< Back to Courses

A-Level Environmental Science course – AQA

This self study online A-Level Environmental Science Course specification enables students to gain an insight into the environment and the scientific processes that control and affect it.

The central theme of this Environmental Science Course is to develop an understanding of how different events and cycles within the environment interrelate, how they influence subsequent environmental events, the human impacts on these events and cycles, and the strategies that can be used to minimise the problems caused.


Qualification: A-Level Environmental Science 
Start Date: Anytime - We enrol 365 days a year 
AQA Specification: Code A7447
Exams: Book your own exams and fieldwork. 
Price: Interest-Free Finance
Type of Study: Study online  - Self study

This course is also available as a Fast Track A Level Environmental Science option allowing learners to complete in under a year. 

Require a Company or School Invoice? You can request an invoice here.

Course Details

Course Syllabus

Learners will complete 7 units of study in total as listed below.

SECTION 1: THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT
  • Conditions for life on Earth
  • Conservation of biodiversity
  • Life processes in the biosphere and conservation planning
  • Opportunities for skills development and independent thinking
SECTION 2: THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
  • The hydrosphere
  • Mineral resources
  • Biogeochemical cycles
SECTION 3: ENERGY RESOURCES
  • The importance of energy supplies in the development of society
  • The impact of the features of energy resources
  • The sustainability of current energy resource exploitation
  • Strategies to secure future energy supplies
  • New energy conservation technologies
SECTION 4: POLLUTION
  • The properties of pollutants
  • Strategies to control pollutants
  • Ionising radiation
  • Noise
  • Solid Wastes
  • Heavy metals
  • Acid mine drainage
  • Nutrient pollution
  • Pesticides
SECTION 5: BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
  • Agriculture
  • Agroecosystems
  • sustainability of agriculture
  • Aquatic food production systems
  • Forest resources
SECTION 6: SUSTAINABILITY
  • Dynamic equilibria
  • Energy
  • Material cycles
  • The circular economy
SECTION 7: RESEARCH METHODS
  • Scientific methodologies
  • Sampling techniques
  • Specialist techniques
  • Fieldwork and laboratory activities
  • Standard environmental techniques

View Official AQA specification here

Entry Requirements

There are no previous qualifications required to register for this course.

Course Duration

This course comes with 24 months of support included:

Guided Learning Hours (GLH) – 360 Hours
Total Qualification Time (TQT) – 700 Hours

Tutors & Support

All learners have access to a qualified tutor via email for the stated support period. In addition to this, you are able to speak to our support team via telephone with any query you may have relating your course.

Our tutors and support team have years of experience in delivering online and distance learning courses. If you require help, then we are only a phone call away.

Assessment

As part of this course students must undertake fieldwork which meets the minimum requirement of 4 days. Fieldwork will need to be booked via an external examination centre. Please note, it is your responsibility to source and book your fieldwork and examinations. Fieldwork will need to be completed by the end of March each year.

Assessment of the knowledge and understanding of the fieldwork skills in this course will be by written exams only. Overall, at least 15% of the marks for A-level Environmental Science qualification will require the assessment of fieldwork skills.

Paper 1:
Type: Written examination
Duration: 3 hours
Assessed: Any content from sections 2, 3, 4 and 7
Assessment format: A combination of multiple-choice, short answer and extended writing questions

Paper 2:
Type: Written examination
Duration: 3 hours
Assessed: Any content from sections 1, 5, 6 and 7
Assessment format: A combination of multiple-choice, short answer and extended writing questions

Please note: It is your responsibility to source and books your fieldwork and examinations. Your fieldwork skills will be assessed within the written exams. Overall, at least 15% of the marks for A-Level Environmental Science qualification will require the assessment of these skills.

Examination Fees

As a private candidate, it is the student’s responsibility to arrange their own examinations and practical assessment if required. This is not part of the service offered by UK Open College.

This should be done prior to enrolment with us. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the necessary arrangements in place & confirmed.

Fees for these services can vary hugely from centre to centre. It may be worth travelling out of the area. (It’s worth it)
You can view a list of official AQA approved examination centres here 

The later you leave it to arrange, the more expensive it can be. At times, it can be impossible to arrange so plan ahead. (8 months minimum recommended)

Your contract with us is for the course and support only. We will not refund you outside of the 14 days cooling-off period if you have not confirmed these arrangements with your selected centre.

Enquire & confirm with your chosen centre, do not leave it to chance!

UCAS Points & Predicted Grades

All of our A Levels will provide you with UCAS points upon successful completion of your examinations. The amount you receive will depend on the grade achieved as detailed below. Tutors can also provide predicted grades for university based on your completed assessments within the course.

The majority of our A Levels will require a minimum of 3 completed assignments and correspondence to provide a predicted grade. We would advise you register for your course 3 months in advance of when you need a predicted grade for.  Eg: if you require a predicted grade for January, then you should enrol in Sept and aim to compete the 3 tutor marked assessments by December. 

GRADE ACHIEVED UCAS POINTS AWARDED
A* 56
A 48
B 40
C 32
D 24
E 16

 

Payments plans - Guaranteed acceptance*

Select whether to pay in full upon enrolment or opt to pay a deposit and spread the cost with our Interest-free payment plan.  *Guaranteed acceptance for those who meet the following conditions:

Aged 18 and above (Maximum age 75)
Permanent resident in the UK
Be able to provide 3 years of address history from the UK
Have a UK bank account that accepts direct debits
Hold a valid UK credit or debit card

Please note: We do not carry out credit checks

Alternative payment plans may be available for those that do not meet these conditions. Please speak to a member of our team who will be happy to assist on 0121 792 3872.

Applicants choosing the monthly option will be required to complete and sign a financial agreement for the remaining payments.  All payments to be set up via direct debit.  We are only able to set up monthly payments for students resident in the UK. 

Please note: Once a payment plan is set up, you are liable to pay the course fees in full whether you complete the course or not.  Please ensure the monthly repayments are affordable before agreeing to any payment plan offered.

Trustpilot - Read what our students think !

UK Open College Reviews

Read what our learners are saying about their learning experience with UK Open College. 100% genuine comments left by students that have actually completed their studies. Trustpilot is the largest independent website for customer reviews in the UK.

14 Day Money Back Guarantee

Once received at your requested delivery address, you have 14 days to ensure this course meets your needs and requirements. If for any reason you are not happy, simply return your course pack unused for a refund.*

*Minus postage. An admin fee is deducted from any deposit refunded if a finance plan is arranged and then cancelled.

Our full T’s & C’s can be viewed here.

Download Info

    Request a Callback

    Send us your details in the form below and a member of our team will call you as soon as possible.

    If you'd like to speak to us straight away, call 0121 792 3872





    GraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduateGraduate