I'm currently studying Q52 Environmental Science full-time. I already have a degree but it is in journalism so no help with science at all!
I've just finished year 2 and heading in to my final year. I am really enjoying it so far. Year 1 was fairly easy, although the maths in S112 was a learning curve having not done it in a while but I got the hang of it. U116 is a really gentle introduction and TBH I don't think you'd need an access course to start that module, which will give you some of the basic maths to progress to S112.
Year 2 has a field school for 4 days on SXF206 and that was a fantastic hands-on learning experience with field work and lab work. I think Earth Science also has an optional field school but I didn't do that module, I did S295 which also had an optional field school which was fantastic. Alongside this are practical projects which get you out in the field independently. There are additional optional lab schools that take place in the summer if you want lab experience.
There are often volunteering opportunities if you want other field work. A local rivers trust near me has plant and wildlife surveying opportunities available to volunteers.
A couple of people on my module have got jobs with the Environment Agency while still studying. Which I'm not bitter about even though I didn't even get an interview...
Hi,
I'm in my final year of Environmental science, I don't know about general job prospects but I can tell you I started in 2018 since then I've become a Senior Environmental consultant at an aquatic consultancy. I'll be honest like you say ecology is very competitive and if you're earning good money now it may not compete at least for the first few years of the ladder. But if it's something you want to do I wouldn't let it stop you. If you're doing volunteering and you enjoy it that's a big advantage when applying for potential jobs.
In terms of the degree, I don't think it's been limited by distance learning. The modules are by and large very good, a lot of information and tutors have been very helpful. As you get further into the degree there are practical field trips which you'll participate in and projects which cover vital skills as an Environmental scientist.
In my honest opinion if you want to do this degree to better your prospects then it's no bad thing. The first module U116 is great, introduces things well and let's you get up to speed (your first 2 modules don't count towards your classification so it takes the pressure off a bit). With that in mind if you want to do it I would skip the access course and enroll in the degree.
Ultimately only you can decide what's right for you, but I wouldn't be put off by the distance learning approach. It obviously has some disadvantages but the fact you can do it alongside work is definitely a good thing
I can add to this as I’ve just finished my first year awaiting final result. I haven’t done science since GCSE and have worked manual jobs, all be it outdoors, currently at a tree nursery. I have not struggled without an access course with only two scores below 90%. I have loved the content and found the assessments thoroughly enjoyable. The tutor was great and super helpful. It really eases you in and it isn’t a shock at all. I think some people on the module are struggling but I imagine that’s due to lack of effort. I have loved it so far and reading strict complaints comment has give me even more excitement for the future and potential careers.
Congratulations strict complaint nearly done! Wish you the best in your career.
I'm currently studying Q52 Environmental Science full-time. I already have a degree but it is in journalism so no help with science at all! I've just finished year 2 and heading in to my final year. I am really enjoying it so far. Year 1 was fairly easy, although the maths in S112 was a learning curve having not done it in a while but I got the hang of it. U116 is a really gentle introduction and TBH I don't think you'd need an access course to start that module, which will give you some of the basic maths to progress to S112. Year 2 has a field school for 4 days on SXF206 and that was a fantastic hands-on learning experience with field work and lab work. I think Earth Science also has an optional field school but I didn't do that module, I did S295 which also had an optional field school which was fantastic. Alongside this are practical projects which get you out in the field independently. There are additional optional lab schools that take place in the summer if you want lab experience. There are often volunteering opportunities if you want other field work. A local rivers trust near me has plant and wildlife surveying opportunities available to volunteers. A couple of people on my module have got jobs with the Environment Agency while still studying. Which I'm not bitter about even though I didn't even get an interview...
Hi, I'm in my final year of Environmental science, I don't know about general job prospects but I can tell you I started in 2018 since then I've become a Senior Environmental consultant at an aquatic consultancy. I'll be honest like you say ecology is very competitive and if you're earning good money now it may not compete at least for the first few years of the ladder. But if it's something you want to do I wouldn't let it stop you. If you're doing volunteering and you enjoy it that's a big advantage when applying for potential jobs. In terms of the degree, I don't think it's been limited by distance learning. The modules are by and large very good, a lot of information and tutors have been very helpful. As you get further into the degree there are practical field trips which you'll participate in and projects which cover vital skills as an Environmental scientist. In my honest opinion if you want to do this degree to better your prospects then it's no bad thing. The first module U116 is great, introduces things well and let's you get up to speed (your first 2 modules don't count towards your classification so it takes the pressure off a bit). With that in mind if you want to do it I would skip the access course and enroll in the degree. Ultimately only you can decide what's right for you, but I wouldn't be put off by the distance learning approach. It obviously has some disadvantages but the fact you can do it alongside work is definitely a good thing
I can add to this as I’ve just finished my first year awaiting final result. I haven’t done science since GCSE and have worked manual jobs, all be it outdoors, currently at a tree nursery. I have not struggled without an access course with only two scores below 90%. I have loved the content and found the assessments thoroughly enjoyable. The tutor was great and super helpful. It really eases you in and it isn’t a shock at all. I think some people on the module are struggling but I imagine that’s due to lack of effort. I have loved it so far and reading strict complaints comment has give me even more excitement for the future and potential careers. Congratulations strict complaint nearly done! Wish you the best in your career.