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Master of Environmental Science

This is an integrated masters degree that combines undergraduate and postgraduate study. You’ll develop key research skills and a rich, scientific understanding of the environment. Learn how to tackle and solve topical issues rooted in our everyday lives at a local and global scale. An environmental science degree will equip you with a range of skills that you can apply to communicate effectively, address problems in a professional manner and manage projects.

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Course Summary

+Shortlist Course

Integrated masters

Course code: M05

Credits

480

How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning

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Course details Entry requirements Fees and funding Careers

Course details

This degree has four stages, each comprising 120 credits.

You’ll start Stage 1 with two 60-credit introductory modules – one with a focus on environment and one with a focus on science.
In Stage 2, you’ll study a 60-credit compulsory module plus choose another 60 credits.
In Stage 3, you’ll study two compulsory 30-credit modules. You’ also choose from either a 60-credit module or a pair of 30-credit modules.
In Stage 4, you’ll study a compulsory 30-credit module and choose another 30-credit module. You’ll conclude your degree with a 60-credit project module.

Optional Access module – visit Entry requirements to find out about starting this course with a preparatory Access module.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You’ll start with an exploration of environmental challenges in the Arctic, Africa, the Amazon, and China – developing the key skills and concepts needed to understand our changing world. Next, you’ll study a science module, focusing on some of the key ideas in science.


Modules	Credits
You'll study both of the following:
Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)	60
Science: concepts and practice (S112)	60

Stage 2 (120 credits)

Stage 2 includes a compulsory 60-credit environmental science module – where you’ll gain practical experience at two compulsory UK-based field schools. You’ll also choose 60 credits from a range of options.


Modules	Credits
You'll study the following:
Environmental science (SXF206)	60
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Earth science (S209)	60
Energy and sustainability (T213)	30
Environmental management 1 (T219)	30
Environment: sharing a dynamic planet (DST206)	60
The biology of survival (S295)	30

Stage 3 (120 credits)

Stage 3 takes a closer look at our modern environment, including the interactions between organisms and their ecosystems, with two compulsory 30-credit modules. You’ll also choose a 60-credit module or a pair of 30-credit modules


Modules	Credits
You'll study both of the following:
Evaluating contemporary science (S350)	30
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397)	30
You'll choose 60 credits from:
Environment: responding to change (SDT306)	60
Environmental management 2 (T319)	30
Renewable energy (T313)	30

Stage 4 (120 credits)

Stage 4 modules are at postgraduate level. You’ll study a compulsory 30-credit module plus choose another 30-credit module. Finally, you’ll finish with a 60-credit extended project module.


Modules	Credits
You'll study the following:
Environmental science challenges (S831) – planned for October 2021	30
You'll choose one from:
Environmental monitoring and protection (T868)	30
Making environmental decisions (T891)	30
Managing for sustainability (T867)	30
You'll study the following:
Project for Master of Environmental Science (S840) – planned for November 2021	60

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 17 March 2020.

Accessibility

We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. This qualification uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:

studying a mixture of printed and online material. Online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
working in a group with other students
using and/or producing diagrams and/or screenshots
undertaking practical work
using specialist software (e.g. Open Studio in module S350)
finding external/third party material online.

For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support, visit Disability support ;to find more about what we offer.

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:

Knowledge and understanding.
Cognitive skills.
Practical and professional skills.
Key skills.

The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you’ve already completed some study at another university, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – reducing the number of modules you need to study.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. Just tell us what you studied, where and when, and we’ll compare this against the learning outcomes for your chosen course.

For more details and an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

Classification of your degree

On successfully completing this course, you’ll be awarded the Master of Environmental Science degree. The class of degree (first, upper second, lower second or third-class honours) depends on your grades at Stages 3 and 4.

You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

Master of Environmental Science

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you’ll need to succeed. If you’re not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.

Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re ready for study success

How much time do I need?

Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.

Find out if you have enough time to study with our time planner

Preparing for study with an Access module

If your study skills are a bit rusty or you want to try out Open University study before committing yourself, don’t worry! The OU offers Access modules designed to introduce the subject area, build your confidence and prepare you for further study, and you may be eligible to study an Access module for free! You’ll get:

a personal tutor providing regular feedback with one to one telephone tutorials
support from a dedicated team throughout your study
detailed written feedback.

For this qualification we recommend:

Science, technology and maths Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module is an ideal starting point if you have little or no previous knowledge of the sciences, technology and mathematics. It'll help develop your study skills in advance of your OU qualification, and you get to explore a number of STEM subjects including science, engineering and design, environment, mathematics, and computing and IT.

View full details of Science, technology and maths Access module

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How much will it cost?

