Undergraduate Study
Course Information
study environmental science and outdoor education and graduate with a university degree
The aim of this unique degree programme is to provide you with the primary elements of our Environmental Science degree including tuition in environmental issues, landscape evolution, human impact on the environment, environmental techniques and nature conservation, along with outdoor leadership, outdoor education and eco-education.
The distinctive aspect of this programme is that it includes practical training in navigation, mountain hazards, outdoor safety and the design and delivery of outdoor programmes with ecological learning outcomes. In addition, you will work towards gaining a certificate in summer mountain leadership, a qualification recognised by the outdoors education industry and the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA).
BSc (Hons) Environmental Science and Outdoor Education
UCAS Code FX99Entrance Requirements
A minimum age of entry of 18 years applies for this programme.
Year 1
Highers BBCC.
A-levels CCD or a combination of A2 and AS levels, VCE and VDA.
IB Diploma with a total of 26 points.
HNC or HND with Bs in Graded Unit(s).
Access courses and other UK/EU and international qualifications are also welcomed.
Year 2
Direct entry to Year 2 is possible subject to approval of individual qualifications.
Required Subjects
English Standard Grade (2), Intermediate 2 (C), GCSE (C) or equivalent. Applicants with English Standard Grade (3) will also be considered, although alternative entry conditions may be made in this case.
Other qualifications not mentioned above must include science-based subjects.
One of Geology, Geography, Environmental Science, Biology, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics at Higher (B), A-Level (D), IB Higher Level at 4 or equivalent.
Mathematics Standard Grade (2), Intermediate 2 (C), GCSE (C) or equivalent.
Modes of Study
Full-time (3 modules per semester).
Part-time (1 or 2 modules per semester).
Study Abroad
You can study abroad for one semester.
Related Degrees
Conservation Science; Ecology; Environmental Geography; Environmental Science.
Rating
The review by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education on teaching provision in Environmental Science was judged to be ‘commendable’ and that of academic teaching and learning was approved.
| Programme Contact |
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Dr Sandy Winterbottom |
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Tel: + 44 (0) 1786 466538 |
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Email: s.j.winterbottom@stir.ac.uk |
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Web: www.sbes.stir.ac.uk/degree/outdoor.html |
Degree Programme
You should be aware that a certain level of health, fitness and mobility are required to complete the outdoor training elements of the programme. In addition, you will need to be committed to outdoor pursuits and in particular to mountain walking. The Summer Mountain Leader Award requires that you must complete a minimum of 40 quality mountain days and these should be undertaken in your own time. You must also be a minimum of 18 years of age at the start of the programme.
Semesters 1 - 4
Typical modules are:
- People and the Environment
- Global Environmental Issues
- Navigation and Mountain Skills
- Sports Studies
- Leisure Studies
- Earth and Landscape Evolution
- Environmental Techniques
- Biosphere
- Eco-education
- Mountain Leader Training.
Semesters 5 - 8
Typical modules are:
- Safety and Responsibility in Outdoor Education
- Field and Laboratory Techniques
- Environmental Policy and Management
- Conservation Management
- Sustainable Development
- Mountain Leader Assessment
- Residential Field Class (southern Spain)
- Honours Project
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching is by a mix of lectures, field and laboratory practical exercises and tutorials.
A wide range of natural and human landscapes in the Stirling area are used for field teaching of the Environmental Science aspects of the programme and residential field classes are held, including a week in southern Spain. The Outdoor Education modules are taught primarily via residential field classes which take place in some of Scotland’s most stunning locations.
Study Abroad Opportunities
In addition to the exchange opportunities available to all Stirling students, Environmental Science has a well-established exchange programme with the University of Guelph in Canada. You can spend one semester in Canada during your third year. Here you study courses equivalent to those taken at Stirling and have the opportunity to broaden your environmental and cultural experience.
Career Opportunities
This programme is specifically designed for those who wish to have a sound scientific degree in Environmental Science but also wish to lead and guide groups outdoors and to provide outdoor educational activities with an environmental and ecological emphasis.
In employment terms, the combination of an Environmental Science degree and the Summer Mountain Leader Award is attractive to employers whose focus is on raising public awareness of the environment and teaching Environmental Science in an outdoor environment. Likely occupations for such graduates include countryside rangers and Environmental Science educators based in outdoor centres. The creation of a number of National Parks in Scotland, for example, has increased demand by park managers for rangers and guides. In addition, students will be equipped to undertake employment in the same professions as our standard Environmental Science graduates.
This programme is not designed to train you to become outdoor instructors, although you may wish to gain additional qualifications independently (e.g. SPA or BCU awards) or undertake a suitable postgraduate course in outdoor education which would then qualify you to pursue this type of career.
