Courses

About The Course

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Environmental Protection is a course that is based upon a broad understanding of the sciences behind much of the environmental remediation and protection actions that take place. This core of science includes some theoretical knowledge of sciences such as biology and environmental chemistry, but more importantly focuses on the application of appropriate techniques in environmental management. The course therefore combines site and field-based monitoring and sampling studies alongside practical laboratory techniques, all within an applied context of real-world problems and solutions. Field and site visits are common in many subjects studied, allowing students to experience a range of appropriate sites (ranging across urban and rural environments) and showing environmental issues and appropriate action taking place.

Students can select from a variety of optional studies focusing on specific environmental issues, ecology, economics, environmental policy and business management.

The course has close links with industry and students benefit from visits to appropriate sites and industries, and talks from practitioners, to find out about the latest developments in the environmental protection sector.

The course normally comprises one year of full-time study for HNC Countryside and Environmental Management, two years for HND Environmental Management & Sustainability, three years for BSc Environmental Protection and four years for BSc (Hons) Environmental Protection.

Students may enrol for the degree from first year (depending on qualifications) or may progress through to the degree through the HNC and HND qualifications. For all students, the first year consists of the HNC year common to all our environmental degrees. In the second year, the HND Sustainable Environmental Management is followed, with students following the Environmental Protection stream within that HND. However, students with any environmental HND can enter the third year of the Environmental Protection degree. Students completing the degree year can then proceed to the honours year, graduating with BSc (Hons) Environmental Protection.

Flexible progression routes mean that direct entry into years 2 or 3 of the degree for students with appropriate higher national or other qualifications is welcomed.

Awards Available

Click on a course title for further details

BSc/BSc (Hons) Environmental Protection

HND Environmental Management and Sustainability

HNC Countryside and Environmental Management by Flexible Learning

HNC Countryside and Environmental Management

Course Content

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Further information is available in SAC's undergraduate prospectus and in our course leaflet, which can be downloaded from this page. Please contact us for further information.

The course is delivered using a mixture of lectures, site and fieldwork visits, laboratory classes, computing sessions, tutorials, seminars and group discussions. Modules are assessed using a combination of techniques, including written assessments (reports, essays, reviews), tests and exams, practicals, and seminars or group work.

Year 1: 

The first year provides a foundation in the environment and sustainability in general, as well as in biological, human impacts and geography and associated sciences. A broad range of topics are covered, including environmental awareness, waste and pollution, planning and land use, ecology and biodiversity. Basic academic and core skills are also developed. Elective choices include business management, transportation studies, and soil management.

Year 2:

The second year builds on topics introduced in first year, in areas such as the application of science to addressing environmental issues, waste and pollution control, and economic issues in resource management. New topics are introduced such as energy production and renewables, land reclamation, freshwater management, environmental management systems, and health and safety issues. There is also emphasis on developing sampling, laboratory and analytical skills. Elective choices may include topics such as habitat management, ecological surveying, education, tourism, marine habitats, and rural development.

Year 3:

The third year provides more advanced theoretical and applied training in analytical and research techniques, in particular in addressing pollution control, pollution impacts, and remediation issues. These issues are put in an applied context through study of the planning and impact assessment issues. Advanced analytical techniques are studied, as are generic research and data handling skills. There are a wide range of elective options, including habitat restoration, GIS, ecology and woodland management, education and tourism, and business/economic studies. 

Year 4:

This year focuses on an Honours Project, where the students choose a topic from a selection offered, or develop their own topic. Other subjects studied include advanced waste reduction and recycling, management of water catchments, and current environmental issues. Additional electives available include sustainable environmental management, environmental economics, biodiversity conservation, environmental modelling and risk assessment, policy analysis, marine ecology, and rural sociology.

Career Opportunities

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Employment pathways for degree graduates include:

• Environmental protection officer with SEPA
• Land Reclamation officer
• Environmental educationalist
• Environmental recruitment consultant

Some graduates have continued their studies at postgraduate level by taking up one of a wide range of MSc or PhD opportunities that are available to them.

Please refer to the external weblinks for one of the many environmental jobs sites, for more information on current careers opportunities.

Course Contacts

Ayr Course Contact

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Ayr Campus General Contact

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Edinburgh Course Contact

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Edinburgh Campus General Contact

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Student Experiences

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Ros McNally is in her final year of the Environmental Protection honours degree.

“I left school and moved to London to work in the City’s financial sector. When I had my daughter, my priorities changed and I was no longer happy to do a job lining someone else’s pocket! So I moved back to Scotland and looked for employment in the environment industry. I quickly realised that I needed a suitable qualification before I could find a job that I wanted.

I chose this course because I have always had a conscience about the environment and feel that we should try to live our lives as much as possible in harmony with the laws of nature: when you take, you should give back ... always addressing balance. Working in the field of environmental protection would go some way to achieve this, perhaps making a positive difference to the environment for us and our future generations.

I found out about SAC through friends. The course looked exciting, so here I am! Ayr is perfect for this type of course - it has an amazing array of habitats, woodlands, ponds, a river, all types of farms and very beautiful, history-soaked surroundings. It is a very inspiring place, not only to study, but just to be.

I’ve now been an SAC student for three years and I’m loving it! My study has far exceeded my expectations - it’s interesting, stimulating, and perfectly focused for my future career aspirations.

During the summer between third and fourth year I worked in the Farm Business Office at Ayr as part of the Trust Traineeship Scheme. I was involved in an environmental project looking at a Biogas Plant feasibility study on the Isle of Bute. This related well to the renewable energy aspects of my course. The placement was an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience and I am interested in a career in environmental consultancy when I complete my degree”.