Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change (Full-time) (BSc Hons)
Our planet is facing an unprecedented climate crisis, along with threats to biodiversity, habitats and human development. The United Nations Learning Partnership highlights that children today will face the consequences of a changing climate, and a 2021 Lancet report found that 84% of young people report climate anxiety, and worry about their future on a degrading planet. However: these problems are not insurmountable. They simply require people willing to work to be part of the solution.
This course differs from traditional environmental science programmes in that its focus is on practical application of science and theory to finding and enacting solutions to the issues the planet faces. Our course team has a strong record in research across multiple environmental disciplines which allows coverage of contemporary environmental issues holistically from all angles. Key themes include ecology and biodiversity, climate change, sustainable development, natural resource management, coastal and marine science, and the use of industry-vital environmental technologies such as GIS and remote sensing.
This teaching is supplemented with strong industry engagement and frequent fieldwork to apply learning to real-world scenarios, build connections, and put theory into practice. You will develop skills that are highly valued by employers, such as critical thinking, the ability to understand and tackle complex issues, and the skill to present clear and logical arguments. Our high post-course employment rate, across many environmental disciplines, reflects the value of this more practical approach.
Join us to gain the knowledge and skills needed to tackle global environmental change. A sustainable future is possible; let us give you the tools to make it.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
- Bilingual
Tuition Fees 24/25
Home (Full-time): £9,000 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £13,500 per year
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
If you are passionate about preserving the environment and want to develop the knowledge and skills to do so, then this course is for you. Our approach combines theoretical knowledge with practical fieldwork, fostering a friendly, accessible learning environment led by research-active staff.
Our Swansea campus is ideally situated between the Gower Peninsula and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park – providing perfect study sites to put all the theory into practice.
You will cover modules that will underpin your knowledge around the importance of the environment. You will develop your understanding of environmental issues and enhance your digital proficiency and problem-solving skills. This year prepares you for the remainder of your study and will give confidence on environmental issues within a professional setting.
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You will delve into more detail on subject areas and begin to understand the legal underpinnings for the environment. You will develop your research skills, as well as beginning to brand yourself for your successful future career.
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(20 credits)
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In your final year, you will engage with more advanced topics including, including Environmental Assessment, Management and Auditing, and Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing Technologies. Your Independent Project will allow you to conduct in-depth research on an area of personal interest.
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(40 credits)
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Course Page Disclaimer
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We listen to student feedback and insights from industry and from professionals to ensure that course content is high-quality and up-to-date, and that it offers the best possible preparation for your future career or study goals.
For this reason, there might be modifications to the content of your course over time, to keep up to date with changes in the subject area or in the sector. If a module is no longer running, we’ll make sure to keep you informed, and work with you to choose a different suitable module.
testimonial
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Facilities
Facilities
Our Environment, Energy and Sustainability facilities are based on our vibrant Swansea waterfront campus offering a wide range of field and laboratory equipment, providing students with practical, hands-on experience.
Further information
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You will need 98 UCAS Tariff points from A levels or their equivalent.
We welcome all potential students with an interest in and commitment to the environment to contact us and discuss entry requirements.
An alternative to A levels
We particularly welcome mature students with relevant vocational or even voluntary experience in the environment sector. The requirements for entry will vary depending on your background. Sometimes we may ask you to take an Access course to prepare you for study, or we may accept you based on your experience alone.
If you have a passion for the environment but a non-standard educational background, please do feel free to contact us to discuss your place.
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Assessment varies across modules using a variety of methods from field and lab reports to presentations, essays and exams to give you the opportunity to do well and to demonstrate your developing knowledge.
We pride ourselves on giving excellent feedback at all stages of the course to help you to progress.
We use feedback to develop your course knowledge and, importantly, to help you to develop your wider skills in report writing, and communicating science so that you can demonstrate your ability to work effectively in the environment sector at the end of your course.
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The practical nature of our programme means we spend a lot of time in the field. Students will need to purchase appropriate clothing and footwear for this, such as wellington boots and waterproof clothing. In addition, certain field visits will require the purchase of food, as required.
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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Our BSc creates graduates who are in demand in a range of roles and sectors. Our graduates are employed in a wide range of careers including:
- Ecological
- Conservation
- Data Analysis
- Specialist officers / consultants
- Researchers / PhD students
- Technical Officers
- Waste Management and Sustainability
- Water Quality and other
This knowledge is beneficial in a wide range of sectors including public (local and national Government, National Parks), private (consultancy, specialists for organisations and others) and third sector (charities, education, specialist projects). We have a high employment rate following graduation, and we also encourage our graduates to return and provide alumni talks to current students.
We provide our graduates with the specialist knowledge needed to counter the environmental issues of the time; however, we also build graduates that have a wide range of transferable and practical skills, increasing your marketability.