Programme Content

               

 

 

 

Introduction

Environmental issues impact on us all. This programme combines theory, leading edge research and practical experience to find workable solutions to current and future environmental problems, and help you to develop as a professional graduate in environmental and sustainability issues.


UK-specific contents may not be applicable to HK students
 

Programme Features 

High ranking
Northumbria is ranked 12th in the UK for Earth & Marine Sciences (The Guardian University Guide 2024)


Employable graduates
91% graduates in 2021 were employed within 6 months upon graduation.  Our graduates have progressed to work in related fields of environmental sciences and ecology such as Nature Interpreter in Eco-Education and Resources Centre, and Environmental Manager in an engineering company.


Modules

Geography and Environment Dissertation

This module is designed to support you in independently pursuing an original piece of research on a geographical or environmental topic of your own choice. You will develop your research skills in answering research questions/hypothesis on a dissertation topic within the social, humanities, natural and environmental disciplines.

Translating Environmental Science into policy, outreach and decision making

On this module you will work towards completing a small piece of Application, Outreach or Decision making, the topic of which will be dependent staff expertise and partner engagement.
The aim of the module is to explore, understand, practice and evaluate means of environmental engagement. The module will help you to develop the skills required to support the implementation of environmental programmes and change the environmental agenda at all levels of society.

Advanced Geospatial Applications

You will learn about the design and implementation of geospatial applications using evidence-based practice extending practical knowledge of the techniques and analysis tools. You will be taught advanced concepts of method design and how to cost and respond to a tender request. You will also learn advanced IT skills on data compilation, download, generation, analysis, interpretation and presentation within the context of ‘fitness of use’ using image processing and GIS software.

Applied Ecology and Conservation Management

In this module you will explore the policies and practice of conservation, using examples from around the world. You will find out how the conservation value of a site is assessed in the UK (and in other countries), how to map a river for ecologically sensitive engineering, how climate change is affecting the distribution of species and habitats and the challenges of managing a site for conservation and other conflicting uses. The module combines professional practice focused on careers and challenging contemporary ideas.

Environmental Pollution and Health

In this module, you will develop a holistic viewpoint on issues surrounding environmental pollution, pollution impacts on human health, and approaches to pollution management and mitigation. You will engage with a range of contemporary issues across air quality management, contaminated land and water pollution; appreciate the wider context of historical pollution; analyse and interpret environmental data using a range of modelling techniques (for example, contaminated land software, atmospheric dispersion modelling software) and evaluate different types of interventions that can be used to alleviate/control the effects/impacts of pollutants. On completion of the module, your ability to link theory and application will serve to enhance your future employment prospects.

 

Assessment

Presentation, reports and dissertation, etc.

 

 

 

 

Recognition

QF Level

 

QF Level : Level 5
QR Registration No. : 18/000119/L5
Validity Period : 01/09/2018 - 31/08/2025

 

 

Importance of choosing a non-local top-up with QF Level 5

Employment
  • Degree qualifications pitched at QF Level 5 are formally recognised by the HKSAR Government for employment purposes within the Civil Service for graduate posts.

Further Studies
  • Having been recognised at QF Level 5, this top-up degree programme meets the standard of locally-accredited bachelor's degree programmes.  Upon graduation, students can pursue their further studies at Master’s degree level in Hong Kong and Overseas.

Financial Assistance and Scholarships


 
Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

Holders of one of the following VTC Higher Diplomas (HD):

  • HD in Environmental Science (Green Management, Natural Resources, or Tree Management Streams)
  • HD in Environmental Protection and Management
  • HD in Environmental Resources Management

OR

Holders of Higher Diploma (HD) or Associate Degree (AD) or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area awarded by a recognised institution will also be considered.

 

English Proficiency Requirements

  • Applicants holding post-secondary qualifications (e.g. Higher Diploma, Associate Degree) taught and assessed in English from recognised institutions;

OR

  • At least an overall IELTS score of 6.5 (with a minimum score of 5.5 in each component), or TOEFL 575 (paper-based) or 232 (computer-based) or 89 (internet-based), or Pearson 62, or equivalent.




     
Fees & Funding

Fees

  • Application Fee : HK$200 (No application fee before the deadline!)
  • Registration Fee : HK$3,500
  • Tuition Fee : HK$84,010 by 2 instalments


Scholarships

A variety of attractive scholarships are available to current and graduating SHAPE students

 

Financial Aids 

The following HKSAR Government financial assistance schemes are available to eligible students who pursue this programme at SHAPE:


Financial Assistance Schemes
 
Amount (HK$)
Non-means-tested Subsidy Scheme (NMTSS) Up to $34,390 per year 
[AY2024/25]
Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-secondary Students (FASP)

 Up to $91,040
(Tuition fee grant)

Up to $8,810
(Academic expenses grant)

Up to 57,340
(Living expenses loan)

[AY2023/24]

Non-means-tested Loan Scheme for Post-secondary Students (NLSPS)  Up to the annual tuition fees payable in the academic year


For details including eligibility and subsidy amount, please refer to the hyperlink of each scheme.

 

Career Prospects/ Further Studies

Career Prospects

91% graduates in 2021 were employed within 6 months upon graduation.  Our graduates have progressed to work in related fields of environmental sciences and ecology such as Nature Interpreter in Eco-Education and Resources Centre, and Environmental Manager in an engineering company.
 

 

"The programme has equipped me with important professional knowledge required in the field of environmental science.  This has greatly enhanced my employability and career prospects."

 

Leung Chun Hang

BSc (Hons) Environmental Science

  • ​Nature Interpreter / Eco-Education and Resources Centre (ERC)

 

Further Studies

  • Having been recognised at QF Level 5, this top-up degree programme meets the standard of locally-accredited bachelor's degree programmes.  Upon graduation, students can pursue their further studies at Master’s degree level in Hong Kong or Overseas.
  • Graduates of this top-up degree programme can enjoy a 20% alumni tuition fee discount when they study a Master’s degree at Northumbria University’s UK campuses (London or Newcastle)

 

 

Connect with Us

Programme Coordinator Dr. Ngai Ka Po
Tel. no. 2256 7137
Email kpngai@vtc.edu.hk

 

 

Connect with SHAPE Community


Connect with Northumbria Community

 

Registration No. : 252502. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognise any qualification to which this course may lead.