BSc / BA (Hons) Environment & Sustainability (Foundation Year)

Incorporated into the programme will be guest lectures and field visits giving you access to the latest professional developments and knowledge as well as environmental conferences and workshop, enabling you to gain insights to the various employment pathways into the environment sector, and give you the chance to network.

Timetables

Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and societies activities.

Modules

Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Each credit equates to 10 hours of total study time. Total study time includes scheduled teaching, independent study and assessment activity.

Full-time students normally take modules worth 60 credits per 15 week semester but this can vary depending on your elective choice. Part-time students taking proportionally fewer credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per level and 360 credits for the degree as a whole. Your overall grade for your degree is based on marks obtained for modules taken at level 5 and level 6 (weighted 30:70 accordingly).

The modules available for this degree are shown below. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Foundation year

The Foundation year will provide a common core of academic and study skills sufficient to prepare you for subsequent study and academic success at undergraduate level. It will give core underpinning knowledge, skills and understanding in key areas of contemporary issues, provide underpinning subject-related skills and knowledge in key areas required for undergraduate study, including Mathematics, Numeracy and IT. It will also provide generic skills and academic knowledge to support your confidence and discipline as appropriate for higher education study and give subject-specific grounding, in terms of research topics and study focus, to support progression into degree level study in your chosen degree.

• 0IFY20 Land-use and Management: An introduction to the many and diverse ways in which land is utilised and managed, especially within the rural economy, as well as in urban areas. There will also be field trips to explore some of the land-related issues (20 credits) 
• 0IFY21 Countryside Evolution and Development: An introduction to the wide range of current socio-economic, political and environmental issues that influence change in our countryside environments (20 credits)  
• 0IFY22 Enterprise and Marketing (20 credits): A comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of business such as types of business ownership, business aims and objectives, business functions, internal and external environment and marketing (20 credits)
• 0IFY23 Land-based Data Handling: Learn about a wide-range of data skills including mapping and spatial data, laboratory analysis, desk-based data and fieldwork. This encompasses biodiversity, climate, soil, food production, animal science and the built environment (20 credits)  
• 0IFY24 Food and Farming: Understand core scientific theories within agriculture and how they impact on rural business and agricultural management. Including arable, livestock and equine husbandry, basic animal and plant anatomy and physiology, pest and pathogen control and environmental and soil science (20 credits) 
• 0IFY25 Developing your Skills: Explore your personal values, looking at the human, social and emotional aspects of professional learning to support the transition to studying at degree level (20 credits) 

Year one

• 1007 Soil and the Environment: Carry out practical field and laboratory soil analyses related to soil health
• 1044 Agriculture for Land Management: Learn how to manage a range of livestock species and cereal crops
• 1430 Wildlife Ecology & Survey: Understand the principles and basic concepts of ecology ranging from single organisms to ecosystems
• 1440 Developing Academic Skills and Professional Practice: Learn and try out a range of practical skills used in the land and farming sectors
• 1445 People & Environmental Change: An introductory module including a 2 day field trip to a range of sites hosted by different environmental organisations
• 1446 Ecosystems Services and Human Wellbeing: Explore the range of goods and services that ecosystems provide that support human well-being such as food, fibre, pollination, flood mitigation and many more
• 1449 Energy, Climate & Waste Management: Analyse the relevance and significance of energy issues, climate change and its implications on waste and its management​
• 1451 Species Identification & Ecosystems: An introduction to the scientific study of ecosystems, including fieldwork and data analysis

Year two

• 2136 Landscape Conservation: Gain theoretical and practical insights in how to manage wildlife at a landscape scale
• 2317 Industry Placement: Complete 15 weeks of work experience to develop key skills for the world of work
• 2337 Personal and Professional Development Skills and Employability: Review and critically assess professional communication standards and other competencies needed for successful client and business management
• 2348 Society and Food: Analyse the impact of climate, international trade and policy on food security and supply chains
• 2349 The Resilience of Agro-ecosystems: Explore key concepts and theories around sustainable agriculture and different methods for promoting it
• 2361 Habitat Classification & Management: Create a habitat management and monitoring plan for a real location
• 2378 Research & Evidence: Explore the wide range of research methodologies available, and learn how to select the optimal approach for a given scenario
• 2383 Connecting with Land: Evaluate the various issues related to access in the countryside, including challenges and opportunities, alongside the associated legislation

Year three BSc course

• 3098 Countryside & Environment Management: Review and evaluate the scale and rates of change in the countryside/land management sector
• 3223 Ecological Consultancy: Evaluate the roles and responsibilities of an ‘ecological consultant’ in relation to professional and regulatory frameworks and expectations
• 3329 Climate Change & Natural Resource Challenges: Understand the impact that climate change has on natural resources like water, soil and biodiversity internationally
• 3342 Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for the Environment: Understand and critically appraise the different forms of remote sensing techniques and their utility in evaluating and helping manage environmental issues
• 3300 Research Project / Dissertation: Develop a detailed research proposal that presents a well-developed research aim supported by clear research objectives

PLUS choice of TWO electives selected from:

• 3090 Forestry and Woodland Management: Explore the significance of forestry in climate mitigation, timber production and farm diversification
• 3323 Food Ethics & Governance: Explore different ethics frameworks and how they inform decision making about food
• 3330 Technology & Agroecological Innovations: Explore the role of technology, innovation and agroecology in addressing sustainability challenges on farms and throughout the supply chain
• 3331 Food Supply Systems and Policy: Look at the influence of consumers on food systems and the role of policy
• 3332 Specialist Study (Shell module): Undertake a self-directed study within the chosen specialist area
• 3337 Sustainable Farm Management: Create a farm system in accordance with a specific agricultural approach

The availability of electives to individual students will be dependent on timetabling considerations and on sufficient students electing to take part.

