There’s a national need for environmental managers and this online MSc Environmental Management degree is designed to help you become one. It’s also ideal preparation for other fields of work, such as environmental consultancy or pollution control. Because it’s available to study online, it allows you to choose the most convenient time and place to study, fitting in around your work or personal commitments.
Climate Change pathway option
Due to the growing importance of climate change and its impact on informing national and regional decision making and policy development, we have introduced a specialist pathway – MSc Environmental Management (Climate Change). An ideal choice if you wish to gain insight into this dynamic area. The climate change pathway assumes no specialist climate change knowledge.
Accredited by Professional Bodies
Accredited by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), our MSc Environmental Management gives you Associate Membership of this professional body, bringing benefits such as free events and publications that keep you updated on important changes in legislation.
In addition, the MSc Environmental Management is also accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) and the Committee of Heads of Environmental Sciences, (CHES). This means that once you enrol on the course, you are automatically eligible for student membership of the Institution, which is free of charge. On completion of the course, student members are automatically eligible to become Associate Members.
Popular with those already in work
This degree is a popular choice for those already working in roles that require a good understanding of the principles of environmental management and their application, or who are looking for career development and progression into similar areas.
Online study is a great way of fitting professional development around your other commitments. Course modules still operate within a fixed trimester but you can choose to study during the day, in the evenings or at the weekend rather than having to attend fixed lectures.
Accrue qualifications along the way – not just at the very end
We would encourage you to complete the full MSc, but if you aren’t able to, you can still gain awards along the way.
Complete three modules (60 credits), you'll be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert)
Complete a further three modules (60 credits) gives you a Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip)
To gain the full MSc, you will then need to take an additional Independent Study (triple module, 60 credits).
Stage 1/Postgraduate Certificate: To complete Stage 1 (PG Cert.), you must take three modules (60 credits).
MSc Environmental Management: You must take three core modules. You will start the course by taking the Critical Issues in the Environment module. MSc Environmental Management (Climate Change): You must take two core modules - Critical Issues in the Environment and Environmental Policy and Law. You can then select your third module from the two optional modules listed below.
Stage 2/Postgraduate Diploma: To complete Stage 2 (PG Dip.), you must take three modules (60 credits).
MSc Environmental Management: You will need to complete the core module and choose two optional modules from the selection below. Academic guidance will be provided when selecting your optional modules and to discuss your progression through the programme. MSc Environmental Management (Climate Change): You will need to complete all of the core modules from Stages 1 and 2. The third module will be the remaining optional module from Stage 1.
Stage 3/Masters: To gain the full MSc, you must complete the Independent Scholarly Activity which is a triple module, worth 60 credits.
IMPORTANT: This module is only available if you are studying the MSc Environmental Management (Climate Change).
The aim of this module is to provide a critical analysis of the nature of climate change during the recent past, present and near-future and, in light of likely environmental, economic and social impacts, the range of adaptation strategies that society might adopt. It also seeks to develop a sound understanding of relationships between climate change, impacts and selection of appropriate adaptation strategies extensive use will be made of recent case-studies from developed counties, Economies in Transition (or EITs), and developing countries.
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
Critically assess the current state of knowledge regarding the causes and patterns of climate change over a range of timescales
Critically review the differential impacts of climate change on human and physical systems, circulation of the atmosphere; global patterns of temperature and precipitation; the greenhouse effect and impacts upon the human realm
Demonstrate a critical understanding of the range of adaptation strategies that countries and/or regions might adopt to offset the impacts of climate change.
Topics covered may include:
The climate system: interaction and change.
Internal and external controls of climate change.
Human responses to climate change impacts in the context of developed vs. developing economies.
IMPORTANT: This optional module is only available if you are studying the MSc Environmental Management (Climate Change).
The aim of this module is to provide a critical analysis of the nature of mitigation strategies in response to climate change during the present and near-future. It also seeks to develop a sound understanding of relationships between climate change, impacts and selection of appropriate mitigation strategies and will make use will be made of recent case-studies from developed counties, Economies in Transition (or EITs), and developing countries.
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
Elucidate the threats of climate change over a range at regional and global scales
Demonstrate a critical understanding of the breadth of mitigation approaches to offset the threats posed by climate change
Critically assess the effectiveness of mitigation frameworks and strategies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implications of doing nothing.
