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@95% of BSc (Hons) Environmental Management and Sustainability students agreed staff are good at explaining things (NSS, 2024)
ENVM1001
Environment and Society
20 credits
This module examines the role of human society, organisations and individuals in environmental management and sustainability, through case studies in the local area. We will examine the concepts of environmental narratives, environmental consumption and behaviours, agency and change leadership and show that environmental management can be addressed on scales from the global to the local and from the present to the future.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
ENVS1002
The Physical Environment
Introduction to the earth's lithosphere and hydrosphere and investigation of geochemical cycles.
70% Remotely delivered assessments
30% Tests
ENVS1003
The Biosphere
20 credits
This module will describe, illustrate and explain principles, processes and concepts relevant to understanding life on Earth and human impacts upon it.
70% Coursework
30% Tests
ENVS1008
Environmental Management and Protection
20 credits
Introductory aspects of environmental sustainability. Critical evaluation of social, environmental and economic aspects of the environmental issues faced by our planet and how they may be solved by using regulation, the law, corporate social responsibility, specific European Union directives, impact assessments and environmental management systems.
70% Coursework
30% Tests
ENVS1009
Sustainability Science
Students are introduced to environmental systems and sustainability at a variety of scales. Training in the skills of environmental investigations is delivered through field and laboratory work. Personal and professional development are supported through tutorials and workshops focusing on transferable skills and professionalism.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
ENVS1010
Global Environmental Challenges
Students will consider contemporary global sustainability challenges in the context of social, economic and environmental systems. Within this inter-disciplinary framework, students explore and formulate solutions to a range of complex problems and consider the role of environmental sector professional operating across a variety of scales.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
GEES2000
Placement Preparation
0 credits
This module explores the role of placements, work experience and volunteering for enhancing employability whilst at university and as a future graduate. It considers placement options (types, durations) and supports students in developing applications and preparing for interviews.
100% Assessments
ENVM2001
Environmental Data Management
This module develops students understanding of the research process as well as competence in research skills at all stages of investigation, from formulating a research questions to deriving insights from results. The module also introduces professional tools of environmental management, such as life-cycle assessment. Skills are practised in application to a range of environmental management issues.
100% Coursework
ENVM2002
Environmental Management and Sustainability in Practice
Students engage in the full cycle of a project in environmental management - literature research, hypothesis development, experiment planning and risk assessment, field/laboratory work, data analysis and communication. Personal development planning and professional skills are advanced in preparation for and during field work through contact with professionals in the environmental sector.
60% Coursework
40% Practicals
ENVS2003
Environmental Management and Sustainability
20 credits
The module covers areas of knowledge essential for all environmental science graduates: ecological economics, life supporting resources and environmental law.
60% Coursework
40% Practicals
ENVS2004
Environmental Issues and Communication
20 credits
Through immersion in contemporary environmental issues, this module develops the knowledge and skills necessary to locate, analyse, evaluate and communicate scientific information in a range of contexts and to a range of audiences. Students develop their professional skills, as well as the skills to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and decision makers, from scientific experts to the general public.
100% Coursework
OS205
Managing Human Impacts in the Marine Environment
20 credits
This module will introduce how human activities (such as fisheries, energy supply and mineral extraction) can impact the marine environment, including through pollution and biodiversity loss. The concepts of marine management and conservation will be introduced and methods of preventing and managing anthropogenic impacts will be introduced and evaluated and their role in marine conservation discussed.
100% Coursework
ENVS2006
Natural Ecosystems and Their Conservation
20 credits
This module introduces students to natural ecosystems, including (but not limited to) biological adaptation, diversity, conservation, restoration and management.
70% Remotely delivered assessments
30% Tests
GGH2206
Nature, Country and Society
20 credits
This module explores the relationship of human societies to nature and the country. You will examine different understandings of nature and rurality, and how these affect the ways in which different cultures approach environmental problems. We will consider how the countryside is changing and the implications for people and nature. The module will also ask you to think about your own lives in relation to these ideas.
100% Coursework
GGX2203A
Geographical Information Systems
20 credits
Module provides grounding in theory and practical techniques of GIS. Lectures are on theory, methods and spatial literacy. Practical work covers stages of handling geospatial data, construction of GIS models and automation, provides exposure to a range of techniques in spatial analysis and visualisation, and gives context and experience to spatial literacy concepts. Knowledge and skills are developed in project work.
50% Coursework
50% Tests
GEES3000
Placement
0 credits
This module is a placement position, where a student undertakes a programme of work within a host company or organisation. The placement occurs within a yearlong period, meeting minimum duration requirements. Students experience applying their degree, experience professional practice, develop enhanced subject-related knowledge and skills, and undergo personal-professional development.
100% Coursework
ENVS3012
The Environmental Professional
20 credits
A series of real-world scenarios, which typical professionals in the environmental sector are exposed to, will be considered in an objective, scientific and interdisciplinary manner, taking into account a range of stakeholders. The material and professional development will be supported with guest speakers, seminar and workshops.
