Foundation Degree in Environmental Education
"I did a lot of research to find a course like this, and only Bicton College fitted my criteria perfectly"
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UCAS Institution Code:P60
UCAS Programme Code:F855
Duration:2 YEARS FT / 3 YEARS PT
With a foundation degree in Environmental Education you could...
…progress on to the BA (Hons) Education Studies degree at the University of Plymouth…
…or become a countryside manager, an environmental education officer, a nature conservation officer, an environmental consultant, a recycling officer, a sustainability officer, a forest school manager…
Environmental Education (or Education for Sustainable Development, as it is sometimes called) is not only about looking after and appreciating nature and habitats. It also covers social, economic, political and ethical issues and needs to be flexible and reactive to new issues and ideas arising throughout the globe.
‘Our biggest challenge in this new century is to take an idea that seems abstract – sustainable development – and turn it into a reality for all the world’s people’ - Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations (March 2001).
Facilities
- 500 acres of open green parkland and rolling countryside
- Extensive grounds, with an arboretum, woodland, farm and a wide range of managed habitats
- Access to forestry plantations, woodlands and coppice for practical work
- Excellent contacts with the industry, including the RSPB, National Trust, East Devon District Council's Coast and Countryside Service, schools and local landowners
- Within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and five minutes from the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site
Find out more about our facilites and industry links.
Programme Aims
This 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 communicator and innovator, prepared to organise and facilitate environmental learning and action at a variety of levels. The course is challenging and stimulating, and will provide a wide variety of transferable skills, which will be of equal value in both the formal and informal education sectors. The development of this programme is timely given the UK Government’s commitment to establishing sustainable schools, building sustainable communities and encouraging individuals to adopt sustainable lifestyles.
Entry Requirements
120 points are required in total, which equates to one of the following:
- Two A levels at grade C or above, or equivalent combination of two grades
- MPP grade profile for BTEC National Diploma
- MP grade profile for BTEC National Certificate
- Students with experience will be assessed on merit
Course Structure
As with all foundation degrees, emphasis is placed on integrating academic and work-based 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 directly alongside such practitioners and experts throughout the duration of the course.
In addition, work-based learning consolidates the skills and knowledge learnt as integrated components of the programme.
What you will study
Year 1- Working with Schools and Young People
- Sustainable Lifestyles
- Working with Communities
- Working in the Urban Environment
- Ecology and Habitat Management
- Business Foundations
- Work-based Learning
- Professional Development
- Environmental Interpretation
- Biodiversity
- Environmental Issues and Ideas
- Creative Opportunities
- Business Operations in the Arts
- Major Integrated Assignment
*Please note that option choices may be limited due to group size requirements
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 in-class tests. There are regular site visits, field trips, specialist workshops and guest speakers. A major integrated assignment and six weeks of work-based learning must be completed as part of this course.
This course will be awarded by the University of Plymouth.
Progression
Successful students may progress to the BA (Hons) Education Studies or BSc (Hons) Environmental Science degrees at the University of Plymouth. Other additional qualifications could lead to positions in a range of environmental consultancies or within local government/government departments, developing policy and implementing projects. Career opportunities may arise to work in school or community liaison 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 within the media and increasingly, in wildlife tourism 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. Becoming self-employed is another option.
University of Plymouth Colleges Faculty
The University of Plymouth Colleges Faculty (UPC) is a partnership between the University of Plymouth and over 20 partner institutions, including Bicton College. It is nationally recognised as one of the largest, longest established and best-developed partner college networks in the country and brings university-level education to over 10,000 students across the South West peninsula and the Channel Islands.
All of the higher education courses offered at Bicton College are validated by the University of Plymouth. This means when you graduate you will achieve a University of Plymouth award.
Every UPC foundation degree has a built-in progression route to an honours degree. These are often one-year ‘top-up’ courses available at the University of Plymouth, or in some cases, a partner college or another university.
In terms of academic study, all UPC students have the same rights and status as other University of Plymouth students. In addition, you will be able to benefit from the services that your college can provide – as well as the extra support and resources on offer at the University’s campus.
All UPC students are entitled to use the University’s library, access electronic resources and learning support materials through the web-based student portal, become a member of the University of Plymouth Students’ Union (UPSU) and through your college, gain assistance from the University’s support and advice resources (such as its careers’ service, student funding team, international students’ advisory service and the disability assist scheme).
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth
Devon
PL4 8AA
Tel: 01752 585858 (course information)
Tel: 01752 600600 (all other enquiries)
Fax: 01752 588050
Email: prospectus@plymouth.ac.uk
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APPLY TODAY
For a full-time application apply to UCAS direct at www.ucas.ac.uk or
Write to:UCAS
PO Box 28
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL50 3SA
To study part-time apply directly to Bicton College.