BSc / BA (Hons) Environment & Sustainability (Foundation Year)
The growing awareness of environmental issues and the associated problems that individuals, society and the government are encountering means that there is increasing focus and support being given to this sector. Sustainability is at the heart of this and employers are actively seeking trained graduates with skills and knowledge in environmental sustainability. This new programme provides students with a great opportunity to help fill this gap.
Course overview
*Subject to validation*
This degree course with a foundation year incorporates an extra year of study at the start of your course, so that you can progress with confidence. It will develop the skills you need for your later studies. It is particularly suitable if:
- You don’t have the grades for immediate entry onto a three-year course
- You have non-traditional qualifications or experience
- You’re starting university after some time away from education
- You’re looking for more support during the transition into university study
The new BSc/BA Environment & Sustainability degree will give you the opportunity to make a difference in the environmental sector. You can study by choosing to follow either a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) route. The key differences between the two pathways are that the BSc focuses on technology and innovation, ecological thinking, environmental sustainability, consultancy & advisory whereas the BA covers environmental humanities, food & agriculture, advocacy & activism and integrating modules.
The BSc Environment & Sustainability will take advantage of the employment ‘environmental’ gap mentioned previously whereas the BA Environment & Sustainability will focus on the roles of people and society in solving environmental problems, giving more attention to the ‘social’ element of sustainability, alongside the environmental and economic.
During your second year all students will study the same modules and then during your third year you will choose which route you wish to follow.
Work placement
In the third year of the degree programme, you will apply and develop your expertise during a 15-week work placement. Not only could you find yourself working for prestigious companies in the UK or across the world, you will also develop your confidence and make a range of industry contacts.
The Integrated Foundation Year is suitable for applicants who have taken level 3 qualifications (A levels, BTEC etc.) in the UK. Overseas students who have not studied in the UK and completed their secondary education in their country, should look at taking an Integrated Foundation Programme in order to meet the entry criteria for the degree programmes offered by the RAU.
Please note that a foundation year is not the same as a foundation degree (FdSc). A foundation year will usually lead onto a three-year degree course, whereas a foundation degree is a standalone qualification generally studied for two years.
Course content
Incorporated into the programme will be guest lectures and field visits giving you access to the latest professional developments and knowledge as well as environmental conferences and workshop, enabling you to gain insights to the various employment pathways into the environment sector, and give you the chance to network.
Timetables
Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and societies activities.
Modules
Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Each credit equates to 10 hours of total study time. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity.
Full-time students normally take modules worth 60 credits per 15 week semester but this can vary depending on your elective choice. Part-time students taking proportionally fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for your degree is based on marks obtained for modules taken at level 5 and level 6 (weighted 30:70 accordingly).
The modules available for this degree are shown below. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
*Subject to validation*
Foundation year
The Foundation year will provide a common core of academic and study skills sufficient to prepare you for subsequent study and academic success at undergraduate level. It will give core underpinning knowledge, skills and understanding in key areas of contemporary issues, provide underpinning subject-related skills and knowledge in key areas required for undergraduate study, including Mathematics, Numeracy and IT. It will also provide generic skills and academic knowledge to support your confidence and discipline as appropriate for higher education study and give subject-specific grounding, in terms of research topics and study focus, to support progression into degree level study in your chosen degree.
