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Environment & Nature

Environmental Science Diploma

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The Environmental Science Diploma is designed to appeal to those who wish to develop a sound knowledge of environmental science, and will provide a basis on which to study other environmental science related topics.

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Level 3 / Quality Licence Scheme / ODL64

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over 12 months and £ deposit

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Course summary

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12 months tutor support

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Endorsed by the

Quality Licence Scheme

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Course introduction

This is the ideal programme for individuals who would like to develop their knowledge and understanding of Environmental Science.

Learners can expect to investigate the life processes and the biosphere, the atmosphere, land resources, the hydrosphere, and the lithosphere. You will also explore the conditions for life on earth and wildlife conservation and much more!

It will also be suitable for those who have a personal interest in the subject. Although no prior knowledge is required in order to study this course, a basic knowledge and understanding of terminology, formulae and processes is assumed.

The course is divided into ten modules, each with an associated assignment. Following completion of all ten modules, students will be required to complete an online examination. Materials can be studied online or there is also the option to have the printed materials delivered for an additional charge of £65.

Required knowledge

No previous knowledge or experience is essential to study this course.

Assessment

Final online multiple choice examination counts for 100% of the final grade. Throughout the course there are ten SAPs (coursework) and a thesis. The course clearly states that this is not mandatory to complete as it has no bearing on the final grade. We do suggest that students complete these as this will not only assist them in examination preparation but also will give the student the skill set should they wish to continue their studies (continuous professional development) at a higher level.

Certification

At the end of this course successful learners will receive a Certificate of Achievement from Quality Licence Scheme and a Learner Unit Summary (which lists the components the learner has completed as part of the course).

The course has been endorsed under the Quality Licence Scheme.The Provider has undergone an external quality check to ensure that the organisation and the courses it offers, meet defined quality criteria. The completion of this course alone does not lead to a regulated qualification* but may be used as evidence of knowledge and skills gained.

The Learner Unit Summary may be used as evidence towards Recognition of Prior Learning if you wish to progress your studies in this subject. To this end the learning outcomes of the course have been benchmarked at QLS Level 3 against level descriptors published by Ofqual, to indicate the depth of study and level of demand/complexity involved in successful completion by the learner.

The Quality Licence Scheme is part of the Skills and Education Group, a charitable organisation that unites education and skills-orientated organisations that share similar values and objectives. With more than 100 years of collective experience, the Skills and Education Group’s strategic partnerships create opportunities to inform, influence and represent the wider education and skills sector.

The Skills and Education Group’s knowledge and experience of working within the awarding sector enables them to work with training providers, through the Quality Licence Scheme, to help them develop high-quality courses and/or training programmes for the non-regulated market.

*Regulated qualification refers to those qualifications that are regulated by Ofqual / CCEA / Qualification Wales.

Course modules

Module 1: Conditions for Life on Earth and Wildlife Conservation
This is the module that sets the scene for subsequent modules and will form the basis of the course. Students will look at what conditions need to exist on our planet in order to sustain life. The concepts and processes of wildlife conservation are discussed and linked to sustainment of human existence.

Module 2: Life Processes and the biosphere
This module explores the concepts of species and environments. We consider succession and what this means in terms of environmental influences. In addition populations will be discussed, particularly concentrating on evolutionary processes within these groups and how different external environmental influences impact these. We will look at issues surrounding mortality and how to explore various statistics that impart information about this process. We will also look at basic statistical processes within environmental science.

Module 3: Land Resources
Without land and its resources, no life would be sustained. In this module we look at how landscapes can be conserved and management of habitats relevant to the environment and sustainability of resources. We also look at intervention programmes and how effective these are. In addition conflicts within the conservation paradigm are examined and discussion about various resolution processes explored.

Module 4: The Atmosphere
What occurs in the earth's atmosphere is just as important as what we do on land. In this module the composition of the atmospheric layers are discussed and also how different organisms survive within these layers. In addition we look at contamination issues and the characteristics of radiation, together with the implications for global climate changes. The module also discusses various interventions and resolution theories.

Module 5: The Hydrosphere
This module is mainly concerned with the properties and role of water within the hydrospheric layer. We will examine and discuss the composition of the layer and look at the hydrological cycle, with relevance to sustaining species.
In addition we will consider water as a resource and how this resource is managed. Discussion of water treatment programmes will be presented, together with different techniques, processes and implications, paying particular attention to fulfilling demands.

Module 6: The Lithosphere
This layer is concerned with rocks, minerals and elements and the module will discuss distribution and availability of these components. There will be discussion of soil composition, fossil fuels and general geological processes.
In addition we will examine resource reserves and conservation relevant to this group, and look at how demands are met and managed. The module will also look at various key cycles, for example the carbon cycle.

