England
Where do you live?
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Combine environmental science with business knowledge to address real-world sustainability challenges -
Develop scientific, analytical and data-handling skills alongside core business and management capabilities -
Apply leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation to environmental decision-making -
Build transferable skills for careers across the environment sector, business and the public and third sectors
- Code
- R78
- Course type
Honours Degree - Level
Undergraduate - Credits
360 - Length
Part-time – 6 years Full-time – 3 years
- Start dates
October 2026 February 2027
- Study method
- Distance learning
Stage 1 (120 credits)
Stage 2 (120 credits)
Stage 3 (120 credits)
Course structure
3-year pathway
6-year pathway
What you'll learn and the skills you'll gain
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Understand environmental systems – Explore ecosystems, climate change, biodiversity, food security and renewable energy. -
Use business knowledge – Apply accounting, finance, marketing and ethics to environmental decisions. -
Work with evidence – Collect, analyse and communicate environmental and business data clearly. -
Solve real problems – Investigate issues, weigh uncertainty and develop practical, ethical responses.
Awarded qualification
International recognition
Regulations
3-year degree
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You'll study 120 credits a year -
You'll need 32–36 hours per week
6-year degree
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You'll study 60 credits a year -
You'll need 16–18 hours per week
Supporting you every step of the way
Manage your studies on the module website
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a weekly study planner, along with course materials like reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities -
module discussion forums and collaborative activities to connect with other learners -
a clear overview of assignments and due dates -
tools to book tutorials, access online tutorial rooms, and contact your tutor.
Dedicated tutor support
Live online tutorials
How your learning is assessed
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Computer-Marked Assignments – often multiple-choice questions completed online. -
Tutor-Marked Assignments – tasks like essays, questions, experiments, or other activities. You’ll submit them by a set deadline and receive detailed feedback from your tutor. -
End-of-Module Assessments – These are the final marked assignments for most modules. Modules with an end-of-module assessment usually don’t have an exam. -
Exams – Some modules have exams you will sit remotely. However, we regularly review the assessments in our modules, so we may update the examination methods used in this qualification to include in-person exams or remotely invigilated (proctored) exams.
If you have a disability or additional need
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Online study – modules range from completely online to primarily print; some have a mix of print and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities -
Online tutorials -
Group-work -
Using and producing diagrams and screenshots -
Mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques -
Practical work, including fieldwork with residential and virtual options -
Finding external/third-party material online -
Accessing online catalogues and databases -
Assessment in the form of short-answer questions, essays, reports and examinations -
Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance -
Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills
Other support and resources
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access to the OU’s extensive online library, filled with study resources -
the ability to use other university libraries across the UK and Ireland -
the online Help Centre, offering study tips and support -
free access to Microsoft Office 365 software -
IT support through our Computing Helpdesk -
the chance to connect with the OU community.
Entry requirements for this course
Optional preparation with an Access module
Have you studied before?
Tuition fee in England
Years of part-time study
Current fee per year
How we worked out the cost
Total fee for qualification at current prices
Save money with The Open University
What's included?
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a computer and the internet to access our learning resources and to participate in online tutorials. -
a charge to attend an optional residential field school embedded in S226. You must pay an additional charge for the residential school and your travel. See the module description for more information.
What are my funding options?
Tuition Fee Loan
Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA)
Card payments
Employer sponsorship
Mixed payments
Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCs)
Scholarships and other support
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help with study-related costs like set books and internet access -
a free introductory Access module to build your confidence and skills -
funding to study an OU qualification for free from our Carers’ Scholarships Fund if you are, or have recently been, an unpaid carer -
a Care Experienced Scholarship to study an OU qualification for free if you're care experienced and aged 25 and under -
a Sanctuary Scholarship to study an OU qualification for free if you’ve been displaced from your homeland for political, economic, ethnic, environmental, or human rights pressures -
funding from our Scholarship for Black Students to study an OU qualification for free if you identify as being from a Black background
If you have a disability
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The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a government grant to cover study support costs if you have a disability. It’s not means-tested, and there’s no age limit. Visit our Supporting students with disabilities page to find out more. -
If your disability is a result of being injured in, or due to, military service, you could be eligible for our Disabled Veterans’ Scholarship Fund .
Skills for career development
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locate, evaluate and work with a range of information sources, including textual, numerical, graphical and computer-based materials, as well as reviews and primary sources -
communicate ideas and information accurately and effectively in written, visual and numerical forms for different purposes and audiences -
use digital technologies for learning, data analysis and communication -
analyse data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods -
identify, interpret and solve problems in business management, particularly in relation to environmental issues -
reflect on problem-solving approaches and apply key learning to new situations -
work collaboratively to achieve shared outcomes and support effective group interaction -
demonstrate influencing and leadership skills in a range of settings.
Career relevance
Exploring your options
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business sustainability manager -
environmental advocate -
environmental advisor -
environmental business advisor -
environmental campaigner and fundraiser -
environmental consultant -
environmental entrepreneur -
environmental manager -
environmental scientist -
teacher (environment and business).
