Sustainability and Environmental Management BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate

Modern office building with a glass facade and a large tree in the foreground

Passionate about the environment? Learn innovative strategies in sustainability and environmental science for resource management and impact reduction, building a career in consultancy, risk management and policy.

Year of entry

2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

3 years full-time
4 years sandwich

Course code

FM70

Start date

September 2026
November 2026
January 2027
March 2027
May 2027
July 2027

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Course overview

Tackle global challenges and drive positive change. This course aims to equip you with innovative strategies to manage resources, reduce environmental impact and build a rewarding career in sustainability.

You will have the opportunity to:

integrate environmental science and sustainability principles to address pressing global issues
gain practical and immersive experience through mandatory local and international fieldwork, virtual fieldwork and desk-based research^2,4
develop industry-relevant skills using tools like GIS, environmental simulations and sustainability performance analytics⁴
prepare for diverse career paths in environmental consultancy, risk management and policy development.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2026

Why you should study this course

Make a real-world impact by learning to create innovative solutions for environmental challenges.
Boost your career prospects with valuable placement opportunities and expert-led teaching.²
Enhance your employability with a curriculum designed to teach you sought-after skills.
Join a growing field and position yourself for leadership in corporate, governmental and non-profit environmental roles.

What you'll study

Modules

Field and Research Skills for People and Environments – 30 credits

Learn essential fieldwork, research and data analysis skills to investigate the environment and society. Engage with academic research, evaluate data sources and apply ethical considerations to data collection. This involves collecting and analysing quantitative and qualitative field data, working with secondary datasets and using basic descriptive statistics to summarise findings.

Develop spatial analysis skills by integrating field data with GIS and remote sensing techniques. Learn how to apply these skills in real-world geographical and environmental scenarios.

Compulsory

Dynamic Earth and Society – 30 credits

This module introduces you to the intricate and dynamic relationships between the natural world and human activity. Investigate the rates and drivers of environmental and societal change, beginning with the origins of the universe and progressing through time, with a focus on the Anthropocene and future trajectories.

Collect evidence to understand environmental change and degradation, examining both natural processes and human-induced factors such as climate change, land-use change, biodiversity loss, pollution, population pressures, global inequality and resource depletion.

The module emphasises the importance of multi- and interdisciplinary approaches in understanding and managing environmental change. It fosters critical engagement with contemporary environmental, socio-cultural and political issues and should equip you with a comprehensive understanding of these complex issues.

Compulsory

The Human Environment – 30 credits

In this module, you will engage with and assess real-world complex contemporary issues. Develop the skills to examine global and local challenges through different analytical lenses, learning to understand and interpret them from multiple perspectives. This module gives a foundational understanding of how human activity shapes and is shaped by the physical and built environment, illustrating how social dynamics are influenced by geographical processes on various scales—from local communities to global systems.

Covering key themes such as the economy, society, and development, you will explore these topics through real-world case studies, deepening your comprehension of the interconnectedness of human and environmental processes. Develop your ability to evaluate problems, challenge assumptions and think independently by critically engaging with contemporary issues from different perspectives.

A core focus is on questioning established ideas—whether personal, cultural, or academic—thereby cultivating a habit of intellectual curiosity and scepticism. Gain subject-specific knowledge and research skills guided by expert staff, while developing transferable skills like critical thinking, teamwork and time management.

Compulsory

Natural and Environmental Resources – 30 credits

Learn the principles of ecological integrity, the environmental impacts of land use and change, and the exploitation of natural resources. This involves understanding how human activities impact ecosystems at a range of scales and how sustainable practices can enhance environmental health.

During the module, you will explore the life cycle of materials and water resources, from extraction and production to use and disposal. Gain insights into minimising negative environmental effects throughout these processes. The module covers the transition to renewable energy sources and their role in promoting environmental sustainability.

Compulsory

Modules

Advanced Geospatial and Field Techniques – 30 credits

Advance your ability to design and conduct independent research using more advanced fieldwork, statistical, laboratory and geospatial techniques. Engage with academic research, justify methodological choices and apply advanced data analysis methods. This includes statistical testing and the integration of quantitative, qualitative, and spatial data. GIS and Remote Sensing skills will also be developed, with a focus on processing, analysing and evaluating spatial data within broader analytical frameworks.

Assess the effectiveness of geospatial techniques and produce high-quality outputs to support research and decision-making in environmental and social contexts.

Compulsory

Climate change: Science, Society and Solutions – 30 credits

Explore climate change as both a scientific phenomenon and a societal challenge through topics like enhanced greenhouse effect, future climate projections, and impacts on human, natural and managed systems, with a focus on sustainability. Evaluate mitigation and adaptation strategies alongside the role of policy, governance and market-based mechanisms in shaping global responses. Investigate climate change communication, such as media influence on public opinion and consumer behaviour, and societal and health impacts, such as economic challenges, climate justice and social equity.

The module combines scientific, technological, policy and community-led approaches to tackling climate challenges. It aims to equip you with the analytical skills to assess and contribute to effective, evidence-based solutions for a sustainable future.

Compulsory

People, Planet and Profit – 30 credits

Examine the complex interplay between economic growth, sustainability and social equity within international development. Explore the structural inequalities that shape development outcomes with a focus on the Global South, including the socio-economic and environmental challenges faced by marginalised communities. Study the role of sustainability in creating fair and resilient futures.

Explore how global systems, governance and policies contribute to social disparities and degradation. Examine alternative models that integrate sustainability with economic and social well-being. Address global challenges that range from food insecurity, political instability and health pandemics. Analyse how these crises exacerbate existing inequalities, posing significant barriers to sustainable development.

