Learning and Developing
Which college or university course?
Describes the different qualifications available, for further and higher education
Describes what to look for in choosing the right educational establishment and long course
Lists the websites to find the right course
Available Qualifications
Wherever your interests may lie, there is a multitude of long courses available to help you progress both personally and professionally, ranging from academic to vocational. Deciding which course that you would like to study should not be rushed, as it will have a major impact on your future career progression. Although this may sound obvious, it is commonly ignored, and can prove costly both in terms of money and time spent.
You should look to see what academic or vocational qualifications (relating to a particular job) are needed for the type of environmental work you are hoping to do. If you are aiming to have a career as an environmental professional you should contact the relevant professional body to find out what qualifications you need to become a member. For information on national qualifications contact the appropriate Qualifications Authority. If you are undecided on which path you would like to following in the long-term, you need to be certain that the course you choose will leave multiple options available.
There are many post-16 qualifications available throughout the UK. Qualification Authorities and career centres institutions can provide further advice on long-courses. The three regulatory authorities have updated the National Qualifications Framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland as part of a review of regulatory arrangements. The three regulatory authorities are QCA, ACCAC and CCEA.
From 1 September 2004, the number of levels in the NQF has increased from six to eight helping to link the framework for higher education qualifications (FHEQ).
This PDF below lists qualifications you can work towards, starting with the 16+ qualifications.
UK National Reference Point for Vocational Qualifications is responsible for the evaluation of international vocational qualifications and the central point of information for UK vocational education and training.
GCSE, SCE, AS and A Levels
The General Certificate in Secondary Education (GCSE), Advanced Subsidiary (AS) and Advanced (A) level are the prominent qualifications taken by secondary school pupils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland during their final three years of secondary education. Scottish pupils take equivalent qualifications, namely, the Scottish Certificate of Education (SCE) Standard Grades, Highers and Higher Stills.
The GCSE is a two-year course, and combines elements of written examinations and course work. To study at AS or A level you will normally be required to have a GCSE or equivalent qualification in the subject(s) you plan to study at Advanced Level. AS levels are taken after one further year’s study from GCSE, and consist of the first half of an A level course, giving the student a greater flexibility to take a broader range of subjects in the first year before deciding which subjects to specialise at A level.
Generally universities require applicants for undergraduate courses to have obtained two or three A levels at specified grades, or the equivalent, please see University and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) for further details on degree entry requirements.
GNVQs and SVOs
GNVQs (General National Vocational Qualifications) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and SVQs (Scottish Vocational Qualifications) are essentially the equivalent of GCSEs, AS and A levels, but with a vocational or broadly occupational emphasis. They can be studied at three different levels – Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced. It is only the Advanced Vocational Certificate in Education (AVCE) that can provide direct access to university. There is increasing flexibility to take a combination of AVCE, A and AS levels.
City and Guilds
The City and Guilds is an assessment and certification body that offers a broad range of work-related qualifications. No entry qualifications for City and Guilds are stipulated, however the majority of colleges would expect students to hold passes in two or three appropriate GCSE subjects, or equivalent qualifications.
BTECs and SQA
BTEC courses, and the Scottish equivalents offered by SQA, provide an alternative to GCSEs and A levels. Many of them include work-related projects or periods of work experience. BTECs are widely accepted as entry qualifications by universities, and can be studied at three different levels: BTEC First (a year of study and is equivalent to GCSE level), BTEC National (two years of study and is equivalent to A level) and BTEC Higher National. The BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND), can take between two and three years to complete, and in some circumstances can provide access for a student directly on to the final year of a degree programme at a university. It is comparable to the first two years of a degree and can qualify for entry onto the second or third year of a related Degree course. Usually work placements or work related experience is involved.
Undergraduate degrees (First degrees)
Universities and some colleges of higher education offer degrees at undergraduate level (first degrees) in a number of environmental disciplines. First degrees are assessed mainly by examination, and normally last for three years in England and Wales and four years in Scotland. Degrees which involve a period of work experience outside the college in between periods spent in academic study (sandwich courses) normally last for four years.
Undergraduate degrees can be undertaken in many formats. Combined Studies Degrees - are for people who want to delay their choice of Degree until the end of the first year or for people who want to combine three or more subjects. You can study modules from up to five subject areas. Joint Honours Degrees - are for people who want to study two or three subjects equally. Major/Minor Honours Degrees are for people who want to study two subject areas with a greater emphasis on one (the Major) than the other (the Minor). Foundation Degrees are work-based qualifications especially created so you can learn “on the job”, and develop your skills and knowledge at the same time.
Postgraduate degrees (Second degrees)
Postgraduate courses are usually taken once you already have an undergraduate degree. Taught masters degrees – MSc (Master of Science) or MA (Master of Arts), which may involve attendance at classes and are followed by assessments, usually take one year. Research degrees – MPhil and PhD involving independent research and the submission of a thesis, will take up to 3 years or more.
Choosing a course
The choice of courses and qualifications is continuously increasing, so it is important to identify which options prepare you for a particular career. ECCTIS 2000 is CD ROM database with details of all full-time and part-time courses in Further and Higher Education. It will tell you what qualifications you need to start a course. It is available from most schools, colleges or Careers Centres. Specific information on environmental courses beyond ‘A’ Level or Higher Grade can usually be found in Careers Centres. Copies of ECCTIS 2000 can also be obtained from, The Environment Council (0171 836 2626 or view the directory on line through their web site).
Issues to consider when choosing a long course
Before enrolling on a course it is important to consider the factors such as course content, teaching style and work placements.
Course Content
When deciding which course you would like to study, spend time looking at details of the learning programme. By reading beyond the course title and summary detailed in may prospectuses it is possible to identify specific areas of interest as module options and content can differ significantly.
Teaching Style
The style of teaching within the course can vary, with some focusing on assignments and group work rather than traditional examinations. By considering the emphasis placed on exams, essays or other course work you can make sure that the course you decide upon is best for you.
Work Placements
Many courses provide the option for work placements, which vary from one full year between the second and third year, or two six month placements one in the second year on one in the third. If you have limited work experience within the environmental field, work placements are invaluable. They will provide the sort of experience that is commonly sought after by employers.
Professional body Accreditation
Some undergraduate courses in particular universities and colleges are accredited by environmental professional bodies. If you study one of these it counts towards your membership of the professional body. See the section on environmental professional bodies for more details.
How to find the right course?
This PDF provides links to sources of information on courses and programmes of Environmental Education.
This PDF Lists of Environmental Courses at UK Universities
University
Environmental Courses
Higher Education Academy is an independent organisation funded by grants from the four UK funding bodies, subscriptions from higher education institutions, individual fees from practitioners, and grant and contract income for specific initiatives. HEA supports the Subject Centre for Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES) as one of 24 Subject Networks, and Employability as one of seven themes for supporting student experience.
Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences Subject Centre supports and enhances learning and teaching in these three disciplines in UK higher education. GEES provides information on all activities and services, with a Resource Database with access to materials of use to those who teach and support learning in higher education.