- 0IFY1 Managing Landscape: Consider the geographical, human and ecological features of landscapes
- 0IFY4 Land Related Studies: Evaluate the range of different land uses and considers the factors affecting why areas have been selected for specific uses
- 0IFY5 Change in the Countryside: Identify the characteristics that define ‘place’, the ‘outdoors’ and key characteristics of the countryside
- 0IFY6 Enterprise and Marketing: Analyse the characteristics of a thriving business including e-commerce and personnel management
- 0IFY7 Environment and Conservation Data Handling: Carry out practical data collection fieldwork in semi-natural and human-made environments
- 0IFY8 Agriculture and Farming: Develop a basic understanding of the management of different farm enterprises
- 0IFY9 Identifying and Developing Academic, Personal and Professional Skills: Explore personal values and consider the human, social and emotional aspect of professional learning
- 0IFY10 Independent Project: Choose a topic area and complete a short exploratory project using skills developed in the course
Year one
- 1007 Soil and the Environment: Carry out practical field and laboratory soil analyses related to soil health
- 1044 Agriculture for Land Management: Learn how to manage a range of livestock species and cereal crops
- 1430 Wildlife Ecology & Survey: Understand the principles and basic concepts of ecology ranging from single organisms to ecosystems
- 1440 Developing Academic Skills and Professional Practice: Learn and try out a range of practical skills used in the land and farming sectors
- 1445 People & Environmental Change: An introductory module including a 2 day field trip to a range of sites hosted by different environmental organisations
- 1446 Ecosystems Services and Human Wellbeing: Explore the range of goods and services that ecosystems provide that support human well-being such as food, fibre, pollination, flood mitigation and many more
- 1449 Energy, Climate & Waste Management: Analyse the relevance and significance of energy issues, climate change and its implications on waste and its management
- 1451 Species Identification & Ecosystems: An introduction to the scientific study of ecosystems, including fieldwork and data analysis
Year two
- 2136 Landscape Conservation: Gain theoretical and practical insights in how to manage wildlife at a landscape scale
- 2317 Industry Placement: Complete 15 weeks of work experience to develop key skills for the world of work
- 2337 Personal and Professional Development Skills and Employability: Review and critically assess professional communication standards and other competencies needed for successful client and business management
- 2348 Society and Food: Analyse the impact of climate, international trade and policy on food security and supply chains
- 2349 The Resilience of Agro-ecosystems: Explore key concepts and theories around sustainable agriculture and different methods for promoting it
- 2361 Habitat Classification & Management: Create a habitat management and monitoring plan for a real location
- 2378 Research & Evidence: Explore the wide range of research methodologies available, and learn how to select the optimal approach for a given scenario
- 2383 Connecting with Land: Evaluate the various issues related to access in the countryside, including challenges and opportunities, alongside the associated legislation
Year three BSc course
- 3098 Countryside & Environment Management: Review and evaluate the scale and rates of change in the countryside/land management sector
- 3223 Ecological Consultancy: Evaluate the roles and responsibilities of an ‘ecological consultant’ in relation to professional and regulatory frameworks and expectations
- 3329 Climate Change & Natural Resource Challenges: Understand the impact that climate change has on natural resources like water, soil and biodiversity internationally
- 3342 Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for the Environment: Understand and critically appraise the different forms of remote sensing techniques and their utility in evaluating and helping manage environmental issues
- 3300 Research Project / Dissertation: Develop a detailed research proposal that presents a well-developed research aim supported by clear research objectives
PLUS choice of TWO electives selected from:
- 3090 Forestry and Woodland Management: Explore the significance of forestry in climate mitigation, timber production and farm diversification
- 3323 Food Ethics & Governance: Explore different ethics frameworks and how they inform decision making about food
- 3330 Technology & Agroecological Innovations: Explore the role of technology, innovation and agroecology in addressing sustainability challenges on farms and throughout the supply chain
- 3331 Food Supply Systems and Policy: Look at the influence of consumers on food systems and the role of policy
- 3332 Specialist Study (Shell module): Undertake a self-directed study within the chosen specialist area
- 3337 Sustainable Farm Management: Create a farm system in accordance with a specific agricultural approach
The availability of electives to individual students will be dependent on timetabling considerations and on sufficient students electing to take part.
Year three BA course
- 3098 Countryside & Environment Management: Review and evaluate the scale and rates of change in the countryside/land management sector
- 3329 Climate Change & Natural Resource Challenges: Understand the impact that climate change has on natural resources like water, soil and biodiversity internationally
- 3300 Research Project / Dissertation: Develop a detailed research proposal that presents a well-developed research aim supported by clear research objectives
- 3346 Advocacy & Activism in Food & Farming: Critically evaluate the roles and interactions between industry, government and civil society groups in the development of changing policy and practice in food and farming
- 3347 Sustainability Consultancy: Select and evaluate a range of environmental consultancy projects that demonstrate the diversity of the profession
PLUS choice of TWO electives selected from:
- 3080 Heritage Property: Understand the key concepts behind heritage decisions including statements of significance and conservation management planning
- 3090 Forestry and Woodland Management: Explore the significance of forestry in climate mitigation, timber production and farm diversification
- 3330 Technology & Agroecological Innovations: Explore the role of technology, innovation and agroecology in addressing sustainability challenges on farms and throughout the supply chain
- 3332 Specialist Study (Shell module): Undertake a self-directed study within the chosen specialist area
- 3337 Sustainable Farm Management: Create a farm system in accordance with a specific agricultural approach
- 3342 Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for the Environment: Understand and critically appraise the different forms of remote sensing techniques and their utility in evaluating and helping manage environmental issues
The availability of electives to individual students will be dependent on timetabling considerations and on sufficient students electing to take part.
