Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change

Our planet is facing an unprecedented climate crisis, along with threats to biodiversity, habitats and human development. The United Nations Learning Partnership highlights that children today will face the consequences of a changing climate, and a 2021 Lancet report found that 84% of young people report climate anxiety, and worry about their future on a degrading planet. However: these problems are not insurmountable. They simply require people willing to work to be part of the solution.

This course differs from traditional environmental science programmes in that its focus is on practical application of science and theory to finding and enacting solutions to the issues the planet faces. Our course team has a strong record in research across multiple environmental disciplines which allows coverage of contemporary environmental issues holistically from all angles. Key themes include ecology and biodiversity, climate change, sustainable development, natural resource management, coastal and marine science, and the use of industry-vital environmental technologies such as GIS and remote sensing.

This teaching is supplemented with strong industry engagement and frequent fieldwork to apply learning to real-world scenarios, build connections, and put theory into practice. You will develop skills that are highly valued by employers, such as critical thinking, the ability to understand and tackle complex issues, and the skill to present clear and logical arguments. Our high post-course employment rate, across many environmental disciplines, reflects the value of this more practical approach.

Join us to gain the knowledge and skills needed to tackle global environmental change. A sustainable future is possible; let us give you the tools to make it.

Year One

You will cover modules that will underpin your knowledge around the importance of the environment. You will develop your understanding of environmental issues and enhance your digital proficiency and problem-solving skills. This year prepares you for the remainder of your study and will give confidence on environmental issues within a professional setting.

Contemporary Challenges: Making a Difference (20 credits)
Learning in the Digital Era (20 credits)
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (20 credits)
Climate Change and Visual Activism (20 credits)
Field and Laboratory Skills (20 credits)
Physical Landscape and the Geosphere (20 credits)

Year Two

You will delve into more detail on subject areas and begin to understand the legal underpinnings for the environment. You will develop your research skills, as well as beginning to brand yourself for your successful future career.

Changemakers: Creativity and Value Creation (20 credits)
Changemakers: Building your Personal Brand for Sustainable Employment (20 credits)
Coastal, Marine and Wildlife Conservation (20 credits)
Environmental Legislation and Circular Economy (20 credits)
Low Carbon Technologies (20 credits)
Water Resources and Environmental Monitoring (20 credits)

Assessment varies across modules using a variety of methods from field and lab reports to presentations, essays and exams to give you the opportunity to do well and to demonstrate your developing knowledge.

We pride ourselves on giving excellent feedback at all stages of the course to help you to progress.

We use feedback to develop your course knowledge and, importantly, to help you to develop your wider skills in report writing, and communicating science so that you can demonstrate your ability to work effectively in the environment sector at the end of your course.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS