Level 3 Qualifications - Sustainability

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You should take this certificate qualification if you want a small Level 3 qualification that builds applied knowledge and skills in sustainability. This qualification is the same size as an AS Level qualification so it is a one year course. It focuses on the basics of sustainability covering climate education, sustainable practices, linear vs circular economies and greenwashing. It is an opportunity to study real-world organisations and making solid suggestions for a greener future. It is suitable for students who want to develop applied knowledge and skills in sustainability whilst learning specialist subject knowledge and transferable skills that complement their Level 3 post-16 study programme in a similar way to an EPQ.

Unit 1: Fundamentals of Sustainability

In this unit you will learn about the key topics relevant to sustainability including the interrelationships of the three pillars of sustainability.

Topics include: Understanding Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability, Economic Sustainability, Social Sustainability and Communicating and Reporting Sustainable Practices.

This unit is assessed by a 1 hour and 15 minute exam.

Unit 2: Sustainability in Practice

In this unit you will learn about the practices organisations are adopting to become more sustainable, and the technologies that are being used. You will also learn research methodologies and how to analyse data and draw conclusions. You will use this knowledge and understanding to investigate a real organisation’s practices and recommended how they can become more sustainable.

Topics include: Sustainable Practices in Industry, Plan Research, Conduct Data Collection, Analyse Data and Draw Conclusions and Communicate Research Conclusions.

This unit is assessed by a coursework assignment.

At least a Grade 4 in GCSE English Language and a Grade 5 or higher in GCSE Maths. A 5/4 in GCSE Combined Sciences and a grade 5 or above in GCSE Geography is desirable.

Level 3 Certificate in Sustainability opens pathways to employment in the environmental conservation sector which includes jobs like carbon accountant, environment and sustainability lead, sustainability advisor, recycling officer or waste management officer. This qualification is supported and recognised by a range of stakeholders including World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Ellen Macarthur Foundation, Liverpool City Regional Combined Authority plus Siemens and JLR.

The Level 3 Certificate in Sustainability also supports progression in higher education institutes, including Russell Group universities.

Potential degree courses include:

• BA (hons) Business and Sustainability

• BA (hons) Business Management and Sustainability

• BSc (hons) Climate, Sustainability and Environmental Management

• BSc (hons) Environmental Management and Sustainability

• BSc (hons) Environment and Sustainability

• BSc (hons) Geography, Sustainable Development and Climate Change

• BA (hons) Global Sustainability

• BSc (hons) Sustainable Development

• BA (hons) Sustainable Fashion