Sustainable Development BA/BSc (Hons)
What is this Sustainable Development degree about?
Sustainable development is 'development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs'. Traditionally, social, environmental and economic goals are considered independently, but we believe these must be seen as equally important if we are to create a just society where we do not overuse the earth's resources. These Sustainable Development degree programmes in particular include a variety of modules taken from selected Schools across the University. This creates a curriculum of a tremendous breadth and depth which encompasses all four cornerstones of sustainability. It also requires a balanced and mature approach to definitions of sustainability and associated studies.
Why choose Bangor?
- Bangor is a unique place to study Sustainable Development. It has a wide range of relevant disciplines including economics, sociology, and the science and management of natural and harvested marine and terrestrial environments. We are close to many different natural environments, from the coast to the varied landscape of the Snowdonia National Park, and both rural and urban communities.
- A vibrant research culture underpins the learning environment in every discipline. Bangor is home to the Countryside Council for Wales, and local offices of the Centre for Hydrology and Ecology, the Environment Agency and the new Environment Centre for Wales.
What will I study?
Year 1
During the Sustainable Development degree you will study the principles which underpin sustainable development.
Compulsory modules
- Physical Environmental Systems
- Human Interaction
- Natural Resource Economics
- Cynefin Local Area/Community Project
- Key Skills
- Europe and its Regions (including a field visit)
We provide a conversion Sustainable Development degree which allows those with humanities A/AS levels to learn the necessary science, and you may also learn a modern language.
Year 2
In years 2 and 3 you will take a core of modules which maintain breadth. You decide whether you wish to specialise in the sciences (BSc route) or in planning (BA route), by choosing option modules.
Compulsory modules
- Planning
- Principles of Conservation
- Research Methods
- Natural Resource Assessment
- Field Visit to Bath and SW England
The BA route includes these modules:
- Heritage Management
- Environmental Policy
- Coastal and Nearshore Management
- Economics
- Placement
The BSc route includes these modules:
- Ecosystems and Biospheres
- Soils and Environmental Pollution
- International Environmental Policy
- Catchment Management
- Placement
Year 3
You continue the specialism you began in year 2, and take a core of modules which maintain breadth. You also undertake an individual research project of your choice and a sustainability assessment exercise.
The BA route includes these modules:
- Renewable Energy
- Recycling, Waste Management
- Dissertation
- Barcelona Field Visit (or equivalent)
The BSc route includes these modules plus:
- Wildlife Conservation
- Current Issues in Environmental Science
- Coastal Issues
- Placement
How will I learn?
For more on studying degree courses see our Study at Bangor section.
You will have up to 12 hours of lectures and up to 9 hours of practicals, field trips, seminars and tutorials each week. Some modules have a strong applied component. Outside this time you will complete essays, literature reviews and practical reports. In the third year you will undertake an individual research project under the supervision of a member of staff. Assessment is based on both coursework (assignments, portfolios, practical reports, case study work) and examinations.
Fieldwork is a compulsory element of this degree programme. Students contribute towards fieldwork costs.
Career prospects
This course is ideal preparation for a range of careers which, depending on your chosen specialism, include research, and work at various professional levels in the commercial and public sector, environmental consultancy/planning or leisure/tourism-related organisations.
New developments
These include: revalidation with emphasis on Sustainability and Practice.
Course facts
UCAS course codes: F8L9 BA/SDev; F8C1 BSc/SDev
Length: 3 years
Entry requirements
Please also read our Entry Requirements section.
- 240-280 points. Any combination of subjects is considered.
- GCSE Maths and English are necessary.
- We accept passes in Access courses and consider mature students on individual merit.
- GNVQ (Advanced) with overall merit
- Equivalent overseas qualifications
Want to know more?
Please contact:
Admissions Secretary
School of the Environment and Natural Resources
Tel: 01248 382281
E-mail: senr@bangor.ac.uk
www.senr.bangor.ac.uk
Other Courses of Interest:
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