Environment, Sustainability and Climate Change (Full-time) (HNC - Higher National Certificate)
Our planet is facing an unprecedented climate crisis, along with threats to biodiversity, habitats and human development. The United Nations Learning Partnership highlights that children today will face the consequences of a changing climate, and a 2021 Lancet report found that 84% of young people report climate anxiety, and worry about their future on a degrading planet. However: these problems are not insurmountable. They simply require people willing to work to be part of the solution.
This course differs from traditional environmental science programmes in that its focus is on practical application of science and theory to finding and enacting solutions to the issues the planet faces. Our course team has a strong record in research across multiple environmental disciplines which allows coverage of contemporary environmental issues holistically from all angles. Key themes include ecology and biodiversity, climate change, sustainable development, natural resource management, coastal and marine science, and the use of industry-vital environmental technologies such as GIS and remote sensing.
This teaching is supplemented with strong industry engagement and frequent fieldwork to apply learning to real-world scenarios, build connections, and put theory into practice. You will develop skills that are highly valued by employers, such as critical thinking, the ability to understand and tackle complex issues, and the skill to present clear and logical arguments. Our high post-course employment rate, across many environmental disciplines, reflects the value of this more practical approach.
Join us to gain the knowledge and skills needed to tackle global environmental change. A sustainable future is possible; let us give you the tools to make it.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
- Bilingual
Undergraduate Fees
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 per year
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
If you are passionate about preserving the environment and want to develop the knowledge and skills to do so, then this HNC course is for you. Our approach combines theoretical knowledge with practical fieldwork, fostering a friendly, accessible learning environment led by research-active staff.
The HNC is aimed at students who are unsure on their options or require an entry level qualification for their employment. Please discuss your options with our programme team.
You will cover modules that will underpin your knowledge around the importance of the environment. You will develop your understanding of environmental issues and enhance your digital proficiency and problem-solving skills. This year prepares you for the remainder of your study and will give confidence on environmental issues within a professional setting.
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Course Page Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
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Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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42 UCAS Tariff Points
e.g. A-levels: D, BTEC: PP, IB: 26
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a  for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics is also required. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support 
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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Assessment varies across modules using a variety of methods from field and lab reports to presentations, essays and exams to give you the opportunity to do well and to demonstrate your developing knowledge.
We pride ourselves on giving excellent feedback at all stages of the course to help you to progress.
We use feedback to develop your course knowledge and, importantly, to help you to develop your wider skills in report writing, and communicating science so that you can demonstrate your ability to work effectively in the environment sector at the end of your course.
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The practical nature of our programme means we spend a lot of time in the field. Students will need to purchase appropriate clothing and footwear for this, such as wellington boots and waterproof clothing. In addition, certain field visits will require the purchase of food, as required.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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Our HNC has assisted students to achieve a qualification that either supplements their employment or helps to lead onto further study. Graduates of this HNC programme can confidently apply their knowledge in a range of roles including public, private and the third sector. The large majority of graduates from this programme choose to continue their studies with us via a simple upgrade process.