Environmental Science (Honours)

This Environmental Science (Honours) course at The Open University will develop the scientific and technical knowledge and skills required to investigate ecosystems; to understand fundamental environmental patterns and processes; and to address local and global environmental issues. You’ll study the problems we face in understanding our natural environment and living sustainably.

Key features of the course

– Investigates the complexities of the natural environment and our relationship with it
– Explores the problems we face in living sustainably
– Develops your scientific, interpretive and creative thinking skills
– Includes practical fieldwork, which you’ll undertake during two residential schools
Skills for career development

As a graduate of the BSc (Honours) Environmental Science (Q52), you will 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 develop research, planning and fieldwork techniques as you take part in practical and project work.

You will also gain important transferable skills which will demonstrate your all-round ability and make you more employable. These include:

– problem solving
– digital literacy
– communication
– self-motivation
– team working.
Career relevance

The broad and specialist skills you will develop during 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
– recycling
– water quality
– resources
– energy management
– sustainability
– environmental consultancy
– ecology and nature conservation
– environmental education.