A Level Environmental Studies

A Level Environmental Studies

Study of environmental sciences is fascinating in its own right, and the Environmental Studies A Level is a valuable asset for a number of careers and further studies.  The central theme of the environmental studies course is how different events and cycles within the environment interrelate, how they influence subsequent environmental events, and the human impacts on the environment and how they can be minimised. Key aspects examined during the course include wildlife conservation, pollution, global climate change and sustainability.

The A Level Environmental Studies course will enable you to gain a deep and well-informed insight into the environment and the processes that control and affect it.

The current environmental studies course is a complete revision of the AQA GCE Environmental Science specification, updated to reflect latest environmental issues.

It is expected that you will carry out investigating activities appropriate to a range of environmental systems, and that you will carry out practical work, wherever possible out in the environment. The development and use of practical skills is integral to each unit in the environmental studies course. You will also be taught to plan and carry out investigations, and to interpret data and comprehend relevant environmental texts.

Entry Requirements

The A Level Environmental Studies builds from the knowledge gained in a range of GCSE science subjects and we recommend that you should have acquired the skills and knowledge associated with a GCSE Science/Additional Science course (or equivalent). However this is not essential to undertake the A Level course.

Where will I go from here?

The Environmental Studies A Level provides an ideal foundation for employment, a range of vocational qualifications and a very wide variety of higher education courses, including degrees in areas related to the environment, geography, geology, science, climate, planning and teaching.

What will I gain?

This course will prepare you to sit the AQA A Level Environmental Studies exam

Assessment

ICS Assessment

  • 4 x tutor marked test papers

External Assessment

  • Exams take place every January and June for the AS Level Exams, and every June for the A2 Level.
  • The first available assessment opportunity for the AS part of the qualification is in January 2012, and then in January and June each year for the lifetime of the specification.
  • The first assessment opportunity for the A2 part of the qualification will take place in the June 2011 series, and in June of each following year for the lifetime of the specification.
  • The four examinations can be taken either individually, or in pairs - after both the AS and A2 - or all four at the end of A2. Each candidate must be assessed in each of the 4 Units to be able to gain an A level.

Details of the 4 papers:

  • Paper 1 (AS Level) comprises of five short answer questions (45 marks) and one structured question (15 marks). All questions are compulsory.
  • Paper 2 (AS Level) comprises eight short answer questions (75 marks) and one structured question including extended prose (15 marks). All questions are compulsory.
  • Paper 3 (A2 Level) comprises seven compulsory short answer/structured/comprehension questions (60 marks) and one essay from a choice of three titles (20 marks).
  • Paper 4 (A2 Level) comprises seven compulsory short answer/structured/comprehension questions (60 marks) and one essay from a choice of three titles (20 marks). Includes synoptic assessment. 

Please note that you are responsible for making your own exam arrangements. You will have to pay an examination fee as well as a centre fee which will vary depending on exam centre.

Find out more information about arranging your examinations.

What will I get?

Because we're experts in home learning, ICS knows about and offers all the support you need along the way. You'll receive study materials that have been specially designed for distance learning, and have access to tutors both online and over the phone.

You'll also be part of the ICS Online Student Community, where you'll have access to library materials and your account information, as well as vital links with your fellow students.

Study Period

18 months

Support period

18 months

Course code

H36

Course cost

£439.00

Additional fees

Centre exam and registration fees are additional to your course fees and these costs may vary according to the exam centre you use.

Find out more information about arranging your examinations.

See your course content

This course prepares candidates for the AQA Environmental Studies A Level syllabus (2440), for examinations in June 2012 and later years. 

The Environmental Studies A Level course is divided into four units: The Living Environment, The Physical Environment, Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution, and Biological Resources and Sustainability.

The Living Environment:

  • This gives an introduction to the biodiversity of life on Earth and investigates why conservation of life is important and the methods which may be used. Issues are illustrated and developed through examples of conservation in the UK, coral reefs, Antarctica and tropical rainforests. The ecological relationships between organisms and their abiotic and biotic environments will be studied to understand conservation problems further and how these might be managed.

The Physical Environment:

  • Physical resources such as atmospheric gases, water and mineral nutrients are essential for life on Earth. You will look at how humans exploit and manage these physical resources to provide higher material living standards, and at how the use of many of these resources is unsustainable.

Energy Resources and Environmental Pollution:

  • You will study the energy resources available for use and look at how future problems with these resources may be resolved. The properties of pollutants will also be examined to explain why some materials or forms of energy cause environmental damage. These issues are developed through the study of atmospheric, aquatic and terrestrial pollutants. Strategies used to minimise and treat releases and to manage the damage caused will also be studied.

Biological Resources and Sustainability:

  • You will study the factors controlling human population growth in relation to the demands placed on the planet's resources. Food production and forestry systems will be analysed, with particular emphasis on limiting factors and the associated environmental problems.

You can either pay for your course in full or opt for a monthly payment plan.

Standard Course Fee: £439

Or speak to one of our course advisors now for payment plans.

 

Centre exam and registration fees are additional to your course fees and these costs may vary according to the exam centre you use.

Find out more information about arranging your examinations.