Environmental Social Sciences with a Year in Professional Practice

The BSc Environmental Social Sciences with a Year in Professional Practice at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to understanding the complex interactions between society and the environment. This innovative programme is designed to equip students with the knowledge, analytical skills, and practical experience necessary to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development. Over the course of the programme, students will explore a broad range of topics, including environmental policy, social theory, economics, ethics, and community engagement, providing a well-rounded perspective on environmental issues from social and scientific viewpoints. The inclusion of a Year in Professional Practice enables students to gain valuable real-world experience by undertaking placements within environmental organizations, government agencies, or private sector companies. This year-long work placement is an integral part of the programme, allowing students to apply their academic knowledge in practical settings, develop professional skills, and build networks within the environmental sector. The programme also emphasizes research skills, critical thinking, and effective communication, preparing graduates for a variety of careers in environmental consultancy, policymaking, non-governmental organizations, and academic research. Students benefit from studying in state-of-the-art facilities and engaging with experienced academics who are experts in their fields. The University of Kent’s location offers access to diverse ecosystems and urban environments, fostering experiential learning and fieldwork opportunities. Flexibility in module choices allows students to tailor their studies toward specific interests, whether environmental economics, social justice, or conservation. With a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility, this programme aims to develop environmentally conscious graduates capable of making meaningful contributions to society and the planet. Upon completing this degree, graduates will be well-equipped to pursue further academic study or enter the workforce with a solid foundation in both environmental science and social sciences, complemented by practical professional experience gained during the Year in Professional Practice.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee Visit Programme Website Start date September 2015 Credits (ECTS) 240 ECTS
Duration full-time 48 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Part-time, Full-time Intensity Flexible Part-time variant Flexible More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

The course structure below gives a flavour of the modules that will be available to you and provides details of the content of this programme. This listing is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation. Most programmes will require you to study a combination of compulsory and optional modules, you may also have the option to take ‘wild’ modules from other programmes offered by the University in order that you may customise your programme and explore other subject areas of interest to you or that may further enhance your employability.

Stage 1

Possible modules may include:

DI304 - Economic and Environmental Systems

DI305 - Biodiversity

SA303 - Environmental Issues: Social Science Approaches

SE308 - Skills for Anthropology and Conservation

You have the opportunity to select wild modules in this stage

Stage 2

Possible modules may include:

SO539 - Environmental Policy and Practice

SO602 - Social Research Methods

DI528 - Conservation Social Science: Methods and Research Design

DI531 - Human Wildlife Conflict and Resource Competition

EC532 - Environmental Economics, Institutions and Policy

Year in industry

Stage S involves a minimum of 24 weeks spent on placement at one or more organisations whose work is relevant to your degree programme. During the placement you will work under the direction of a designated line manager within the host organisation, with additional support from the University via a named member of academic staff. You will be working on one or more tasks that are agreed in advance, for example you may contribute to a management plan, a policy report, a consultation process, a piece of applied research, or development of a set of educational materials.

Stage 3

Possible modules may include:

LW585 - Environmental Law I

LW586 - Environmental Law II

DI501 - Climate Change and Conservation

DI520 - Conservation and Communities

DI522 - Research Project

DI527 - Practical Guiding and Interpretation

SE542 - Human Ecology

SO525 - Environmental Politics

SA519 - The Social Politics of Food

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6.5

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

Home/EU students

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications, typical requirements are listed below, students offering alternative qualifications should contact the Admissions Office for further advice. It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification Typical offer/minimum requirement

• A level:ABB
• GCSE:Mathematics Grade C
• Access to HE Diploma:The University of Kent will not necessarily make conditional offers to all access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. If an offer is made candidates will be required to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma):The university will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF;OCR) on a case by case basis please contact us via the enquiries tab for further advice on your individual circumstances.
• International Baccalaureate:34 overall or 16 at HL including Mathematics 4 at HL or SL

International students

The University receives applications from over 140 different nationalities and consequently will consider applications from prospective students offering a wide range of international qualifications. Our International Development Office will be happy to advise prospective students on entry requirements.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

Funding

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. Our 2015 financial support package includes a £6,000 cash bursary spread over the duration of your course. For Ts&Cs and to find out more, visit our funding page.

General scholarships

Scholarships are available for excellence in academic performance, sport and music and are awarded on merit. For further information on the range of awards available and to make an application see our scholarships website.

The Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence

At Kent we recognise, encourage and reward excellence. We have created the Kent Scholarship for Academic Excellence, which will be awarded to any applicant who achieves a minimum of AAA over three A levels, or the equivalent qualifications as specified on our funding pages. Please note that details of the scholarship for 2015 entry have not yet been finalised and are subject to change.

This program in Environmental Social Sciences with Year in Professional Practice at the University of Kent is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between environmental systems and human societies. The curriculum combines the study of environmental science, social sciences, and practical skills to equip graduates with the ability to address contemporary environmental challenges through a multidisciplinary approach. The course emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and real-world problem-solving, preparing students for careers in environmental consultancy, policy development, sustainable development, and non-governmental organizations. Throughout the degree, students explore themes such as environmental policy and governance, social aspects of environmental change, sustainable development practices, and environmental ethics. The inclusion of a Year in Professional Practice allows students to gain valuable work experience, improve their employability, and develop professional networks within the environmental sector. Students undertake placements with environmental organizations, government agencies, or private companies, applying their academic knowledge to practical situations and gaining insight into the operations of environmental projects. The program is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, field visits, and project work, fostering both theoretical understanding and practical skills. It encourages critical engagement with current environmental issues and promotes the development of innovative solutions. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to pursue careers in environmental management, policy analysis, research, and consultancy, or to continue their studies at postgraduate level. The course's interdisciplinary nature ensures students appreciate both scientific and social dimensions of environmental issues, making them capable of working across sectors and with diverse stakeholders. The university's strong links with industry and policy bodies facilitate excellent networking opportunities and support students’ career development. The program is suitable for those passionate about making a positive impact on the environment and society, seeking a challenging and rewarding academic experience that combines science, social science, and practical application.