Environmental Science Higher

What is special about this course?

Environmental Science is an interdisciplinary subject which draws from the sciences and social sciences. This online course looks at interactions between humans and the environment, incorporating a mix of geography, geology, history, modern studies, and biology.

Environmental Scientists are involved in tackling issues such as global climate change, pollution, use of land and water resources, and changes in wildlife habitats.  These issues require an understanding of scientific principles, economic influences, and political action.

This course is experiential and develops scientific awareness of environmental issues, providing opportunities for you to evaluate environmental and scientific issues, to consider risk, and to make informed decisions. This can lead to the development of an informed and ethical view of topical issues.

Higher Environmental Science is recognised as a supporting qualification for many institutions offering courses such as science, geography, sustainability and social care, and more. You will also be prepared for further education, training or employment, in areas associated with life sciences.

Special features:

• You will develop skills in communication, collaborative working, leadership.
• You can study part time alongside your employment or another full time course.
• This course covers all the content of the SQA Higher course to prepare you for the exam which takes place in May.

Entry requirements

• One National 5 OR
• Practical Science at SCQF Level 5

Applications are encouraged from mature students who do not possess formal qualifications but have skills to meet the academic demand of the course.

Course content includes:

Living environment
The topics covered are: 
•    investigating ecosystems and biodiversity
•    interdependence
•    human influences on biodiversity

Earth’s resources
The topics covered are:
•    the geosphere
•    the hydrosphere
•    the biosphere 
•    the atmosphere

Sustainability
The topics covered are:
•    global challenges
•    food
•    water
•    energy
•    waste management
•    anthropogenic climate change

Equipment

You will be required to purchase a scientific calculator (approx. £10). If you are eligible for a bursary these costs will be covered.

Fees

If you are studying part time and are on low income or in receipt of certain benefits your course fees may be covered by a fee waiver.

If you are not Ordinarily Resident in Scotland, you may need to pay course fees.

Please refer to our Fees and Funding section for more information.

Funding

Our Student Finance Advisers can advise you on all aspects of student funding. The support available depends upon your personal circumstances.
Please refer to our Fees and Funding section for more information.