Program Overview

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BSc / BA (Hons) Environment & Sustainability (Professional Placement Year)

Course Overview

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

L8N2

Location

Royal Agricultural University Campus

Duration

4 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 to study in-depth a subject of specific interest or of direct relevance to future employment

Work Placement

In the third year, students complete a 12-month period in the workplace, developing confidence and industry contacts.

Modules

Year One

• 1007 Soil and the Environment: Practical field and laboratory soil analyses related to soil health
• 1044 Agriculture for Land Management: Managing a range of livestock species and cereal crops
• 1430 Wildlife Ecology & Survey: Principles and basic concepts of ecology ranging from single organisms to ecosystems
• 1440 Developing Academic Skills and Professional Practice: Practical skills used in the land and farming sectors
• 1445 People & Environmental Change: Introductory module including a 2-day field trip to a range of sites hosted by different environmental organisations
• 1446 Ecosystems Services and Human Wellbeing: Goods and services that ecosystems provide that support human well-being
• 1449 Energy, Climate & Waste Management: Relevance and significance of energy issues, climate change, and its implications on waste and its management
• 1451 Species Identification & Ecosystems: Scientific study of ecosystems, including fieldwork and data analysis

Year Two

• 2136 Landscape Conservation: Theoretical and practical insights in how to manage wildlife at a landscape scale
• 2317 Industry Placement: 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: Impact of climate, international trade, and policy on food security and supply chains
• 2349 The Resilience of Agro-ecosystems: Key concepts and theories around sustainable agriculture and different methods for promoting it
• 2361 Habitat Classification & Management: Habitat management and monitoring plan for a real location
• 2378 Research & Evidence: Range of research methodologies available, and learn how to select the optimal approach for a given scenario
• 2383 Connecting with Land: Issues related to access in the countryside, including challenges and opportunities, alongside the associated legislation

Year Three

• PPY Professional Placement Year

Year Four BSc Course

• 3098 Countryside & Environment Management: Scale and rates of change in the countryside/land management sector
• 3223 Ecological Consultancy: Roles and responsibilities of an ‘ecological consultant’ in relation to professional and regulatory frameworks and expectations
• 3329 Climate Change & Natural Resource Challenges: Impact of climate change on natural resources like water, soil, and biodiversity internationally
• 3342 Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for the Environment: Remote sensing techniques and their utility in evaluating and helping manage environmental issues
• 3300 Research Project / Dissertation: 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: Forestry in climate mitigation, timber production, and farm diversification
• 3323 Food Ethics & Governance: Ethics frameworks and how they inform decision making about food
• 3330 Technology & Agroecological Innovations: Role of technology, innovation, and agroecology in addressing sustainability challenges on farms and throughout the supply chain
• 3331 Food Supply Systems and Policy: Influence of consumers on food systems and the role of policy
• 3332 Specialist Study (Shell module): Self-directed study within the chosen specialist area
• 3337 Sustainable Farm Management: Farm system in accordance with a specific agricultural approach

Year Four BA Course

• 3098 Countryside & Environment Management: Scale and rates of change in the countryside/land management sector
• 3329 Climate Change & Natural Resource Challenges: Impact of climate change on natural resources like water, soil, and biodiversity internationally
• 3300 Research Project / Dissertation: Detailed research proposal that presents a well-developed research aim supported by clear research objectives
• 3346 Advocacy & Activism in Food & Farming: 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: Range of environmental consultancy projects that demonstrate the diversity of the profession

PLUS choice of TWO electives selected from:

• 3080 Heritage Property: Key concepts behind heritage decisions including statements of significance and conservation management planning
• 3090 Forestry and Woodland Management: Forestry in climate mitigation, timber production, and farm diversification
• 3330 Technology & Agroecological Innovations: Role of technology, innovation, and agroecology in addressing sustainability challenges on farms and throughout the supply chain
• 3332 Specialist Study (Shell module): Self-directed study within the chosen specialist area
• 3337 Sustainable Farm Management: Farm system in accordance with a specific agricultural approach
• 3342 Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for the Environment: 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.

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.

Fees

Tuition Fees

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.

Applicants

For the academic year the tuition fees for this course are:

• UK: £9,535 per year
• International: £16,950 per year
• Placement year: £1,905 per year (UK), £3,390 per year (International)

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.