Harper Adams University - Prospectus 2024

Ever wondered howwe begin to mitigate the effects of climate change? Howwe protect land for conservation whilst balancing the needs of society? Or howwe manage agricultural intensification and the demands of a growing population? Then Environmental Management and Sustainability might be for you. Modern environmental management is a challenging multi-disciplinary field. Nature conservation and the use of natural landscapes need a careful balance so that commercial and leisure activities don’t conflict. The Environmental Management and Sustainability programme at Harper Adams is built around the water- energy-food nexus. This route will focus on a wide range of topics with specialisms in climate change, project and business management, and the management of land for conservation, recreation and food production. A key focus will be practical approaches to maintaining a healthy environment; including biodiversity, clean water and air, and safety from natural hazards (such as floods and extreme weather). As a student at Harper, you can expect to develop the skills needed to address sustainable development issues and produce future-thinking solutions. All our courses are interdisciplinary in nature, so be prepared to gain a wide range of insights and expertise as you learn alongside students from other course areas. You will also be provided with all the background theory and practical applications of techniques, so you can find your own specialist area of interest yourself! Ultimately, when you gradate, you will have become a competent practitioner with a good understanding of science, policy and regulation. You’ll also have gained all the hands-on experience needed to collect, analyse and interpret relevant data for a potential future in research. Career routes include: • Environmental Surveyor and Auditor • Environmental Manager • Sustainability Manager • Forestry Officer • Land-based and Environmental Consultant • Renewable Energy Officer • Countryside Manager • Environmental Education Officer Graduates will find a diverse range of employment opportunities from environmental consultants specialising in sustainable business and environmental land management, to professionals. Employers include public and private organisations, such as NGOs (like the National Trust) through to local authorities and the Environment Agency. AboutEnvironment, Sustainability and Wildlife * Harry Vernon returned to university in his 30s because he wanted to devote the rest of his career to protecting the environment. “I chose the [environmental management] course as it gives a solid understanding of a broad range of land management disciplines, as well as the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience in my placement year. “Having so much green space on campus has been a huge plus, as well as the opportunity to undertake additional training certificates through Harper’s Land-based Skills Programme. “I have also loved having Aqualate Mere Nature Reserve just a stone’s throw away as I’ve been able to volunteer there with Natural England and add more practical experience to my CV. “Starting university with a variety of professional skills and experiences was an advantage – but achieving good results throughout my first year has settled any doubts I had that I wasn’t cut out for the academic side of the degree. “It’s never too late to start something new! Even in your 30s, by the time you finish studying you’ll still have at least 25-30 years left in your working life, so it makes sense to spend them doing something you love.” Read more. 48 | UNDERGRADUATE PROSPECTUS 2024 Student Story: Harry Vernon *subject to validation