Skip to main content

Environmental Science

Open University
W47

This interdisciplinary diploma combines science studies in biology, geography and chemistry, with aspects of technology and social science to help you understand the whole picture.

Award Name Diploma of Higher Education at UK Level 5
NFQ Classification
Awarding Body Open University
NFQ Level
Award Name NFQ Classification Awarding Body NFQ Level
Diploma of Higher Education at UK Level 5 Open University
Course Provider:
Location:
Dublin City Centre
Attendance Options:
Full time, Part time, Online or Distance
Qualification Letters:
DipHE
Apply to:
Course provider
Number of credits:
240

Duration

Part time – 4 years
Full time – 2 years
Time limit – 12 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 for 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.

Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you’ll need to succeed. If you’re not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.

Careers / Further progression

Career relevance
The broad and specialist skills you will develop during this degree course will equip you to work in a variety of jobs. Environmental science skills are in demand from government and regulatory bodies, the private sector, consultancies and conservation organisations. Careers directly related to the degree include:
• pollution control
• recycling
• water quality
• resources
• energy management
• sustainability
• environmental consultancy
• ecology and nature conservation
• environmental education.

Other careers
People with science qualifications are well placed to enter both scientific and non-scientific jobs. The logical, reasoned approach needed for science study is relevant to a wide range of financial, business and public sector employment.

In addition to improving your career prospects, studying with the OU is an enriching experience that broadens your horizons, develops your knowledge, builds your confidence and enhances your life skills.

Exploring your options: see 'Course Web Page' link below for further information.

Course Web Page

Further information

Register for this course.
Start dates
• October 2024: Registration closes 05/09/2024
• February 2025: Registration closes 09/01/2025

This interdisciplinary diploma combines science studies in biology, geography and chemistry, with aspects of technology and social science to help you understand the whole picture. You’ll study the problems we face in understanding our natural environment and living sustainably, as well as developing your scientific, interpretive and creative thinking skills.

Key features of the course
• Accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM)
• Enhance your scientific, interpretive and creative-thinking skills
• Investigate the science of the natural environment and our relationship with it
• Explore local and global environmental issues
• Acquire practical experience at a field school (on-site in the UK or online)

This Diploma of Higher Education is the same as Stages 1–2 of our BSc (Honours) Environmental Science (Q52) and Master of Environmental Science (M05).

This diploma has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.
• You’ll start Stage 1 with two 60-credit introductory modules – one with a focus on environment and one with a focus on science.
• In Stage 2, you’ll study a compulsory 60-credit environmental science module and complete your diploma with 60-credits of study selected from a list of options.

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

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.

Course Provider:
Location:
Dublin City Centre
Attendance Options:
Full time, Part time, Online or Distance
Qualification Letters:
DipHE
Apply to:
Course provider
Number of credits:
240