Environmental Social Sciences - BA (Hons)

Course structure

Duration: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time

Modules

The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.  

On most programmes, you study a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You may also be able to take ‘elective’ modules from other programmes so you can customise your programme and explore other subjects that interest you.

Teaching and assessment

Our teaching is research-led as all our staff are active in their fields. In addition to lectures and seminars, we run laboratory-based practicals and field trips. You also have an opportunity to conduct a field-based research thesis in your final year. This gives you practical experience of developing a research proposal and research questions, finding appropriate methods, conducting research, analysing and interpreting results, writing up a full research project and giving an oral presentation, all with the support of a dedicated project supervisor.

We offer you the opportunity to conduct your research project either in the UK or abroad. The type of approach may differ depending on the student’s preferred discipline. For most, it will mean using advanced methods to explore literature and other documents and, in some cases, there may also be opportunities for field research using the skills taught during the course. Some students use this opportunity to take part in our annual expedition to the Peruvian Amazon, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.

Most modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and unseen exam. Some modules are assessed only by coursework, which takes a variety of forms, including essays, short answer tests, presentations, advocacy, individual and team projects, and research reports.

Contact hours

For a student studying full time, each academic year of the programme will comprise 1200 learning hours which include both direct contact hours and private study hours.  The precise breakdown of hours will be subject dependent and will vary according to modules.  Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.

Methods of assessment will vary according to subject specialism and individual modules.  Please refer to the individual module details under Course Structure.

Programme aims

The programme aims to:

• provide flexibility and a multidiscipline approach to environmental sustainability
• provide teaching informed by research and scholarship in environmental sustainability
• meet the lifelong needs of a diversity of students
• support national and regional economic success
• build on close ties within Europe and elsewhere, reflecting Kent’s position as the UK European University
• produce students capable of contributing positively to global environmental sustainability
• produce graduates of value to the region and nationally, in possession of key knowledge and skills, with the capacity to learn
• prepare students for employment or further study in the field of environmental sustainability
• provide learning opportunities that are enjoyable experiences, involve realistic workloads, based within a research-led framework and offer appropriate support for students from a diverse range of backgrounds
• provide high quality teaching in supportive environments with appropriately qualified and trained staff.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

You gain knowledge and understanding of:

• the changing meaning of ‘environment’ and 'sustainability'
• the role of international and EC treaties, agreements and laws, and national laws and regulations affecting the environment
• the role of market forces and state action in the production of environmental sustainability
• the process by which environmental policy is made at all levels and the role of pressure groups
• the typical conflicts that occur over environmental issues
• the options available to households, companies and local governments when faced with unsatisfactory environments
• the role of local governments and national regulatory agencies in shaping local environments
• the scope for consumers and citizens to exert pressure to enhance environmental quality
• biodiversity and environmental processes

Intellectual skills

You gain the following intellectual abilities:

• problem-solving and the knowledge to seek solutions to environmental problems and individual needs
• research skills, including the ability to identify a research question and to collect and manipulate data to answer that question
• evaluative and analytical skills to assess the outcomes of policy intervention on individuals, communities and places
• sensitivity to the values and interests of others and to the dimensions of difference.

Subject-specific skills

You gain specific skills in the following:

• to identify and use theories and concepts to analyse environmental issues
• to seek out and use statistical data relevant to environmental issues

Transferable skills

You gain transferable skills in the following:

• the ability to study and learn independently using library and internet sources
• develop an appetite for learning and be reflective, adaptive and collaborative in your approach to learning
• make presentations to fellow students and staff
• communicate ideas and arguments to others in written and spoken form
• prepare essays and reference the material quoted according to scholarly conventions
• use IT to wordprocess, conduct online searches, communicate and access data sources
• develop skills in time management by delivering academic work on time and to the required standard
• develop interpersonal and teamwork skills to enable you to work collaboratively, negotiate, listen and deliver results.

Careers

The conservation and environmental sector is an expanding area for employment opportunities.  Potential employers include local, regional and national UK government departments, voluntary organisations and the private sector, as well as international conservation and environmental organisations. Many students also go on to pursue postgraduate studies.

Graduate destinations  

Our recent graduates have found work in:

• ecological surveying
• habitat management
• species conservation
• environmental education
• conservation planning 
• conservation policy
• international consultancy
• community-based conservation projects

Help finding a job

The School offers an employability programme aimed at helping you develop the skills you'll need to look for a job.  This includes workshops, mentoring and an online blog featuring tips, advice from employers, job adverts, internship information and volunteering opportunities.

The University’s friendly Careers and Employability Service offers advice on how to:

• apply for jobs
• write a good CV
• perform well in interviews.

Career-enhancing skills

As a conservation student, you develop expertise in understanding and managing wildlife and biodiversity in a sustainable way. You'll gain skills in gathering and collecting information, analysing data, exploring and communicating challenging ideas. Alongside such specialist skills, you also develop the transferable skills graduate employers look for, including the ability to:

• think critically 
• communicate your ideas and opinions 
• work independently and as part of a team.

You can also gain extra skills by signing up for one of our Kent Extra activities, such as learning a language or volunteering.