60% Coursework
40% Practicals
ENVS3013
Global Environmental Solutions
20 credits
In this module students will take an interdisciplinary solution-based approach to contemporary global environmental issues employing both ecological economics principles and environmental law.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
GGH3210
Environmental Politics and Governance
20 credits
This module explores the main concepts and forces shaping environmental politics and governance. It examines how science, ethics, interests and power influence environmental debate and decision-making, using case studies of climate change, energy, deforestation, air pollution, marine protection and Antarctica to interrogate how governments and other actors have strived to address global to local environmental challenges.
100% Coursework
GGX3204
Big Data & Spatial Analytics
20 credits
This module provides an overview of advanced spatial analysis concepts and facilitates practice of data processing and management skills. Data manipulation through programming is introduced and the concept of big data is presented. Themes and practice around the acquisition, processing, analysis, visualisation and application of big data are explored, drawing on examples from across the natural and social sciences.
Explore this module100% Coursework
OS307
Marine Conservation Policy and Planning
20 credits
This module explores issues surrounding the maintenance of a healthy marine environment. It will develop an understanding of marine governance, including policy frameworks and agencies responsible for implementing marine conservation strategy. Topics include the range of measures and approaches for successful marine conservation and the importance of taking holistic approaches to management, including policy and planning
50% Coursework
50% Remotely delivered assessments
GEES3001
Work Based Learning in Geography and Sustainability
20 credits
This module provides an opportunity for students to experience professional practice in environmental management and sustainability. Students will undertake a minimum of 100 hours service with a professional organisation (private, public or third sector). You will investigate the organisation's practice in environmental management and sustainability and further develop professional attitudes and behaviours.
70% Coursework
30% Practicals
GGP3211
Long-term Environmental Change
20 credits
Society is dependent on the environment for sustaining life as we currently know it. This module takes a series of environmental challenges and places them in a long-term perspective to place current disruptions in a longer-term context. The module focusses on how we can learn lessons from the past to manage our current and future environment.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
GGP3212
Contemporary Arctic and Alpine Challenges
20 credits
High latitudes and altitudes are warming faster than many other regions of the world. This module takes a contemporary, and forward looking, perspective on the grand challenges that impact the resilience of these landscapes and societies in present and future climates and their associated hazards. Students will learn practical skills to quantify environmental pressures and critically evaluate mitigation strategies
60% Coursework
40% Practicals
ENVM3001
Systems Thinking and Change Leadership in Sustainability
This module develops and applies holistic or systems thinking to environmental management and sustainability, showing how this approach can help individuals and groups engage with global challenges and identify change leadership opportunities. Students will develop concepts and methods of systems thinking and apply these in complex and uncertain contexts, so that more sustainable solutions can be envisioned and developed.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
ENVM3005
Systems Thinking in Sustainability: Independent Investigation with English Language Support
Students apply concepts/methods of systems thinking to an independent critical assessment of an environmental management and sustainability issue, drawing on existing knowledge/skills to undertake and report on an investigation to professional standards. Students attend English language support sessions applying scientific language in context and aiding adaptation to a different culture/ethos of research and plagiarism.
100% Coursework
ENVS3015
Biological Conservation
20 credits
This module examines the pursuit of biological conservation. Drawing on a wide range of case study material, in temperate and tropical, terrestrial and aqueous environments, the module examines the drivers and rationales for biological conservation, and the role of stakeholders, policies, legislation and practices in achieving it.
100% Coursework
ENVS3016
Climate Change Action
20 credits
The module introduces climate change adaptation and mitigation. Biotic and technological mitigation will be explored and evaluated in the context of different geographical settings.
50% Coursework
50% Remotely delivered assessments
GEOL3022
Environmental and Resource Geoscience
20 credits
This module investigates the interactions between humans and the subsurface, from the impact of industrial legacies on land quality and water resources, to the role that the subsurface plays in renewable energy storage. Students learn to use industry standard software and workflows to evaluate subsurface sites for energy resources, safe subsurface storage of resources, carbon dioxide or hazardous waste.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
GEOL3024
Environmental Change Through Earth History
20 credits
This module will demonstrate how the study of past environmental change can be used to help us better understand the impacts of future anthropogenic induced environmental change. Using a range of cutting edge geochemical, palynological, and modelling techniques, students will evaluate past environmental changes events as proxies for the future.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
ENVM3002
Systems Thinking in Sustainability: Independent Investigation
This module provides an opportunity for students to experience professional practice in environmental management and sustainability. Students will undertake a minimum of 100 hours service with a professional organisation (private, public or third sector). You will investigate the organisations practice in environmental management and sustainability and further develop professional attitudes and behaviours.
100% Coursework
ENVM3004
Systems Thinking and Change Leadership in Sustainability with English Language Support
This module applies systems thinking to environmental management and sustainability. Students will develop skills in holistic or systems thinking and apply these to complex environmental problems to determine sustainable solutions. Students will attend English language support sessions that apply technical language in a research context and aid adaptation to a different culture/ethos of research.
50% Coursework
50% Practicals
UCAS tariff
104 - 112
Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.
New student | 2024-2025 | 2025-2026 * |
---|---|---|
Home | £9,250 | £9,535 |
International | £18,100 | £18,650 |
Part time (Home) | £770 | £795 |
* UK Government announcement on tuition fees
On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.
To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.
International progression routes
"No one is coming to save us. We must save ourselves. My degree with the University of Plymouth provides me with the knowledge behind my passion."