Program Overview

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BSc / BA (Hons) Environment & Sustainability

Course Overview

The BSc/BA Environment & Sustainability degree provides students with a great opportunity to make a difference in the environmental sector. Students 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.

UCAS Code

L8N1

Location

Royal Agricultural University Campus

Duration

3 Years (full time)

Academic Year

29 September 2025 to 22 May 2026

Course Content

The course content includes:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Projects
• Visits
• Demonstrations
• Modules assessed through research projects, field reports, exams, presentations, and case studies
• A Research Project in the third year, which gives students an opportunity to study in-depth a subject of specific interest or of direct relevance to their future employment

Work Placement

In the second year of the degree programme, students will apply and develop their expertise during a 15-week work placement. This provides students with the opportunity to work for prestigious companies in the UK or across the world, develop their confidence, and make a range of industry contacts.

Modules

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

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

Careers and Graduate Destinations

This is a new degree course, and the applied nature of the programme, research-led teaching methods, and close links with industry provide students with the academic, technical, and professional employment skills, which are highly valued by employers. It is anticipated that students will go into the following roles:

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

• 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 BCC) – minimum of 104 UCAS tariff points across three A-Levels or equivalent qualifications – recommended one science subject
• C&G Advanced Technical/BTEC - Level 3 Extended Diploma (1080) at Distinction-Merit-Merit
• C&G NPTC/C&G Advanced Technical/BTEC - Level 3 Diploma (720), Extended Certificate (360) and 90-Credit Diploma (540) acceptable when accompanied by other Level 3 qualifications
• International Baccalaureate: 26 points
• Access to Higher Education: 45 credits at level 3, of which 21 must be awarded at Distinction and 15 at Merit or higher. (Pass at Functional Skills level 2 are accepted in lieu of GCSE English & Mathematics)

Other level 3 qualifications will be considered.

Fees

Tuition Fees

• UK: £9,535 per year
• International: £16,950 per year

Tuition fees cover the cost of a student’s academic studies. This usually includes teaching costs, registration, and examination fees (not repeat or trailing modules, re-sit fees, or coursework resubmission). Any costs associated with work placements will be the student's responsibility.

Scholarships

The University offers a wide range of generous fee waivers and bursaries. To find out more about these, please visit the bursaries, awards, and scholarships page.

Programme Leader

• Dr Emmanuel Junior Zuza
• Senior Lecturer in Environmental Management and Sustainability
• PhD (The Open University), MSc (Universidade Eduardo Mondlane), BSc (University of Malawi)