.
That’s why universities abroad design Environmental Studies programmes to bring together labs, fieldwork, policy modules, and community engagement projects for you to engage in.
What does the multidisciplinary approach involve?
Here’s what you’ll actually do when studying Environmental Studies:
- You might find yourself out in the field collecting data, running lab experiments, or using climate models to understand our changing world.
- You'll also dive into global policies like the Paris Agreement, learning how international law shapes real-world action.
- Plus, you won't be just studying theory. You can also get hands-on experience with community projects, running awareness campaigns, supporting NGOs, or leading local sustainability initiatives.
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What are the admission requirements for Indian students applying to Environmental Studies programmes abroad?
Most universities ask for a good academic record in science subjects at 10+2 or undergraduate level, along with proof of English proficiency like IELTS or TOEFL. You’ll also need documents such as a Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LOR), and transcripts. Some top schools may look for prior project or research exposure.
Universities offering courses in Environmental Studies
Career opportunities for Indian students
So, once you're done with your studies, what about careers in environmental studies? With sustainability now a global priority, graduates in Environmental Studies are more in demand than ever. Have a look below:
You could become an Environmental Consultant, helping governments or companies make smarter, greener choices. Or step into the role of a Sustainability Officer, working with big global brands, many of which are actively hiring in India too.
If research is your thing, you can work as a Climate Scientist, contributing to major international studies. You can also explore working with powerful organisations like the UN, WWF, or Greenpeace, or get involved in renewable energy, like solar, wind, or hydropower.
For Indian students aspiring to study abroad, this opens up opportunities to build a global career. Or you could also come back home and make a real impact in India’s fast-growing sustainability sector.
The multidisciplinary nature of Environmental Studies makes it one of the most dynamic fields. From Science and Law to Policy and Technology, it opens doors to global careers in sustainability and innovation.
If you’re an Indian student wanting to study abroad, we can help. We can explore the right courses and universities tailored to your goals, so you can shape not just your career, but also a greener future.
Find your perfect course in Environmental Studies with Edvoy!
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Environmental Science and Environmental Studies?
Environmental Science focuses mainly on the scientific aspects, like lab research, climate modelling, and ecological studies. Environmental Studies, however, is broader and multidisciplinary. It blends science with law, policy, ethics, and social awareness. This means Environmental Studies prepares you for both technical roles and careers in governance, education, or sustainability consulting.
Is Environmental Studies a good course for Indian students planning to work abroad?
Yes, absolutely! Environmental Studies is in high demand globally, with opportunities in research, policy, consulting, and green tech industries. Since the subject is multidisciplinary, it gives you flexibility to work in different sectors, making it a strong choice if you’re aiming for an international career.
Which countries are best for Indian students aiming to study sustainability and climate-related programmes?
Germany is a top pick thanks to low tuition fees and strong research facilities. Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Finland lead the way in sustainability-focused programmes. The USA, UK, and Australia also have specialised degrees, offering Indian students both academic quality and global job opportunities in the green sector.