Module 7: Energy
Essential to life and crucial to sustainability we look at factors affecting energy generation and use. This module will also discuss and compare renewable and non-renewable energy sources, looking at the pros and cons for both.
The storage of energy is a topical issue and this will be looked at in detail, together with how the demands and limitations are managed in the face of global energy crises. We will also consider energy conservation programmes, together with industry and consumer issues relating to energy production, use and conservation.

Module 8: Pollution
In this module we will define and describe the different types of pollution, also looking at how it impacts climate change and the way we exist. We will consider the different methods of pollution control, weighing up the pros and cons for examples and relating them to energy production, use and also the effects on the atmospheric layers of the earth.

Module 9: Human Populations and Food Production Systems
Changes in population affect every area of life but this module specifically considers these changes relating to food production and how food production practises change to accommodate varying needs. In addition, climate changes affect agricultural techniques and output; these are considered as well.
We will also look at the demands and available resources, together with considering the environmental impact of farming methods. In addition we will examine various controls relevant to food production and the economic and political factors involved.
The nutritional aspects of population demands are important and this module will discuss these issues in depth, together with maintaining sustainability.

Module 10: Forestry and Sustainability
In this module we look at forestry as a resource and how we can manage and sustain this vital resource, particularly in the face of environmental change.
We look at deforestation and consider its impacts on the environment and different species.
The module looks at lifestyle impacts and demands, together with consideration of various political and economic factors.

Learner support

12 Months Tutor Support. Tutors are available to answer student questions relating to course materials and to comment on the assignments that are sent in to state how well students have understood the unit content.

FAQs

What does NCC stand for?

NCC originally stood for the National Consortium of FE (Further Education) Colleges. This brought together the FE Colleges to achieve the best provision. Regular national meetings were attended by both Colleges and Government agencies who funded them. This was very helpful to them both to best deliver training to their students.

For more than 25 years NCC has supplied FE Colleges with learning materials as well as student marketing.

NCC now specialise in online training of a very high quality to students both self-funded, paid for by schools, employers and training providers.

What is distance learning?

Distance learning is the most flexible and convenient approach to studying. There is no need for you to attend college and you can study anytime, anyplace, anywhere that fits in with your lifestyle. Distance learning programmes are ideal for people who may have a job, family commitments, or any other commitment that won’t allow them time off to study.

What is the difference between the online and paper versions of courses?

Both our online and paper courses are completed via an online learning portal (LMS) which you can access after you receive your login details by email. Please ensure that you check your junk email if you do not receive your login details within 48 hours.

All learners will submit their assignments, receive feedback and correspond with their tutor directly through the LMS. If you require help from our support team, then simply email [email protected].

If you opt for the online course, you will not receive any course materials through the post. Everything is available via the LMS.

If you opt for the paper version, you are simply paying for a study book to be printed and posted to your home, or place of work. You will use this book as a reference guide, but you will still be required to upload your assignments and correspond with your tutor via the LMS.

If you are unable to access our online LMS, we do have alternative options available, so please email [email protected] in order to request further support.

What do I need to do to get started?

We recommend that you choose a course that will interest you and help you to achieve your ambitions. If you would like some advice, or further information, contact us here or dial 0333 3445 690.

To purchase a course, simply click on the ‘Buy now’ button against your chosen course and follow the on screen instructions. Alternatively if you would prefer to purchase the course over the phone, call 0333 3445 690 and speak to one of our expert course advisors.

How much will it cost?

The cost largely depends on the type and size of the course. The course cost is determined by the expenses associated with its provision, taking into consideration the course's size and complexity, development costs, the presence of a study materials, and the level of tutor support required. Some courses also necessitate additional in-person assessments by assessors, which incur additional expenses and consequently affect the course's cost.

All prices are clearly stated on the course description page and will always be displayed prior to you committing to purchase a course.

Please note that there may be additional fees required should your course require an external invigilated assessment, such as A Levels, ICB qualifications etc. To clarify, please speak to a course advisor.

How do I enrol?

Once you've chosen your course, you have two options for enrolment:


  1. You can purchase the course online by clicking the "Buy now" button, which will enrol you automatically.
  2. Alternatively, you can call our helpline at 0333 3445 690, and our expert course advisors will assist you in signing up for the course and arrange for the delivery of any requested additional learning materials to your address.

All courses are available to purchase in full or via affordable monthly payments over 12 months. A £29 non-refundable deposit is required for monthly payments, and you will be required to set up a monthly direct debit.

We do not require you to complete a credit check to sign up for monthly payments.

How quickly will I receive my course materials?

We guarantee that you will receive any course materials ordered within 5 working days of registering, but for many of our courses it may take no more than 48 hours.

The course materials are always sent to you via a tracked courier service, to ensure that you receive your study book within our stated period.

Do I need any additional books or equipment to do my course?

All the relevant information required to complete your course is available via the LMS. Additional research via the internet is encouraged, depending on the level you are working at, to bolster knowledge of the subject area.

There is no requirement to purchase any additional materials.

What support will I receive?