Compulsory

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment – 30 credits

Explore the principles and practices of Social Impact Assessment (SIA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), along with the current legislative requirements, through a comprehensive examination of impact assessment methods and data sources. Acquire the skills and processes necessary to predict significant social and environmental impacts of development and suggest measures and plans to mitigate them.

The reliability of data and the subjectivity of impact assessments will be addressed. Additionally, the module will cover the quality of statements submitted as part of the development process and the role these tools play in contributing to more sustainable design, thereby minimising and mitigating impact.

Compulsory

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement² can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

Modules

UK Work Placement – 0 credits

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement² undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement² undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

Modules

Power, Resistance and Justice – 30 credits

Examine the dynamics of power, marginalisation and social justice in the UK. Explore how historical and contemporary structures shape social and economic inequalities. Engage with key theories of power and identity, helping you to understand how oppression operates across different spheres of British society. The module uses case studies to teach you how systemic inequalities are maintained and resisted. Explore the impact of UK government policies, media representation and legal frameworks in reinforcing or challenging marginalisation. Topics include racial disparities in policing and the criminal justice system, the impact of austerity on working-class communities and the role of grassroots activism in advocating for social and environmental change. Explore how climate change disproportionately affects marginalised communities, intensifying existing inequalities through issues such as fuel poverty, air and water pollution and the uneven impacts of extreme weather events.

Compulsory

Organisational Responsibility in a Globalised World - 30 credits

As industrial globalisation expands, multinational companies increasingly operate across borders, often manufacturing in developing countries. This can raise concerns about environmental impacts, resource use and labour practices. In response, Corporate Organisational Responsibility (COR), environmental reporting and social auditing have become common among large companies, with growing expectations for smaller businesses to follow suit.

This module introduces the principles and practices of social and environmental auditing, COR reporting, and their role in engaging stakeholders and promoting accountability.

Compulsory

Circular Economies and Sustainability – 30 credits

This module teaches the historical rise of consumption, and the social issues and ecological limits of contemporary consumer culture. It examines what alternative ethical and sustainable consumer economies can look like through key areas of focus. Evaluate commodity chains, circular economies and closed-loop systems, where materials are prevented from becoming waste and evaluate their sustainable potential across industries. Understand the environmental importance of product longevity, repairability and recyclability and examine the sustainable potential of practices such as maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling and composting.

The module will introduce you to the principles of systems thinking, how it can provide an approach to addressing sustainability challenges and its potential limitations. Build a solid understanding of the concepts and key principles associated with systems thinking and the circular economy, and how they can be used to ensure more sustainable production and consumption.

Compulsory

Undergraduate Research Project – 30 credits

Develop your research and investigative skills by scoping, designing and conducting an independent research dissertation under the supervision of academic staff experienced in the field.

Module content aims to improve your understanding of problem identification, reviewing literature and research design, and the development and implementation of appropriate methods. You will be supported to conduct research independently and to plan, manage, and conduct research within an appropriate context.

This includes the development of an understanding of:

research design and methodology
ethical considerations of research
health and safety concerns (including, where appropriate, risk assessments)
research methods for technical, scientific and social science investigations
project management
data collection, interpretation and analysis
report writing.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

This course aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to address urgent ecological challenges and build a successful career in conservation, research and related fields. Our teaching and learning strategy are built around the following key pillars:

Active: hands-on learning through fieldwork, workshops and scenario-based projects develop practical skills in ecological assessment, data analysis and problem-solving.
Social: group activities and collaboration with peers, professionals and stakeholders should enhance teamwork, communication and cultural awareness.
Applied: real-world case studies, field trips² and conservation planning projects connect theory with practice across diverse ecological settings.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. You will normally study one 30-credit module at a time. A typical 30-credit module requires a total of 300 hours of study made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary depending on your year of study and selected modules. During your first year, you can expect 12-15 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods, which could vary depending on the module. Assessment methods may include: 

coursework
presentations
portfolios
lab reports
field reports
case study analysis
research dissertations.

The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes. 

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS points	112
A level	BBC
GCSE	GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards
BTEC	DMM
IB Diploma	29 points
Access to HE	The Access to HE Diploma to include 30 Level 3 credits at Merit. Plus GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 / C or above.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international foundation pathway. Upon successful completion this should provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this undergraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each component area.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	TBC per year	Not available
EU	TBC per year with EU Support Bursary**	Not available
International	TBC per year	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Wave tank

Our wave tank can recreate multiple wave formations for different experiments, but in a controlled environment. This allows you to work on projects and test scenarios related to coastal management. Practical applied experimentation will help you test your theoretical learning in real-world scenarios.

three people stood in the simulation room

Simulation Centre

Our Simulation Centre uses an interactive screen and real-life scenarios to create a ‘virtual’ training environment. Role-play exercises are part of the course to help prepare you for situations in the workplace.

Superlab

The SuperLab can hold up to 250 students, making it one of the largest educational laboratories in the UK. It is well-equipped with the latest industry-standard equipment including facilities for microscopy, cell culture, haematology, DNA analysis, chemical analysis and forensic testing.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

This course aims to equip you with transferable skills in data analysis, research design, communication, problem-solving and teamwork.

After you graduate, you could find yourself working in the following roles:

sustainability manager
life cycle assessor
environmental compliance officer
carbon accountant.

You may also find roles in:

corporate sustainability
environmental consultancy
resource management
green policy development.

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

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Discover Phoenix+

Phoenix+ brings you together with other students to learn, experience and develop essential knowledge and skills. Whatever destination you choose, it's about preparing you for life after university.

Learn more about Phoenix+

How to apply

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time students can apply for this course through UCAS. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If this course has a part-time option you will need to apply directly to the university.

Apply via the portal

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

International students

International codes:
EESU097

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International mini guide for an overview of study options and why you should study with us.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

⁴Facilities

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2026/2027 contract will apply for the 2026/2027 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.