Foundation Degree in Environmental Health

Foundation Degree in Environmental Health
UCAS code:
The Programme
The programme provides opportunities for people in the local area who want to study for established careers as Environmental Health Practitioners or Environmental Health Officers. There are only thirteen other institutions in the UK who offer higher level Environmental Health programmes; and there are none in the local area. The programme is supported by local public sector employers, who will contribute to the programme as guest lecturers and as providers of work based learning opportunities.
The Programme Content
The programme encompasses all aspects of environmental health work, and will produce graduates with a general knowledge of environmental health from which professional specialisms may be developed.
Law forms a strong component of the programme, with modules in both years. It is essential that Environmental Health Practitioners understand the legal framework and the processes of gathering evidence.
There are several scientifically oriented modules which will require students to take part in laboratory work and field work. Environmental Health Practitioners must have a familiarity with pollutants and how these may contaminate the environment.
Housing is another important feature, and this subject is studied in combination with physical infrastructures.
Students are also required to fulfil a major work based learning project in the first year, and a large scale research project in the second year, to encourage the development of industrial and academic competencies.
Module Descriptions
The programme consists of fourteen 20 credit modules as follows:
Study Skills: Work Based Learning: Introduction to Earth Systems: Introduction to Micro Organisms: Scientific Principles: Public Health: Introduction to Environmental Health Law: Built Environment and Infrastructures: Health and Safety: Pollution, Health and Environment: Research Methods: Food and Disease: Psychology and Communication: Environmental Health Law.
Entry Requirements
Mode of Study
Full time over two years.
Part time over three years.
Timetabled Days
Full time students will attend on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Costs
Purchase of laboratory clothing and safety equipment such as eye protectors. Field based experimental work and off site visits will require contribution of transport costs. Students will be required to purchase their own USB memory sticks and will need to purchase some texts for the course. There will also be a small fee charged for photocopying.
Progression Careers
It is expected that Foundation Degree graduates will establish careers in local authority Environmental Health Departments at a junior level. To gain Environmental Health Officer status, students should progress to a Bachelors Degree in either one or two further years of study.