You will have access to a dedicated personal tutor whom you can contact through the Learning Management System (LMS) for assistance and guidance on any course-related matters. Your tutor will only initiate contact in response to your messages. If you encounter any difficulties reaching your tutor, please don't hesitate to email us at [email protected]

Many courses require you to submit work to your tutor during the period of study, and your tutor will assess your work and provide feedback to you within 10 working days. Your tutor is available to you as much as you need them.

Please note that the course includes tutor support for a duration of 12 months. If you require additional time, please inform us, and we will make every effort to provide you with an option for a paid extension, if feasible, to assist you in completing your course.

Please be aware that our tutors are actively assisting multiple learners, and to ensure they are not inundated with excessive workloads, we have implemented a policy limiting learners to submitting a maximum of three units of work for evaluation at any given time. We recommend that you upload your completed units as you finish them. This way, you can benefit from your tutor's feedback to enhance your future assignment submissions.

How long will it take for my work to be marked by my tutor?

Your work will be marked and feedback returned to you within 10 working days after submission. This is because our tutors are required to provide detailed, considered feedback to our learners that may take a while to formulate. We find that by working this way, our learners actually complete their course in less time, as they rarely need to submit an assignment more than twice.

Whilst it is possible to submit multiple assignments at the same time, we advise that our learners submit only one at a time. We want our learners to develop as they progress through their course, and find this is best achieved when a student embarks on a new module having taken into account tutor feedback from the previous submission.

Kindly note that our tutors are currently supporting multiple learners simultaneously. In order to maintain a balanced workload for them, we have established a policy that restricts learners to submitting a maximum of three units of work for evaluation at any given time.

How long should it take to complete a course?

Depending on the course you have chosen, and the amount of time you can commit, it could take from 6 weeks to 12 months to complete your course. Your end of support date is when you need to have your course copmpleted by in order to be able to be certificated, this is usually 12 months from purchase.

The duration of the course is largely down to you. The beauty of home learning is that it allows you complete flexibility to fit your studies around your lifestyle and other commitments. You can dedicate as much, or as little, time as you want to your studies - no one will be chasing you for your work or asking why you haven’t submitted an assignment.

We do strongly recommend, though, that before you purchase a course you assess your ability to commit the necessary time to completing the course in a timeframe that will not leave you losing your motivation.

Will I have to sit an examination?

All of our courses are accredited, so you need to show that you have acquired the knowledge to pass the course – this may involve sitting an examination, but it depends on the course you have chosen.

Some courses require you to be continually assessed throughout the course, while others may require an end of course exam or assignment (which may be completed at home) to be submitted to your tutor.

Certain types of qualifications, A-levels and GCSEs for example, do require you to sit invigilated exams at a registered test centre. You will need to organise and pay for the examinations yourself, however full details of what you need to do will be available from the centre who are delivering the qualification.

If in doubt, please email [email protected], NCC can then discuss or put you in touch directly with the course provider.

Will I receive a qualification when I complete the course?

All of our courses are accredited and you will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course.

For more information about this please see the section of the website that details how awarding bodies work and what the different types of qualifications are: https://www.ncchomelearning.co.uk/awarding-organisations

Can I take more than one course at a time?

Yes, you can take as many courses as your time allows, but we would recommend that you clearly evaluate how much time you can commit to your courses of study.

The good news is that if your circumstances change you can always take a limited break and come back to your studies to save your paid for support.

If you decide to enrol on more than one course at the same time, speak to our enquiries team for any bundle deals or offers.

Can I study from outside the UK?

Certainly, in most instances, there are no geographical constraints on where you can undertake your studies. However, it's important to note that specific courses may be subject to geographical limitations imposed by the Awarding Organisation, and these restrictions will be clearly stated in the course description.

You just need to be aware that all tutors are based in the UK and work may need to be submitted to them via post, although in most cases e-mail can be used.

Where the course requires that you sit an invigilated exam at a test centre, there are many exam centres outside of the UK. However, we would advise that you check with us before purchasing one of these courses if you want to study from abroad.

What if I’ve chosen the wrong course?

If, after receiving the course, you decide it isn’t the right course for you, you may return the materials within 14 days, provided you have not yet submitted any coursework for evaluation. Please note that you will be responsible for covering the return shipping costs. We will refund your payment, minus a non-refundable deposit of £29. Additionally, you have the option to select an alternative course that better matches your goals and aspirations.

For any help on cancelling your course please email [email protected], we will only deal with cancellation enquiries via email.

What is a Totum Card?

Totum is the new brand for UK student cards and replaces the old NUS student card. NCC students are eligible to sign-up for the Totum card where applicable, giving access to a multitude of retail, food and travel special discounts. For more information, you can visit their website: https://www.totum.com/

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Reviews from learners who completed...

Environmental Science Diploma

M Byrne
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80%

“Diploma in Environmental Science Module Rating ”

The modules are very comprehensive

Farai Kazungu ,