Open University

Certificate of Higher Education in Environment

Knowledge and understanding

At the end of this certificate you will be able to demonstrate that you know about and understand:

• The structure, processes, and sustainability of environmental systems
• The interaction between environment, development, organizations, human cultures, and values
• Relevant aspects of the contribution of natural sciences, social sciences, and technology disciplines to the identification, understanding, and possible resolution of environmental issues and concerns
• Alternative interpretations of conflicting interests involved in environmental questions and potential solutions.

Cognitive skills

At the end of the certificate you will be able to:

• Use your knowledge and understanding to describe and interpret defined aspects of our environment
• Know about and begin to analyse environmental issues
• Develop, compare and begin to evaluate arguments concerning our environment.

Practical and professional skills

On completion of this certificate, you will be able to:

• Plan and organise your work and reflect on your learning
• Develop a range of transferable skills for employment and future study.

Key skills

At the end of the certificate you will have started to become an independent learner by:

• Developing your skills in reading, writing and communicating in a variety of media about our environment and associated issues
• Searching for and evaluating information from a variety of sources
• Developing your skills in interpreting data, using models and performing calculations relevant to our environment.

This certificate of higher education has one stage, comprising 120 credits.

• You’ll study one 60-credit module and choose one 60-credit option module.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll study the following:

• Environment: journeys through a changing world (U116)

You'll choose one from:

• Global challenges: social science in action (D113)
• Science: concepts and practice (S112)

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

• Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

• You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
• They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
• Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

• The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
• Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

• Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
• You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
• Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or an alternative location.
• If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Skills for career development

This certificate course develops a range of transferable skills and a broad understanding of environmental issues – qualities that are increasingly in demand within government bodies, the private sector, and non-governmental organisations now that they are expected to operate more sustainably. Valuable transferable skills include thinking creatively, tackling complex issues and collecting, analysing and interpreting complex data. You’ll also gain problem-solving, research, planning, auditing, IT, communication, and teamwork skills.

Career relevance

Directly relevant careers for those with environmental expertise include pollution control, waste management and recycling, water quality and resources, energy management, planning and sustainability, environmental management and consultancy, ecology and nature conservation, and environmental education. Professionals with qualifications in this subject area can find employment across a wide range of public, private and voluntary sectors. Graduates are found working in:

• Environmental management
• Environmental policy
• Environmental consultancy
• Environmental education
• Local, national, and international governmental agencies
• Nature conservation
• Information systems
• Civil or diplomatic service
• Overseas development
• Journalism
• Research.

Other careers

The skills developed by this course also open paths into financial, business and public sector work.

In addition to improving your career prospects, studying with the OU is an enriching experience that broadens your horizons, develops your knowledge, builds your confidence and enhances your life skills.

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

• A week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
• Course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
• Module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
• Details of each assignment and their due dates
• A tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
• Online versions of some printed module materials and resources.