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High Drop-out Rate Alert

43% of students drop out or transfer from this specific course. Consider asking why on an open day.

Home›The Open University›BA Environmental Studies

BA Environmental Studies

The Open University

Part-timeSubject: Social Sciences

University Page Compare

Course Score

B /69

Graduate Salary

£30,000

Satisfaction

89%

Degree Completion

57%

Professional Jobs

50%

Meaningful Work

85%

AI & Your Career

Based on real AI use at work (Anthropic research, 2026)

23%

Moderate AI impact

Average across where this course's graduates actually work

AI does some of the simpler tasks in these jobs, but most of the work still needs human judgement and skill.

Pick your path - AI impact varies by career

35%Adult Social Worker 35%Children, Family and School Social Workers 35%Criminal Justice Social Worker 6%Mental Health and Healthcare Social Workers

AI impact by graduate destination

Administrative55%

Business and public service associate48%

Managers, directors and senior officials30%

Conservation and environment22%

Teaching18%

🧭 Career Trajectories

This degree creates strong direct pathways into the jobs market. Explore the full career profiles and AI projections on our sister hub, WhatCareer.

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Expected Starting Salary

above national median

Typical starting salary for Social Sciences graduates

Start

Sep 2027

Graduate

2030

First job

~2031

£30,000

typical starting salary

£26,000

£36,500

Brightest = where most graduates land · fades where fewer earn that amount

· Social Sciences graduates nationally earn £20,000-£46,500 (702 courses)

HESA Graduate Outcomes survey · includes all graduates regardless of career path chosen

Where Graduates Work

Top job roles graduates enter after this course

Business and public service associate professionals

★ Professional

15%

Skilled trades occupations

10%

Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations

10%

Managers, directors and senior officials

★ Professional

10%

Conservation and environment professionals

★ Professional

10%

Elementary occupations

Administrative occupations

Teaching Professionals

★ Professional

Caring personal services

Process, plant and machine operatives

Explore Career Pathways

Detailed guides and day-in-the-life profiles for careers related to this degree.

Adult Social Worker

Explore this career path in depth, including typical tasks, salary scales, and long-term progression.

Read full guide

Children, Family and School Social Workers

Explore this career path in depth, including typical tasks, salary scales, and long-term progression.

Read full guide

Criminal Justice Social Worker

Explore this career path in depth, including typical tasks, salary scales, and long-term progression.

Read full guide

Mental Health and Healthcare Social Workers

Explore this career path in depth, including typical tasks, salary scales, and long-term progression.

Read full guide

Outcomes

57%

Continuation

50%

Professional Work

85%

Meaningful Role

70%

Career On Track

What comes next? 🎓

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