What you will study
You will study the theoretical, practical and legal frameworks promoting sustainable environmental management and other drivers for sustainable behaviour at individual, institutional and governmental scales. You will learn how to innovate, respond to new and emerging challenges and work effectively in changing and unfamiliar situations.
The programme is made up of four modules, each worth 30 credits, and a research project module worth 60 credits. You will be able to choose from modules which explore aspects of sustainable environmental management, such as water, energy and land resources management and climate change.
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Environmental Management MSc (Core pathway)
Core modules
Green Engineering & Energy Efficiency
30 credits
This module introduces students to the knowledge and practice of sustainable development in engineering industries, and how they can individually, or as part of a team, assess the viability of, and implement such developments.
Specifically, the module will equip the students with a set of skills and abilities to identify, classify and critically describe energy sources, and energy usage performance of engineering systems, components and processes, to minimise industrial waste, scrap and pollution through the use of analytical methods. This would lead to design, specification and manufacture of environmentally benign products. The module delivery is in the format of lectures, tutorials and workshops. A significant part of the teaching time is spent in workshop sessions during which students work in small groups on sustainability of conceptual designs. The teaching material will be influenced by extensive research activities of the academic staff engaged in delivery of the module. Feedback and feed forward in the form of formative assessments will be organised.
Water, Energy and Land Resources Management
30 credits
This module examines the relationship between water, energy and land (including the WEL-nexus), associated environmental management challenges and sustainable management solutions. The module will develop an understanding and critical evaluation of these challenges at a variety of scales through the systematic investigation of the component challenges (water, energy and land), the interface between the components and their relationship to sustainable development.
Research Methods and Techniques
30 credits
This module provides basic skills in research methods and techniques, including geographical information system (GIS) for data storage, manipulation and display. It initially develops GIS skills by introducing GIS concepts, sources for geographical information and outlines basic spatial concepts. Subsequently the module encompasses the theoretical underpinnings to research methods and techniques, including sampling schemes, measurements, quality control issues, and data collection, manipulation and analysis. This together with practical elements of designing research proposals and data testing enables the necessary skills for carrying out independent research work.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Evaluate the use of GIS in the capture, storage and handling, manipulation and analysis of geographical information.
- Critically discuss what a GIS is and develop an understanding of its relevance to key application areas.
- Apply the latest developments in geographical database technology to geographical database case studies.
- Synthesise the literature on a specific topic and identify key researchable issues relating to the literature review.
- With respect to one researchable issue, develop aims and objectives and relevant research methodologies for a specific research project to enable them to meet their aims and objectives.
- Manipulate data using a computer and select, execute and interpret results of appropriate data analytical methods.
The Challenge of Climate Change
30 credits
This module reviews current ideas on climate change and its implications for society. The complexities of this debate and their relevance to a sustainable future for human societies, and to ecosystems and planetary well being, more generally, are explored. Keynote lectures will introduce the science of climate change; uncertainties and challenges in global climate change modelling; implications of climate change predictions; appropriate societal responses; and 'best' strategies for mitigating potential climate change and its impacts. The challenges of policy-making against a background of uncertain science are explored through case studies and role-play scenarios and by site visits.
Research Project
60 credits
This final module provides students with the opportunity to design and execute an original research ‘capstone' project related to their own discipline specific interests, which synthesises their learning. They will develop a theoretically informed body of work that integrates both theory and practice. It may take the form of a dissertation, practice project, or experiment-based project. Following submission students present their findings at a Masters Students Conference.
Optional modules
Professional Placement
120 credits
The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in their chosen discipline. Students may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for the major project or future career.
It is the responsibility of individual students to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the Course Leader, prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. Students seeking placements will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.
