We live in an increasingly complex world, socially, economically and environmentally. The growing pressures on the environment present us with many challenges as well as opportunities. The challenge of climate change and achieving the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) call for action by all countries and recognise that the global goal of ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build sustainable economies while tackling global climate change, reversing habitat loss and strengthening environmental protection. This programme has been developed to address this need and students will develop the scientific competencies to contribute scientifically and socially to these environmental, climate and sustainability challenges.
Students on the degree in Environmental Science and Climate will develop their knowledge of environmental science and environmental management, they will develop an understanding of the theory and practice of sustainability. In addition students will learn introductory lab skills, fieldwork skills and mapping through the Geographic Information Sysyems modules. Graduates also be equipped with the ‘soft skills’ (e.g. Communication skills) which will be required to ensure that the knowledge can be employed to bring about change within formal organisational settings as well as within society more broadly. In 3rd Year, students complete a semester of work placement which facilitates the adaption of learning from theory to practice, preparation for the placement is facilitated by a Professional Development module in Semester 1 of 3rd year.
The course introduces the latest approaches to balancing the needs of society and the economy with protection of the environment. Graduates will be equipped with the practical skills to apply environmental science knowledge in a broad range of sectors across the environmental themes of biodiversity, water and climate action. Students will also learn about ecology and conservation of the natural environment as well as how to manage resources like waste and energy in business.