Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change (Part-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.
The part-time option of our BSc Environment, Sustainability, and Climate Change degree allows you to balance study with your personal and professional life, making it an ideal choice for those seeking flexibility.
Course details
- On-campus
- Part-time
- English
- Bilingual
Tuition Fees 25/26
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 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.
In your first and second year 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.
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
In the third and fourth year 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.
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
In your fifth and sixth 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.
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(40 credits)
(20 credits)
Course Page Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
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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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98 UCAS Tariff Points
e.g. A-levels: CCC/B, BTEC: MMM/D, IB: 31
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a  for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics is also required. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Alternative entry routes 
If this course interests you, but you don’t have the entry requirements to join our bachelor’s degree you could consider: 
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Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change Higher National Diploma (HND)
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‘with Foundation Year’. This route is designed to give you extra support as it provides you with an additional year (full-time) of supported study. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main degree. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE). This is a one-year course and is equivalent to the first year of the three year, full-time bachelor’s degree. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
 Once you have successfully completed your CertHE studies, you will be eligible to progress for the remaining two years of the bachelor’s degree. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
These are ideal routes if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support 
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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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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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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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.