Course overview

Overview

The world is under huge environmental threat. From climate change and depletion of resources to species extinction - we need to find solutions to counter the devastating impact humans are having on the planet.

Our Environment and Sustainability degree draws on the sustainability expertise from across the university to provide you with an understanding from both the natural science and social science perspectives. From environmental science to sustainability within the political sphere, the programme aims to equip you with a broad knowledge base and the strategies to drive sustainability forward in many contexts. The programme may lead to either a BA or BSc award based on the nature of the modules and dissertation carried out in the final year.

Year one

The first year of the programme is carefully designed to bring together the diverse learning experiences across the cohort, enabling common understanding of environment and sustainability issues. Core first year modules will examine topics such as the environmental and social responsibilities of organisations to green their operations, the politics of sustainability and the causes and impacts of climate change.

To ensure you have the appropriate skills to succeed on this programme, you will study a 'core skills' module that aims to provide you with a suite of study skills and subject-specific practical skills.

Skills you may acquire in the module include:

• Fieldwork in both laboratory and field-based environments
• Risk assessment and research ethics
• Programming
• Statistics
• Techniques of data capture
• Writing and communication

Optional modules

Throughout your studies you will have the opportunity to study optional modules. The number of optional modules you can choose will increase as your progress through your degree. This will add breadth and depth to your learning and enable you to personalise your degree towards your careers aspirations or interests.

Year two

Year two builds on the information you have acquired in your first year and sets it in an applied context. From carrying out research in the real world through an environmental impact assessment to advancing your fieldwork skills - our curriculum offers multiple opportunities to apply your learning to environments similar to those you may encounter in your career.

Final year

Your studies will culminate with the opportunity to unleash your creativity and apply the techniques you have acquired during your studies to create positive environmental change. Core modules will include a real-world sustainability project, final year dissertation and clean technology research. You will also have the flexibility to choose from a wide variety of optional modules.

Fieldwork

From mapping habitats and sampling invertebrates to social science approaches, fieldwork and engaging with outside people's perspectives is embedded into core modules throughout your studies to ensure you graduate with key sustainability research skills.

Fieldwork activities may include:

• Environmental survey design
• Plant and invertebrate identification
• Sample collection and preservation
• Social science research techniques
• Soil assessment
• Water quality assessment

Learn from our campus - our own 'living laboratory'

Our unique 600-acre campus offers a fantastic experimentation environment to perform fieldwork, test new ideas and discover solutions to real-world problems. From our lake system and extensive woodlands to the mining and industrial heritage of the local area, there are many opportunities to study in an authentic environment whilst practicing sustainably.

Enhance your employability

Employability is at the heart of our curriculum and we aim to equip you with the necessary theory and practice to support your graduate journey. Our year two employability module offers a variety of work relevant experiences. From project-based learning to research opportunities - you will learn about and experience a variety of career paths and identify skills that are essential in these roles. Between years two and three of your degree, there is also the opportunity to spend a year gaining work experience with an environmentally-related company or organisation. This will benefit you by providing familiarisation with the professional working environment and the opportunity to apply the skills and theories you have learnt.

International year

In between years two and three of your studies you can choose to spend a year studying abroad. This exciting opportunity enable you to experience different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. It also shows you have the personal attributes to embrace new experiences which can enhance your employability. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.

Support

We offer a multi layered support structure to help you meet your academic and personal needs. Our open-door policy enables you to engage with us directly, meaning you can seek support, gain feedback or discuss any matters on a regular basis. You will also benefit from the support of an academic mentor and have access to Keele's Student Experience and Support team.

Societies

We have a wealth of student-led societies which cover a diverse range of interests. Joining a society related to the field, is a great opportunity to continue to develop your skills away from your studies. This is another excellent way of demonstrating your genuine interest for the environment and sustainability and can be beneficial when it comes to applying for graduate roles.