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Degree

Level
Undergraduate
Made up of
360 or 370 points

Description

Environmental science is a vital and vibrant subject, exploring the complexities of the natural environment and our relationship with it. Our environment is fascinating – but it’s under threat from climate change, biodiversity loss and resource depletion. This interdisciplinary degree course combines aspects of biology, geography, chemistry, technology and social science to help you understand the whole picture. The BSc (Honours) Environmental Science will also develop the scientific and technical knowledge and skills required to understand fundamental environmental patterns and processes, and to address local and global environmental issues. You’ll investigate the problems we face in understanding our environment and in managing it sustainably, as well as developing your scientific, interpretive and creative thinking skills.

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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

The broad and specialist skills you’ll develop in 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
  • waste management and recycling
  • water quality and resources 
  • energy management 
  • planning and sustainability
  • environmental management and consultancy
  • ecology and nature conservation
  • environmental education.

Your studies will also be relevant to financial, business and public sector work.

As a graduate of the BSc (Honours) Environmental Science, you’ll have gained breadth and depth of understanding in scientific, technical and environmental issues. You’ll be able to think creatively; tackle multifaceted issues; and collect, analyse and interpret complex quantitative and qualitative data.

You’ll also gain skills in:

  • practical and project working – including research, planning and fieldwork techniques
  • digital literacy
  • communication
  • interdisciplinary team working.

In addition, skills like self-motivation, teamwork and problem solving will demonstrate your all-round ability and make you more employable.

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 Science (Honours) Environmental Science 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 modules above Level 1. These 240 credits must include all the compulsory Level 2 and Level 3 requirements of the qualification as specified, and must include at least 120 credits 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

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