BA (Honours) Environmental Studies: Standard pathway

Stage 1

Stage 1 comprises two compulsory 60-credit interdisciplinary modules, Introducing the social sciences (DD101)Introducing the social sciences::This key introductory Level 1 course is an ideal introduction to the social sciences – psychology, social policy and criminology, geography and environment, politics and international studies, economics and sociology – through study of contemporary UK society. Using a blend of text, audio, DVD and online materials, you’ll explore a wide range of topics, including questions of society’s relationship to the environment, questions of identity and issues of social order and governance – all considered in their national and international contexts – that will equip you with a range of skills for independent study and for your personal and working life.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q19-1,module,DD101,,1 and Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)Environment: journeys through a changing world::Our world is changing fast – we are experiencing pressure from climate change, growing demands for finite resources and the extinction of many plants and animals. Environment: journeys through a changing world introduces you to environmental studies and the issues arising from environmental change. It shows how people are seeking positive solutions to environmental challenges where you live, in the Arctic, Africa, the Amazon and China. It also develops the key skills and concepts needed to understand our changing world. You do not need any prior knowledge to study this key introductory Level 1 course, just an interest in the future of our planet.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q19-1,module,U116,,1. The social sciences module will develop your study skills and provide a broad and absorbing overview of a range of social science disciplines including geography, economics, sociology, psychology, politics and international studies. You’ll explore a range of topics and questions on society’s relationship with the environment; identity; social order; and governance.

The environment module draws together subjects from the social sciences, science and technology to provide a fascinating introduction to contemporary environmental topics. Your learning will take the form of an exploratory journey that starts from home – and on the way you’ll gain awareness of the language, ideas and concepts needed to make sense of environmental change. You’ll explore a broad range of environments including the Arctic, the Nile, the Amazon, China and some of the world’s great cities.

Together, your Stage 1 modules will also develop the critical and analytical skills needed for Stage 2 study.

Stage 2

Stage 2 begins with a compulsory interdisciplinary module Environment: sharing a dynamic planet (DST206)Environment: sharing a dynamic planet::Environmental issues pose challenges. What are the biophysical and social causes of environmental change? What exactly is an environmental issue and why are they often controversial and difficult to resolve? How can we make a difference? You will address all of these questions as you explore four key global environmental concerns – life, water, carbon, and food – through a rich and interactive set of study materials. As you do so, you will develop a distinctive way of thinking about environments and environmental issues that draws on the insights of both natural and social sciences to be at once intellectually innovative and practically relevant.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q19-1,module,DST206,,1 (60 credits). You’ll examine how environmental change has varied over time and space during the Earth’s history; and explore the role of natural factors and human activity in environmental change. You’ll examine the scientific and political uncertainties surrounding major environmental issues, and gain a broad understanding of why such issues are often the source of social and political conflict. They include climate change, the provision of fresh water and sustainable agriculture.

You’ll then choose from optional modules designed to deepen your understanding of environmental science, environmental technology, or the questions that arise in international development projects.

Throughout your Stage 2 studies you’ll continue to develop your skills in analysis and critical thinking in preparation for Stage 3 study.

Stage 3

Stage 3 starts with one of two interdisciplinary modules.

Earth in crisis: environmental policy in an international context (DU311)Earth in crisis: environmental policy in an international context::This innovative course explores the causes and consequences of a range of international environmental problems and resource conflicts, including loss of biological diversity, water allocation and urbanisation. Particular attention is paid to climate change. You’ll learn how political divisions, inequalities and contentions over values and knowledge can hinder policy responses to environmental problems, and evaluate what can and should be done in the future at both political and individual levels. The course is ideal if you wish to develop a policy-relevant understanding of international environmental problems for either personal interest or career development.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q19-1,module,DU311,,1 is primarily a social science module on international environmental policy, which provides a topical overview of the many problems and issues with which policy makers and others have to grapple when making environmental policy on climate change, urbanisation, industrial development, rural agriculture and other issues. 

The environmental web (U316)The environmental web::This interdisciplinary course examines contemporary issues such as biodiversity and climate change in order to develop your environmental literacy, and enable you to take part in informed debate and action. It draws on a wide variety of disciplines to investigate environmental changes, their consequences, and implications for action. You will explore environmental materials on the web used to publish data, implement policy, debate issues, and promulgate views – learning how to navigate, analyse and evaluate such information. Some knowledge of the environment is assumed – for example, from our course Environment (U216).undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q19-1,module,U316,,1 is a science-based module on environmental change, its consequences and implications for sustainability. You’ll explore issues such as climate change, water management and biodiversity conservation. You’ll research an environmental topic of your choice and present your findings through web pages that you’ll design yourself, using the module’s Web Wizard.

You can choose to take both these modules, thus completing your degree. However, if you decide to study just one module, you can finish your degree by selecting from options as diverse as economics, science or technology – depending on your interests and career aspirations.

On completing this stage and having qualified, you’ll be confident at finding, evaluating and presenting complex data and information. You’ll have gained a portfolio of critical, analytical and practical skills as well as specialist knowledge in environmental studies that you can apply to a range of workplace environments.

If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution you may be able to transfer credit for this study and count it towards an Open University qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible, and before you register for your chosen qualification. If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete your qualification with us.

Visit our Credit Transfer site for more information and details of how to apply for credit transfer.