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Degree

Level
Undergraduate
Made up of
360 credits

Description

Environmental change affects us all, and the challenge of how human society can – and should – respond to environmental problems is likely to be one of the most pressing issues of the twenty-first century. The BA/BSc (Hons) Environmental Studies is an original and topical qualification that provides a lively and engaging treatment of a broad range of environmental issues. It integrates the social sciences, technology and sciences to help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the environment. While studying towards this degree course you’ll learn about the political, economic, social and scientific conflicts that are at the heart of important contemporary environmental problems and debates. You’ll explore subjects such as climate change; air pollution; waste management; genetically modified food; over-fishing; renewable fuels; sustainability; and global trade. Throughout your studies, you’ll have specialist, subject-based academic support and the chance to join in online communities of other social sciences students for teaching, learning and peer support

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How to register

Registration is not yet open for this qualification. For an autumn 2012 start, registration opens on 27 March 2012. If you would like to register your interest, you can order our free guide to studying in 2012.

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Career relevance and employability

Through studying this degree course you’ll gain a portfolio of skills including the ability to:

  • analyse the natural and social causes and consequences of environmental change
  • critically examine potential, sometimes competing, responses to environmental problems
  • analyse and evaluate evidence and arguments from a range of sources
  • debate the moral and ethical dimensions associated with environmental issues
  • collect, record and analyse data using a range of techniques.

These skills will provide you with exciting, interesting and satisfying career options, in public, voluntary and private sector occupations. Today many businesses and employers contribute in some way to environmental change – making the BA/BSc (Honours) Environmental Studies relevant to a wide range of professions including environmental management; environmental health; environmental policy; teaching; journalism; and information systems. It may also help you to gain recognition from a professional body. You can view or download our Recognition leaflet 3.2 Royal Town Planning Institute and Recognition leaflet 3.4 Chartered Institution of Water and Environment Management for further information.

There is more information about how OU study can improve your employability in the OU’s Employability Statement from our Careers Advisory Service. You can also read or download our publication OU study and your career and look at our subject pages to find out about career opportunities.

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Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes of this qualification are described in four areas:

  • Knowledge and understanding
  • Cognitive skills
  • Practical and professional skills
  • Key skills

Read more detailed information about the learning outcomes, and how they are acquired through teaching, learning and assessment methods.

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Credit for previous study elsewhere

If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution we may be able to give you credit that you can count towards this Open University qualification. Further details will be available when registration opens for this qualification.

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Classification of your degree

On successful completion of the required number and type of modules you will be awarded a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (Honours) Environmental Studies degree. Your honours degree will be classified either as first-class honours, upper second-class honours, lower second-class honours or third-class honours. The class of degree is determined by the best grades you achieve in 240 credits from the modules above Level 1 listed above. At least 120 of those credits must come from modules at Level 3. You will have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

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Fees 2012

See fees and funding options for study from September 2012.

Study explained

Costs
- find out how much you can expect to pay.
Financial support
- find out if you qualify for support with your fees with our eligibility checker.
Study explained
- all you need to know about studying with the OU.

Your questions

We may have already answered it in our frequently asked questions.

Or contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90+44(0) 845 366 60 35

Employers' questions

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