Environmental Education

Course Level: Foundation Degree Course Duration: 2 Years FT / 3 Years PT Entry Requirements

160 points are required in total, which equate to one of the following:

• 2 full A-levels at grade C or above, or equivalent combination of two grades, with at least one in a science discipline
• MPP profile at Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma
• M at Level 3 City and Guilds Extended Diploma
• MM at Level 3 BTEC Diploma
• Appropriate NVQ at level 3 or
• An Access qualification or
• Qualifications deemed equivalent to the above
• In addition you will need supporting GCSEs at grade C or above in Maths and English or Level 2 equivalents.

Students over the age of 21 and with relevant vocational experience or transferable knowledge and skills may be assessed on merit.

Programme Aims

The programme is designed for people who are concerned for the environment, have the energy and determination to make a difference, and wish to do so by enthusing and engaging others. To achieve this you will need to become an excellent communicatior and innovator, prepared to organise and facilitate environmental learning and action at a variety of levels and in a range of settings. The programme is challenging and stimulating, and will provide a wide variety of transferable skills, which will be of equal value in both formal and informal education sectors. It will equip you to contribute to establishing sustainable schools, building sustainable communities and encouraging individuals to adapt to sustainable lifestyles.

Programme Structure

As will all foundation degrees, emphasis is placed on integrating academic and workbased learning through close collaboration with employers, as well as involving a wide range of interested organisations and practitioners in its delivery. The programme provides opportunities to work alongside such practitioners and experts throughout its duration.

In addition, relevant work-based learning and real-world experience consolidates the skills and knowledge learnt as integrated components of the programme. Please note: a CRB check will be necessary to carry out work experience and for future employment.

What You Are Likely To Study

Year 1

• Working with Schools and Young People
  
• Sustainable Lifestyles
• Working with Communities
• Environmental Studies
• Business Enterprise
• Professional Practice

Year 2

• Environmental Interpretation
• Biodiversity
• Environmental Issues and Ideas
• Creative Opportunities
• Business Operations
• Independent Research Project

Assessment

Your progress will be monitored by a variety of assessment techniques including a planned programme of written assignments, presentations, group work, practical assessments and exams.

There are regular site visits, field trips, specialist workshops and guest speakers. An independent research project and 20 working days of independently arranged work experience must be completed as part of this programme.

Progression

Successful students may progress onto the final year of the BA (Hons) Education Studies course at Plymouth University. Please note that there is a deadline for progression applications and places may be subject to availability. Other additional qualifications could lead to positions in a range of environmental consultancies or within local government/government departments, developing policies and implementing projects. Career opportunities may arise to work in school or community liason posts or, following acquisition of teaching qualifications, to teach ESD in schools or colleges. Environmental organisations regularly advertise for environmental educators to work in country parks, nature reserves, interpretation centres, heritage sites or zoos. Opportunities exist with the media and increasingly, in eco toursim and overseas work. Field study centres offering outdoor/environmental courses require adaptable education officers to deliver environmental activities to a wide range of people of differing ages and abilities.

UCAS Insitution Code P60 UCAS Programme Code F855 Awarding Body Plymouth University