BSc (Honours) Environmental Science
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Degree
- Code
- B52
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Made up of
- 360 credit points
Description
This qualification aims to establish and develop the scientific knowledge and techniques required to understand fundamental environmental patterns and processes. You will become familiar with a range of scientific methodologies and will gain an appreciation of the scope of environmental science knowledge and an awareness of its relevance to society. This degree develops skills for effective learning, enabling you to become an independent learner with the ability to continue your own learning and development.
Planning your studies
If you are new to study or to the OU, we recommend that you start with a course at Level 1. For this degree that would mean starting with Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116) or Exploring science (S104). If you complete these courses successfully you'll have a firm foundation for future studies as well as credit points to count towards your degree.
You can register your intention to study for this degree when you register on individual courses, or you can ask us at any time to link to courses that you have already studied toward the degree. This gives you the flexibility to delay your decision or change your mind as your studies progress. You must include at least 120 points from OU courses that have not been counted in any other OU diploma or first degree that you may have been awarded. If you have graduated with an OU BSc degree without honours this requirement is reduced to 60 points.
There is no time limit for obtaining the required credit points for this qualification.
Career relevance and employability
Science graduates are well placed to enter a range of both scientific and non-scientific jobs. The study of the sciences develops good analytical and reasoning skills, and you will also have become proficient in using computers. Skills such as these are sought by a wide range of financial, business and public sector employers, so science graduates – particularly those who have good communication and interpersonal skills – are in demand. Two of the compulsory courses are residential/practical courses which allow you to develop the practical skills required for a job in the environmental science field.
For planning your next career steps, visit the OU Careers Advisory Service.
Courses
For this 360-point honours degree you require:
190 points from the following compulsory courses:
| Level 1 compulsory courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
60 | Feb 2010 |
|
60 | Jan 2010 |
| Level 2 compulsory courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
60 | Feb 2010 |
|
10 | Apr 2010 |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, at Level 1 the discontinued courses S102, S103
And 30 points from the following optional courses:
| Level 2 optional courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
30 | Jan 2010 |
|
30 | Jan 2010 |
|
60 | Feb 2010 FINAL |
Or, subject to the rules about excluded combinations, the discontinued courses S236, S260, S268, S278, S280
* 60-point course of which only 30 points count in this category
And 50 points from the following compulsory courses:
| Level 3 compulsory courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
30 | |
| A new 20-point course planned for first presentation in May 2011 |
And 90 points from the following optional courses, including at least 30 points from courses with codes beginning with ‘S’:
| Level 3 optional courses | Points | Next start |
|---|---|---|
|
60 | Feb 2010 |
|
30 | Feb 2010 |
|
30 | Feb 2010 |
|
60 | Feb 2010 |
|
30 | May 2010 |
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.
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 for this study that you can count towards this Open University qualification. You can find out more on our Credit Transfer site. If you make a successful claim for transferred credit it may affect your choice of courses so you are advised to investigate this option as soon as possible.
Credit transfer details for this qualification:
Classification of your degree
On successful completion of the required number and type of courses 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 points from courses above Level 1. These 240 points must include all the compulsory Level 2 and Level 3 requirements of the award as specified, and must include at least 120 points at Level 3. You will have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony to collect your award certificate.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the Award Regulations and the Student Regulations.
Award Regulations
- Introduction to the Award Regulations
- General Award Regulations
- BSc (Honours) Environmental Science
- Schedule A to the Award Regulations
Student Regulations
The Student Regulations (including the Code of Practice for Student Assessment and the Code of Practice for Student Discipline) are available on our Policy Documents for Students website.
How to register
To register for this qualification, read the description and check you meet any specific requirements (for example, some of our qualifications, require you to be working in a particular environment, or be sponsored by your employer). Then select the course you wish to study first and ensure it is suitable for you before following the registration procedure for that course.
About this page
An undergraduate qualification in Environment, Development and International Studies and Science.
Study explained
- Credit points
- - show how much study is required to complete a course or qualification. One credit point represents roughly 10 hours of study.
- Level
- - indicates how difficult a course is. Undergraduate study starts at Level 1.
- 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.
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
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