Higher/Degree Apprenticeship Environmental Practitioner
BSc(Hons) Environmental Management
BSc(Hons) Environmental Management
Page last updated 19 April 2024
Study our vocational Environmental Practitioner apprenticeship to get the BSc(Hons) Environmental Management degree you need to become a qualified environmental management professional for your organisation. Gain the latest knowledge on the environment and sustainability from experts in the field.
Our practice-based Environmental Practitioner apprenticeship (Level 6) provides a solid foundation of knowledge based on the latest research, and a holistic learning experience relevant to many organisations. These range from environmental consultancies to those required to adopt sustainable practices, such as NHS trusts, the Ministry of Defence and local councils.
Our apprenticeship meets an increased need for qualified professionals working in environmental management roles, due to the urgent global demands posed by climate change. This apprenticeship is aimed at practitioners who want to learn more about the environment and sustainability, and who have a passion for making a difference through positive, lasting change.
By focusing on the relationship between the environment and human behaviour, the apprenticeship provides a unique balance between social and natural sciences. You'll gain thorough insight into the science behind core environmental challenges affecting the world today, such as waste management, air quality, water use and management and transport.
Gain knowledge and skills in areas such as sustainable technologies and Geographical Information Systems (GIS), which you'll apply to real-world environmental issues. Through innovative, authentic assessments, you'll also develop consultancy skills which you'll practise in your workplace, from report writing and project management, to podcasts and participatory communication techniques.
Offering a unique blend of social and natural sciences, our apprenticeship includes the emerging discipline of environmental psychology, exploring the relationship between the environment and human behaviour. Through understanding how human factors impact the environment and sustainability, you'll be able to engage with a wide range of stakeholders to encourage their participation in environmental action.
You'll learn from experts in environmental psychology, environmental planning and development, sustainability, and ecology, water and air management. Many of our academics have previously worked in environmental assessment and consultancy roles in the industry, offering real-world professional insight. You'll also receive regular student support through quarterly tripartite meetings, offering opportunities to review your progress.
UWE Bristol is a member of the Bristol Green Capital Partnership network, resulting in many opportunities across the local area. The environmental sector is well-developed in Bristol, as the city is a global leader in sustainability and place leadership. It is renowned for its sustainability initiatives and is currently working towards the One City Climate Strategy (2019-23), making it desirable to study environmental management in this area.
Designed in discussion with employers, this Environmental Practitioner apprenticeship integrates core skills into the learning journey from the outset. This collaboration ensures the skills and knowledge gained are relevant and adaptable to a wide range of organisations with environmental responsibilities.
Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll learn from experts in the field and through research projects across the department. These rich learning opportunities will broaden your knowledge, which you'll apply and share to drive improvements within your workplace, benefitting your team and wider organisation.
Our apprenticeship allows your employer to develop their existing workforce and address sustainability skills gaps within your organisation. You'll study your degree alongside your employment, so you won't need to take significant time away from work. Upskilling you and providing opportunities for you to progress your career can improve employee retention too.
On successful completion of the Environmental Practitioner apprenticeship, you'll achieve a BSc(Hons) Environmental Management degree. This apprenticeship offers an opportunity to achieve a degree while you work, enabling you to progress your career with your employer.
In addition to supporting your development in the workplace, this apprenticeship will help you to understand the career landscape in your sector and plan for your longer-term ambitions. Our award-winning Careers Service is on hand to give you independent advice and guidance at any point in your studies.
This course has been developed in line with the Level 6 Environmental Practitioner (Degree) standard set out by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
The optional modules listed are those that are most likely to be available, but they may be subject to change.
Plus, three optional modules from:
Plus, one optional module from:
*Cannot be taken until all the gateway requirements of the apprenticeship standard have been fulfilled, including the successful achievement of all other required modules.
On successful completion of our Environmental Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship, you'll gain a BSc(Hons) Environmental Management qualification from UWE Bristol.
This degree apprenticeship is delivered through day-release over five years.
You'll spend one day per week engaging with interactive sessions, practical content and exercises to maximise experiential learning using a problem-based approach. As you progress through the course, you'll have the opportunity to specialise in sustainability, biodiversity or rivers and coasts, tailoring your studies to your professional interests.
As an apprentice, you'll benefit from peer learning opportunities with other apprentices and full-time students from BSc(Hons) Environmental Management, providing a rich and diverse learning experience.
You'll also learn through field trips across the UK (subject to funding and employer agreement), offering first-hand experience of environmental management challenges and tools. For example, recent visits have included the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in Wales.
See our glossary of teaching and learning terms.
We've designed an innovative, authentic assessment strategy with an applied focus, reflecting professional practice in organisations relevant to environmental management. You'll be assessed through a range of assessment methods including blog posts, podcasts, reports, presentations, real-world case-based problems and an independent research project.
Learn more about assessments.
We provide support in the way you need it.
A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.
There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.
It is embedded in our culture, teaching and research.
Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.
We use the UCAS Tariff system to make offers to applicants. You can use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to convert your qualifications and grades into points.
You may be able to gain accreditation for prior learning from another institution (Accredited Learning). Or you may be able to get credit for learning achieved through experience that may not be formally accredited (Accredited Experiential Learning). For more information, please see our Accredited Learning (AL) page.
To study an apprenticeship, you need to:
Information about eligibility for apprenticeship funding is available on the GOV.UK website.
If you’re interested in applying and have the support from your employer, speak to your line manager and/or HR team in the first instance for approval. Your employer will contact us so we can send you an application link.
If you’re not employed, you can use the following tools to find an apprenticeship vacancy with an employer:
For more guidance on higher and degree apprenticeship applications.
For course-specific enquiries, please contact the Programme Leader.
For all other enquiries, please email our Apprenticeship Hub apprenticeships@uwe.ac.uk or call +44 (0)117 32 84888.
For further information about Higher and Degree Apprenticeships.