Course Overview
This is a two-year full-time programme at Levels 4 and 5.
In year one you will complete a Higher National Certificate in Applied Science (Environmental Science) at Level 4.
On completion of your Higher National Certificate, you will complete a Higher National Diploma in Applied Science (Environmental Science) at Level 5.
The HNC in Environmental Studies is a vocational programme designed to cover practical, theoretical and ethical aspects of environmental management and the management of environmental resources, with the aim of providing the skills and knowledge students will need for a successful career or further study in a related field.
The course structure has been selected to provide a vocationally relevant learning environment and learning opportunities to meet the needs of local and regional students. It has been designed to either enable learners to progress to a related degree programme or to make a direct entry to employment through the acquisition of practical skills and relevant underpinning knowledge. These skills will be put to the test during a variety of visits, work experience and time spent at our Horticulture and Environment Centre within the grounds of Thornes Park.
You will have lectures, seminars and take part in practical work. For some of the more scientific modules you will join the HND Applied Biology group as a core group and then study your specific Environmental modules in your pathway group. You will be taught by subject experts in environment and conservation and biological scientists.
Independent learning is a key part of being a student in higher education. It forms part of students’ development as autonomous learners, something that you will take with you after graduation, and is a skill employers will value.
Like other universities, University Centre at Wakefield College expects students to engage with a significant amount of study outside timetabled taught sessions. Typically, self-directed, or independent learning accounts for two-thirds of the total time spent on a module.
What You Will Study
In Year 1 (Level 4) you will study the following units:
- Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques
- Scientific Data Handling Approaches & Techniques
- Regulation & Quality in the Applied Sciences
- Fundamentals of Chemistry
- Principles of Ecology & their Applications
- Physiological Adaptations of Plants to Environmental Changes
- Managing Environmental Resources
- Work-based Investigation
In Year 2 (Level 5) you will study the following units:
- Analysis of Scientific Data & Information
- Applied Sciences Research Project
- Environmental Monitoring & Analysis
- Conservation & Biodiversity
- Materials of Life-Science & the Circular Economy
- Specialist Scientific Techniques & Experimentation
- Renewable energy Resources & Technology
- Attendance Expectations
16 hours per week over 3 days.
- How You Will Be Assessed
- Critical evaluations
- Essays
- Laboratory reports
- Observations
- Presentations
- Practical work
- Practical tests
- Reflective accounts
- Research projects
- Time constrained assignments
- Written reports
- Entry Requirements
64 UCAS points or BTEC Level 3 in Animal Management or Science.
OR
A Levels that demonstrate strong academic performance or other related Level 3 qualifications.
This should be supported by GCSEs at Grade 9-4 (or equivalent) in English, Maths and Science.
Related work experience in the land-based sector and mature students will be considered following interview.
- Fee Information
£7,400
- Further Study
Progression to HND Applied Science (Environmental Science), available at Wakefield College.
