Intended learner groups
a) Adults who, because of social, educational or individual circumstances may have achieved few, if any, prior qualifications and wish to progress to HE
b) Adults who have gone straight into industry (perhaps following apprenticeship routes) who wish to progress to HE.
How this diploma meets learners' needs
The Diploma will provide them with underpinning skills to support academic study and provide a level 3 qualification linked to their proposed HE study. A broad range of skills will be acquired which support an understanding of environmental studies and the underpinning scientific and mathematical skills will ensure that the learner is fully prepared for progression onto the relevant degrees.
What this diploma covers
The units include a balance of environmental science and environmental studies units which allow the learners to keep their options open until they have fully decided on their preferred route at degree level. The ungraded units have been chosen to support both progression into higher education and also to allow the learners to develop skills relevant to the subject area e.g. spreadsheets and problem solving.
Delivery methods
Face to face
Blended learning
Suggested visits to building companies to allow learners to widen their understanding of sustainability or classroom and field visits with people involved in conservation and ecological issues such as fishermen, resource managers and scientists.
Work placements would also be beneficial and the use of laboratories must be used to produce the evidence for some of the practical based units.
Assessment Methods include: Essays, projects, presentations, self-evaluation, group discussions, exams/tests, reports, business analysis techniques e.g. PESTLE analysis, case studies, short answer questions, worksheets, production and analysis of complex spreadsheets, data analysis, practical projects.
Successful completion criteria
Learners may require a pass in a science subject alongside maths and English at GCSE level to progress onto a degree course.
Progression routes
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science
Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Studies
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science(s)
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Policy
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies
Bachelor of Science in Sustainability
Provider approval criteria
Learners will need access to computers and to laboratory facilities.