Year three BA course

• 3098 Countryside & Environment Management: Review and evaluate the scale and rates of change in the countryside/land management sector
• 3329 Climate Change & Natural Resource Challenges: Understand the impact that climate change has on natural resources like water, soil and biodiversity internationally
• 3300 Research Project / Dissertation: Develop a detailed research proposal that presents a well-developed research aim supported by clear research objectives
• 3346 Advocacy & Activism in Food & Farming: Critically evaluate the roles and interactions between industry, government and civil society groups in the development of changing policy and practice in food and farming
• 3347 Sustainability Consultancy: Select and evaluate a range of environmental consultancy projects that demonstrate the diversity of the profession

PLUS choice of TWO electives selected from:

• 3080 Heritage Property: Understand the key concepts behind heritage decisions including statements of significance and conservation management planning
• 3090 Forestry and Woodland Management: Explore the significance of forestry in climate mitigation, timber production and farm diversification
• 3330 Technology & Agroecological Innovations: Explore the role of technology, innovation and agroecology in addressing sustainability challenges on farms and throughout the supply chain
• 3332 Specialist Study (Shell module): Undertake a self-directed study within the chosen specialist area
• 3337 Sustainable Farm Management: Create a farm system in accordance with a specific agricultural approach
• 3342 Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for the Environment: Understand and critically appraise the different forms of remote sensing techniques and their utility in evaluating and helping manage environmental issues

The availability of electives to individual students will be dependent on timetabling considerations and on sufficient students electing to take part.

Disclaimer information

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BSc degree

• Sustainability Consultant
• Project Officer
• Climate Strategy and Project Officer
• Technical Advisor
• Graduate Sustainability Consultant

BA degree

• Assistant Programme Manager
• Engagement Officer
• Farming Engagement Officer
• Project and Operations Coordinator
• Behaviour Change Officer
• Communications Intern

Typical offers

Required: GCSE minimum five GCSEs at Grade C/4 including English Language and Mathematics (or Maths Numeracy for Welsh applicants) plus satisfactory level 3 qualifications:

• A-Level: (example grades  EEE) – minimum of 48 UCAS tariff points across either three A-levels or two A-levels and two AS level subjects or equivalent qualifications
• C&G Advanced Technical/BTEC - Level 3 Extended Diploma (1080) at Pass-Pass-Pass
• International Baccalaureate: 24 points
• Access to Higher Education: Pass course with 45 credits at level 3 (Pass in Functional Skills level 2 are accepted in lieu of GCSE English & Mathematics)

Other level 3 qualifications will be considered.

Visit the UCAS website to calculate your UCAS Tariff points from the qualifications and grades achieved.

You may also be eligible for a contextual offer if you’re from one of our link colleges, have been in care, from a non-white ethnic background, live in an area with low progression rates to university or you are a veteran/child of an armed forces family.

Flexible entry

The University welcomes interest from applicants who may not have the standard entry requirements. A wide range of qualifications and experience are accepted in order to join University degree programmes. The University always considers evidence of personal, professional (APL) and educational experience, (APEL), which show an ability to meet the demands of their intended programme of study.

Further information

Alternative entry routes are available for a range of other qualifications. Prior experience is also considered, subject to approval by the programme manager and admissions staff.

Read more general information about our entry requirements.

If you don't meet the entry requirements of this course, you may be eligible for one of our Foundation degree courses or another related degree course.

International students will also need to achieve IELTS Academic or equivalent at the appropriate level for your programme of study. English language requirements for international students.

For any further help, please contact our admissions team:  

• Email: admissions@rau.ac.uk
• Telephone: +44 (0)1285 889912

2025-26 Applicants

For the academic year 2025-26 the tuition fees for this course are: 

For part-time study, please contact admissions@rau.ac.uk for further information.

Please also refer to the funding your time at university page.

Tuition fees may be subject to an inflationary increase each year as set out in our Access and Participation Plan and are subject to Government and regulatory body conditions.

If you are an Irish national you can check if you meet the requirements for Home Fees. Please visit the UKCISA website and consult the pdf guide “England HE – who pays Home Fees”. First check category ‘3 years in Republic of Ireland/UK/Islands, settled in UK’ or ‘Brexit temporary offer for courses starting before 2028: Irish citizens with residence in Europe or overseas territories’. You will possibly need to be fee assessed when you submit an application for study to the RAU.

Scholarships

The University offers a wide range of generous fee waivers and bursaries. To find out more about the these, please visit the bursaries, awards and scholarships page.