Environmental Studies
This innovative, interdisciplinary degree combines the social and natural sciences to help you understand these different dimensions and why their interrelationships matter as we respond to intensifying environmental change.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Open University |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 | Open University |
Duration
How long it takes
Part time – 6 years
Full time – 3 years
Time limit – 16 years
Study method: Distance learning.
How much time do I need?
• Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
• This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification.
At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
This qualification begins with the module Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116) which offers a great deal of help with study skills, such as taking notes, writing essays and basic scientific expressions to build a solid foundation for further study.
Careers / Further progression
Career relevance
A degree in environmental studies can lead to employment across the public, private and voluntary sectors. Businesses, public sector organisations and other employers increasingly have to deal with environment-related issues, making this course relevant to a wide range of professions, including:
• civil or diplomatic service
• environmental consultancy
• environmental education
• environmental health
• environmental management
• environmental planning
• environmental policy
• information systems
• journalism
• local, national and international governmental agencies
• nature conservation
• overseas development
• teaching
• research.
Other careers
Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.
Exploring your options: see 'Course Web Page' link below for further information.
Further information
Register for this course.
Start dates
• October 2024: Registration closes 05/09/2024
• February 2025: Registration closes 09/01/2025
BA (Honours) Environmental Studies
Environmental issues are posing multiple challenges to people and ecosystems across the planet. These challenges can only be addressed effectively if the complex connections between the societal (social, political, economic, cultural, and ethical) and the biophysical (geological, physical, ecological) dimensions of environmental issues are taken seriously. This innovative, interdisciplinary degree combines the social and natural sciences to help you understand these different dimensions and why their interrelationships matter as we respond to intensifying environmental change.
Key features of the course
• Equips you to actively engage with some of the most significant issues in the world today.
• Combines a thorough and interdisciplinary grounding in environmental change with a distinctive social sciences approach to environmental issues.
• Enhances your employability with a valued combination of social and natural science knowledge and skills.
We also offer a Diploma of Higher Education in Environmental Studies (W58) that is the same in structure as the first two-thirds of this degree.
This degree has three stages, each comprising two compulsory 60-credit modules.
• At Stage 1 you’ll be introduced to the study of contemporary environmental and social issues.
• At Stage 2 you’ll explore the nature of the relationship between environmental and social issues in more depth.
• At Stage 3 you’ll put your knowledge and skills to work investigating responses to environmental change and the political and policy debates that surround them.
See 'Course Web Page' link below for more information on modules.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
• Knowledge and understanding.
• Cognitive skills.
• Practical and professional skills.
• Key skills.
The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Tel: +353 1 678 5399
Our advisers are available to take your call Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:00, excluding public holidays.