We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving your potential. That’s why we work hard to keep the cost of study as low as possible and have a wide range of flexible ways to pay to help spread, or even reduce, the cost.

Fees are paid on a module-by-module basis – you won't have to pay for the whole of your qualification up front.
A qualification comprises a series of modules, each with an individual fee. Added together, they give you the total cost.
Fees vary by level – our typical fee for 30 credits at undergraduate level is £1,548* and £3,096* for 60 credits; between £1,260* and £1,440* for 30 credits at postgraduate level and £2,520* for 60 credits.
The total cost of your chosen qualification starts from £23,767* based on our current fees.

*The fee information provided here is valid for courses starting before 31 July 2021. Fees normally increase annually in line with inflation and the University’s strategic approach to fees.

Additional costs

Study costs

There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as a computer, travel to tutorials, set books and internet access.

If you’re on a low income you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after you start studying.

Residential schools

This qualification includes a compulsory module Environmental science (SXF206) that includes two compulsory UK-based residential schools. For both schools you must pay a joint additional charge to cover costs such as tuition, accommodation and meals (see module description for more information). You must also pay for your travel to and from the venue.

This qualification may also include other science modules that include or are associated with an optional residential/laboratory school. For each school you choose to attend, you must pay an additional charge to cover costs such as tuition, accommodation and meals (see individual module descriptions for more information). You must also pay for your travel to and from the venue.

Ways to pay for your qualification

We know there’s a lot to think about when choosing to study, not least how you can pay. That’s why we offer a wide range of flexible payment and funding options to help make study more affordable than you might think.

We’re confident we can help you find an option that’s right for you.

Review our Fees and funding page for a summary of the funding options available.

Please note that even if you have a degree you may be eligible to use a Part-Time Tuition Fee Loan as a payment option towards this qualification. Please contact us for further information.

Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and therefore the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fees and funding information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2021. Fees normally increase annually in line with inflation and the University’s strategic approach to fees.

Skills for career development

As a graduate of the Master of Environmental Science, you’ll have gained breadth and depth of understanding in scientific, technical and environmental issues. You’ll be able to think creatively; tackle multifaceted issues; and collect, analyse and interpret complex quantitative and qualitative data. You’ll also develop research, planning and fieldwork techniques as you take part in practical and project work.

You’ll also gain important transferable skills that will demonstrate your all-round ability and make you more employable. These include:

problem solving
digital literacy

communication
self-motivation

team working.

Career relevance

The broad and specialist skills you’ll develop during this degree course will equip you to work in a variety of jobs. Environmental science skills are in demand from government and regulatory bodies, the private sector, consultancies and conservation organisations. Careers directly related to the degree include:

ecology and nature conservation
energy management
environmental consultancy

environmental education
pollution control
recycling

resources
sustainability
water quality.

Other careers

The logical, reasoned approach needed for science study is also relevant to a wide range of non-scientific contexts. Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Science graduates with good communication and interpersonal skills are demand. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):

botanist
countryside manager
environmental consultant
environmental engineer
estates manager

forensic scientist
industrial researcher
landscape architect
marine scientist
meteorologist

nature conservation officer
science communicator
science teacher
technical consultant
water quality inspector.

Register for this course

Start dates

Oct 2020 - Registration closes 10/09/2020
Feb 2021 - Registration closes 14/01/2021

Credit transfer: apply by 13/08/2020

Credit transfer: apply by 17/12/2020

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Master of Environmental Science

DON’T MISS OUT
REGISTER BY 10 SEPTEMBER

Course Summary

Integrated masters

Course details

Stage 1 (120 credits)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

Stage 3 (120 credits)

Stage 4 (120 credits)

Accessibility

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

Classification of your degree

Regulations

Entry requirements

How much time do I need?

Preparing for study with an Access module

Science, technology and maths Access module

What you will study

How much will it cost?

Additional costs

Study costs

Residential schools

Ways to pay for your qualification

Skills for career development

Career relevance

Other careers

Exploring your options

Register for this course

Request your Environment and Development prospectus

The Open University

OU Community

OU Students Community

Support

Study

Policy

Course details

Stage 1 (120 credits)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

Stage 3 (120 credits)

Stage 4 (120 credits)

Accessibility

Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment

Credit transfer

Classification of your degree

Regulations

Entry requirements

How much time do I need?

Preparing for study with an Access module

Science, technology and maths Access module

What you will study

How much will it cost?

Additional costs

Study costs

Residential schools

Ways to pay for your qualification

Skills for career development

Career relevance

Other careers

Exploring your options

Register for this course

Request your Environment and Development prospectus

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