Disclaimer information
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Careers and graduate destinations
BSc degree
- Sustainability Consultant
- Project Officer
- Climate Strategy and Project Officer
- Technical Advisor
- Graduate Sustainability Consultant
BA degree
- Assistant Programme Manager
- Engagement Officer
- Farming Engagement Officer
- Project and Operations Coordinator
- Behaviour Change Officer
- Communications Intern
Entry requirements
Typical offers
Required: GCSE minimum five GCSEs at Grade C/4 including English Language and Mathematics (or Maths Numeracy for Welsh applicants) plus satisfactory level 3 qualifications:
- A-Level: (example grades EEE) – minimum of 48 UCAS tariff points across either three A-levels or two A-levels and two AS level subjects or equivalent qualifications
- C&G Advanced Technical/BTEC - Level 3 Extended Diploma (1080) at Pass-Pass-Pass
- International Baccalaureate: 24 points
- Access to Higher Education: Pass course with 45 credits at level 3 (Pass in Functional Skills level 2 are accepted in lieu of GCSE English & Mathematics)
Other level 3 qualifications will be considered.
Visit the UCAS website to calculate your UCAS Tariff points from the qualifications and grades achieved.
You may also be eligible for a contextual offer if you’re from one of our link colleges, have been in care, from a non-white ethnic background, live in an area with low progression rates to university or you are a veteran/child of an armed forces family.
Flexible entry
The University welcomes interest from applicants who may not have the standard entry requirements. A wide range of qualifications and experience are accepted in order to join University degree programmes. The University always considers evidence of personal, professional (APL) and educational experience, (APEL), which show an ability to meet the demands of their intended programme of study.
Further information
Alternative entry routes are available for a range of other qualifications. Prior experience is also considered, subject to approval by the programme manager and admissions staff.
Read more general information about our entry requirements.
If you don't meet the entry requirements of this course, you may be eligible for one of our Foundation degree courses or another related degree course.
International students will also need to achieve IELTS Academic or equivalent at the appropriate level for your programme of study. English language requirements for international students.
For any further help, please contact our admissions team:
- Email: admissions@rau.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)1285 889912
Fees
2025-26 Applicants
For the academic year 2025-26 the tuition fees for this course are:
| UK | International | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | £9,250 per year | £16,950 per year |
For part-time study, please contact admissions@rau.ac.uk for further information.
Please also refer to the funding your time at university page.
Tuition fees may be subject to an inflationary increase each year as set out in our Access and Participation Plan.
If you are an Irish national you can check if you meet the requirements for Home Fees. Please visit the UKCISA website and consult the pdf guide “England HE – who pays Home Fees”. First check category ‘3 years in Republic of Ireland/UK/Islands, settled in UK’ or ‘Brexit temporary offer for courses starting before 2028: Irish citizens with residence in Europe or overseas territories’. You will possibly need to be fee assessed when you submit an application for study to the RAU.
Scholarships
The University offers a wide range of generous fee waivers and bursaries. To find out more about the these, please visit the bursaries, awards and scholarships page.
Ready to take the plunge? Apply now
Applications should be made by the UCAS deadline to ensure we are able to offer you a place on your first choice course. However, if you have missed the deadline please contact Admissions@rau.ac.uk as there are usually places available.
If you would like to apply during UCAS Extra or Clearing, please check that we have places available.
Applicants wishing to study on a course on a part-time basis will need to apply directly to the RAU.
Please contact admissions@rau.ac.uk to discuss your requirements and obtain an application form.