You are here: / / / Minor in Environmental Studies
An airplane wing against a backdrop of fluffy clouds and a vibrant sunset, seen from a passenger's perspective in the sky.

Minor in
Environmental Studies

The minor in Environmental Studies introduces the student to the major themes in this field, including ecology, environmental ethics and environmental science, and well-known environmental issues such as global warming and climate change, ozone depletion, pollution, and energy and population issues. The minor also allows students to develop their interest in more advanced areas of environmental studies including energy politics, environmental politics, sustainability, and environmental economics.

Goes well with

Related minors

Programme Structure

An undergraduate may complete the requirements of one major and one minor and receive one US degree. A minor is an optional subject of specialisation within the undergraduate degree, which must be outside of the undergraduate major course of study and consist of at least 18 US /72 UK credits. A minor may not be completed independent of an undergraduate degree.

Undergraduates who add a minor to their major degree programme will normally need to complete more than the minimum 120 US/480 UK credits required for graduation. The normal course load for a full-time undergraduate student is 15-16 US/60-64 UK credits a semester. The minimum full-time undergraduate course load is 9 US/36 UK credits a semester.

Minor in Environmental Studies Programme Specification

US Credits

UK Credits
From this list you must take one Level 4 course and two Level 5/6 courses
  • ENVR 4103 Introduction to Environmental Science

    This course covers environmental science topics such as global warming/climate change, ozone depletion, acid rain, pollution, population issues, energy issues, land and water issues, and an introduction to environmental ethics. All topics are addressed from scientific, economic, politico-sociological and ethical standpoints. An awareness and appreciation of global, local, and personal environmental problems are developed, together with the implications of possible solutions. The concept of interrelatedness is a unifying theme throughout the course. Students are encouraged to become aware of/develop an understanding of their own environmental identity.

 4 16
  • ENVR 4101 Earth Systems Science

    This course introduces the major concepts studied in Earth System Science, addressing the Earth’s origins and evolution as an active planet within the solar system. The fundamental processes and interrelationships between the atmosphere, oceans, biosphere and lithosphere are investigated to serve as a basis for understanding natural systems, particularly near or at the Earth’s surface, and the ways in which human activities impact those systems. There is mounting concern about global warming, biodiversity, energy and sustainable development, all of which if not governed poses a threat to the delicate balance of the Earth system. Thus the need to understand the Earth as an interrelated system is more so than ever before.

 4 16
  • ENVR 4102 Ecology and Conservation

    This course provides an examination of the principles of ecology and their application to conservation. Students will explore the complex relationships between organisms and their environments, including population dynamics, species interactions, ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural/anthropogenic causes of species’ decline and extinction. The course covers key topics such as habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species, and conservation strategies at local, regional, and global scales. Special emphasis is placed on understanding and addressing the threats to biodiversity and developing practical solutions for conservation. Through case studies students will gain the skills necessary to critically evaluate conservation challenges and design effective conservation strategies.

 4 16
  • LIBA 5303 Service Learning – Sustainability and Society

    This course helps students make a real difference in the world. Service learning as experiential learning combines community service with academic study. This course will apply service learning to the theoretical, political and sociological conceptions of citizenship and their limitations. Students will work on live projects and challenges to address real-world issues and critically reflect on their role as agents in communities and as legal and social citizens. Skills will be gained from working on a project with charities, NGOs, or non-profit organisations on citizenship concepts which will enable the student to critically reflect through service-learning. This course builds professional, entrepreneurial and personal skills to engage with a variety of stakeholders. This course is underpinned by JEDI approaches to justice, equality, diversity and inclusion across the global community.

 4 16
  • INTR 5103 Globalisation, Development and Environment

    This course addresses the complex interactions between the phenomenon of globalization and both environmental concerns and objectives for international development. The concept of globalization and the history of this phenomenon are interrogated , along with the political, economic, ideological, and social dilemmas associated with environmental issues. The theory, strategy and methods of global development are addressed in this context, while engaging with a range of relevant global actors and institutions.

 4 16
  • POLS 6102 Sustainable Development

    This course introduces students to the process of development project evaluation, in the context of the theory and practice of sustainable development. The course enables students to focus on the political, social and economic complexity of managing a specific sustainable development in the developing world. Methods of evaluation are explored, decided upon and utilised in the production of a Project Evaluation Document (PED) for a sustainable development project of choice. Issues such as livelihoods, gender, environmental impact, measurement, participation and consultation processes are raised, though the context varies across urban/rural and blue-green-brown issues depending on the specific project chosen for evaluation.

 4 16
Minor Requirements 12 48

The University reserves the right to cancel or replace programmes and/or courses for which there is insufficient enrolment or concerns about academic standards, or for which the University cannot provide adequate teaching resources. Reasonable and appropriate effort is made to ensure that the content of courses corresponds with the descriptions in the University’s Programme and Course Listings.

For more detailed information on each of the course specifications, please visit our webpage here.

What is the Liberal Arts?

We understand that not everyone is familiar with the Liberal Arts education system. That is why we have produced a short guide explaining the structure at Richmond as well as the benefits.

THE LIBERAL ARTS
Three illustrations: a group of three people, one person presenting to boards, and another hiking towards mountains on a curved path.

A person is using a laptop.
Careers & Internships
Although optional, the Internship Programme is an important element of our undergraduate and Master’s degrees.

Learn more ➝
The Stay Club – North Acton
Accommodation
A great opportunity to experience what our new campus facility in the award-winning, state of the art Chiswick Park can offer you.

Learn more ➝
People sit at a table and view a laptop.
Fees & Funding
Find out all you need to know about university fees and ways in which we can help you financially.

Learn more ➝
Two people are walking.
Student Life
Student Life is our university’s dedicated microsite for information related to what is going on across our campus.

Learn more ➝