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Environmental Management and Sustainability (Pending validation) (Level 5 Foundation Degree)

Open University
Science

Course Overview

Are you passionate about the environment and sustainability? This Foundation Degree is designed for aspiring environmental professionals who want to make a real-world impact. You will develop scientific, analytical and problem-solving skills across a range of environmental and sustainability disciplines.Delivered by an experienced team, the programme blends theory with hands-on learning. A minimum of 400 hours of work placement is embedded within the course, giving you valuable industry experience and the opportunity to apply your learning in real environmental and sustainability settings. Field trips and practical work also form a central part of the programme, developing your skills in fieldwork techniques, data collection and environmental analysis.Subjects include environmental systems and earth processes, sustainability and global challenges, field skills and GIS, environmental data management, policy, governance and law, environmental diagnostics and impact assessment, tools for environmental management, climate action, energy and resource management, and change for sustainable development and behaviour.On graduation, you can pursue careers in environmental consultancy, conservation, impact assessment, climate action planning, resource management, local government or the third sector, or progress to an Honours Degree at a partner university (subject to entry requirements).Please note: students should be prepared for outdoor fieldwork and work placement activities as part of their studies.
  • Start Date
    1 Sept 2026
  • Study Mode
    Full-Time
  • Duration
    2 Years
  • Campus
    Strand Road

Available Sessions

  • Course
    Campus
    Type
    Start Date
    Fees
  • Course: Open University Level 5 Foundation Degree Foundation Degree in Environmental Management and Sustainability
    Campus: Strand Road
    Type: Full Time
    Start Date: 01/09/2026
    Fees:
    £2,700 per annum (subject to change)

Course Offering

  • Site location Strand Road

Course Modules

  • Environmental Systems and Earth Processes
  • ? Introduction to Sustainability and Global Challenges
  • Introduction to Sustainability and Global Challenges
  • Professional Skills and Academic Practice
  • Field Skills and Techniques in Environmental Management
  • Environmental Data Management, GIS and Scientific Practice
  • Environmental Policy, Governance and Law
  • Environmental Diagnostics and Impact Assessment
  • Tools for Environmental Management and Sustainability
  • Tools for Environmental Management and Sustainability
  • Climate Action, Energy and Resource Management
  • Change for Sustainable Development and Behaviour
  • Work-Based Learning Module
Want to book your place?
Apply Now

Entry Requirements

UK Requirements

Applicants should normally meet one of the following: • A minimum of 48 UCAS tariff points, achieved through qualifications such as A Levels, BTEC Extended Diploma, Access to Higher Education Diploma or equivalent. • GCSE English Language and Mathematics at Grade C or above (or equivalent). • Relevant industrial or professional experience, which may be considered for mature applicants who do not meet the standard academic requirements.

ROI Requirements

Applicants should normally meet one of the following: • A minimum of 48 UCAS tariff points, achieved through qualifications such as A Levels, BTEC Extended Diploma, Access to Higher Education Diploma or equivalent. • GCSE English Language and Mathematics at Grade C/Grade 4 or above (or equivalent). • Relevant industrial or professional experience, which may be considered for mature applicants who do not meet the standard academic requirements.

Additional Requirements Prior to Entry

Interview Required

Work Placement

400hrs of Work placement in Year 2

Fee Information

  • Additional Fees
  • Field Trips - £50
  • Kits - £50

What's Next?

Further Study

Successful completion of the Foundation Degree enables graduates to progress to a full Honours Degree at universities across the UK and Ireland, in subjects such as Environmental Science, Ecology and Conservation, Geography, Environmental Management and Sustainability, or Climate Change and Environmental Policy, subject to meeting the entry requirements of the receiving institution.

Career Prospects

Graduates can pursue careers across a wide range of environmental and sustainability roles, including: ? Environmental Consultant ? Sustainability Officer ? Conservation Officer ? Climate Change Adviser ? Carbon Reduction/Net Zero Officer ? Environmental Data Analyst ? Waste and Resource Officer ? Environmental Policy and Governance Officer ? Community Engagement/Behaviour Change Officer ? Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Officer ? Roles within local government, NGOs, utilities, construction and the private sector.

Enquiry

  • Image of Ciara Barnett (Media)
    I was given so many opportunities, such as producing the college’s first ever official podcast, Talk NWRC. After graduation I got my first job as a Marketing Assistant with a local PR agency!
    Ciara Barnett (Media)
  • Image of Chelsea O’Kane (Art & Design)
    My course enabled me to explore so many different aspects of Art & Design that I would not have had the opportunity to do if I had followed the traditional A-Level route.
    Chelsea O’Kane (Art & Design)
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