Master of Environmental Science

Our integrated Master's degree combines undergraduate and postgraduate study, taking an interdisciplinary approach to understand, managing and protect the world we live in. Gain a deeper understanding of the natural environment, and learn to assess environmental challenges and propose solutions. Acquire the scientific knowledge and technical skills needed to address global environmental challenges such as climate change, energy, sustainability, and biodiversity loss. You’ll study a range of subjects including, conservation, ecology, ecosystems, environmental management and renewable energy. You’ll also learn about the socio-economic, political and ethical issues integral to these areas. In addition, you’ll gain communication, project management, and research skills, as well as technical skills in areas such as remote sensing and climate modelling.

Key features of the course

• Gain essential skills for addressing environmental management issues in your own organisation and wider contexts.
• Develop your planning, organising, data collecting, analysing and writing skills.
• Acquire fieldwork skills, normally at two residential schools.
• Extend your knowledge of recent research scholarship – ideal preparation for a research degree.
• Conclude with either a substantial piece of independent study or a more academic in-depth research project.

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
• using feedback: continuous assessment involves receiving detailed feedback on your work from your tutor and using this feedback to improve your performance
• engagement with learning and assessment within a pre-determined schedule or timetable – time management will be needed during your studies and the University will help you to develop these skills throughout your degree
• some modules may require you to attend a residential school.

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 increase 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; e-learning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.

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 the 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’ll 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.