How do we know the real environmental cost of the things we produce and consume? From food systems to global supply chains, Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) provide the tools to uncover hidden impacts and make better sustainability decisions.
This microcredential from Aberystwyth University offers a practical introduction to LCA. While the course is framed around agriculture and farming, the principles you’ll learn apply across a host of industries, making it a valuable skill for anyone working in sustainability, engineering, biotech, consultancy, or supply chain management.
Through interactive online learning, you’ll gain foundational knowledge, hands-on practice, and the confidence to interpret and apply LCA results. Whether you’re new to sustainability or aiming to deepen your expertise, this course helps you see the bigger picture and act on it.
Start with the foundations of LCA
You’ll begin by exploring the core principles of life cycle thinking—what an LCA is, how it works, and why it matters. Step by step, you’ll move through each stage of the process, from defining goals and scope to interpreting results.
With practical examples drawn from agriculture, you’ll start to see how environmental impacts can be identified, measured, and managed in real systems.
Build your toolkit with frameworks and methods
Once you’ve grasped the basics, you’ll explore different LCA approaches and methodologies. You’ll compare attributional and consequential LCA, learn how to assess impacts across categories, and understand how social and sustainability factors can be included to create a fuller picture.
These frameworks will help you evaluate both the strengths and limits of an LCA, giving you confidence to apply the right method in the right context.
Apply your skills to real-world challenges
You’ll then put your knowledge into practice by modelling agricultural carbon footprints and greenhouse gas emissions.
Case studies on livestock farming will highlight the complexities of food production, while discussions on eco-labeling and sustainable supply chains will show how LCA results can drive meaningful change.
By the end, you’ll not only understand LCA in theory but also know how to apply it to practical challenges in your field.
Learn with Aberystwyth University experts
Guided by specialists from Aberystwyth’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), you’ll learn through flexible online modules designed to fit around your schedule.
If you choose to upgrade, you’ll gain the ability to work towards academic credit, dedicated tutor support, and access to additional university resources to further your professional development.
How will the skills you learn help in your career?
Sustainability-related skills are among the fastest-growing worldwide, and LCA expertise is in high demand. This course will prepare you for roles in agriculture, consultancy, food production, retail, policy, and beyond, helping you contribute to environmental reporting, supply chain management, and sustainability strategy.
How will you be assessed?
As part of FutureLearn’s microcredential framework, you’ll have access to two optional practice assignments, with model answers, to get ready for your final credit-bearing assessment, should you wish to work towards additional university credit. There are also a number of quizzes and tests to check and confirm your progress as you move through the course.
If you choose to upgrade to the university accredited assessment, you’ll complete two written submissions (a 1500-word report and a 2500-word literature review), both reviewed through Aberystwyth University’s internal exam boards.
What will you receive?
Once you’ve completed this microcredential, you’ll earn a digital certificate of assessed modules, with transcripts provided after ratification.
You’ll also be eligible to complete additional assignments for university credit if you complete 90% of the course and score a minimum of 70% on the progress tests. Once eligible, you can choose to top up your studies and enrol in the final university-accredited assessment, which costs an additional £650.
If you successfully pass the final assessment, you’ll earn 20 postgraduate university credits from Aberystwyth University, as well as your microcredential course certificate. You can use these credits towards online postgraduate qualifications from Aberystwyth University.