Topics covered may include:
The climate system: interaction and change; atmospheric, ocean, land, ice, biospheric components including human activity
Mitigation strategies in the short- and medium-terms (pre-2030), and longer term (post-2030)
Managing energy supply to mitigate climate change
Industrial, agricultural and forestry-based mitigation of climate change and the role of emission targets and GHG reduction policies
The effectiveness of current policies to address GHG emissions
This module will be a tutorial-based module where generic aspects will be taught at the beginning to all online students together. From here you will pick a special topic or relevant work-based aspect and through tutorial learning develop an in-depth appreciation presented in a report or a paper type format. This module offers an opportunity for you to identify, plan and negotiate a topic of learning with regards to some critical issues in the environment. It can be particularly beneficial for you if you are carrying out work-based learning where you can have the opportunity to explore and research a particular topic of interest in detail.
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
Identify and make a study plan to undertake critical analysis on an aspect within the field of environment
Critically evaluate the literature background for the selected topic within the context of the investigation
Execute the investigation through a study design through generation of primary data, or a critical evaluation and review of primary/secondary data, and present the findings as a report or research paper.
Topics covered may include:
Generic Aspects: Global human-environment interactions affecting global environmental issuessuch as acoustics, environmental pollution, environment risk and impact, energy conservation and management, impacts of environmental contaminants on human health will be outlined.
Critical Issue Selection: A critical issue will be selected (in consultation with the student, module leader and the teaching team where only certain topics will be available in any one year) from the current areas of expertise available within the subject area (e.g. Climate Change) and the method of study identified.
Implementation Of The Study: Tutorials will support the investigation through the development of a study proposal and its implementation.
This module aims to develop a sound understanding of the importance and application of environmental management systems, within business, enabling you to deal with day-to-day environmental management and auditing work to prepare contingency plans for emergency situations and stakeholder groups. Case studies and group work are important features of the delivery of this module.
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to
Demonstrate a critical awareness of the importance of, implications of, and tools available to assist in environmental management issues
Demonstrate an awareness of the role of environmental auditing within business and possess the ability to carry out an environmental audit
Work effectively with others to assess the impacts of an organisation on the environment and develop an appropriate environmental management system programme for improvement.
Topics covered may include:
Environmental and sustainability principles
Environmental Policy Issues
Environmental and Sustainability development in a business context
Use of environmental management and assessment tools
Processes for effective internal and external stakeholder communication
Methods to influence behaviour and implement change to improve sustainability.
Environmental policy and law is a rapidly expanding field that is becoming central to successful business management. The first part of the module will concentrate on the political and legislative structure that initiates, implements, polices or influences environmental law in the UK. It also takes into account the great influence that European policy has on present UK environmental policy. The second half of the module then concentrates on the actual regulations, laws and stated policy frameworks that influence how the environment is managed.
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
Critically evaluate the use of Common Law system to protect the environment and human health
Demonstrate a critical understanding of current environmental/health issues and how policy and legislation are used to mitigate the potential impacts
Critically evaluate the role and effectiveness of the main institutions and frameworks for implementing appropriate interventions.
Topics covered may include:
The nature of Environmental Policy and Law: introduction, history, principles, sources, institutions and organisations in environmental law
International environmental law: history, sources, international law and the European Union, international law and the UK, major international agreements
European environmental law: developments, review, EU environmental law and the UK
Regulation of environmental law: standards and standard-setting, enforcement, mechanisms to monitor and improve regulation
The UK Legislative Framework and the environment: sources, classification and associated judicial systems, interpretation, enforcement, environmental policy and regulatory regime, Common Law in the protection of the environment
Town and country planning: planning objectives and the environment, development - planning application and permission, appeal, planning law and environmental protection
Environmental assessment: legal mechanisms of environmental impact assessment (EIA) and strategic environmental assessment (SEA)
Industrial Pollution Control regimes: Environmental Permitting: Integrated Pollution Control (IPC), Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC), environmental permitting regulations and enforcement
Air quality and climate change, waste, contaminated land, water, noise: legislation, regulation, management
Organisational management in an environmental management/health context: environmental management in practice, the future of environmental law and its regulation.
This module aims to develop a sound capability to evaluate the distribution and impact of a range of contaminants in the different compartments of the environment. Impacts of the use of conventional and renewable energy sources are highlighted in the context of energy conservation and management. The module further aims to contextualise environmental monitoring and assessment towards pollution prevention, control and management.
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
Review and critically assess conventional and renewable energy resources and appreciate the link between energy efficiency, energy conservation and energy management systems
Identify the sources and effects of contaminants in the different compartments of the environment: air, water, land, biota, and critically appreciate the strategies to prevent, control, and manage environmental pollution towards a sustainable environment
Understand and evaluate the application of techniques for environmental monitoring and assessment.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has become an increasingly integral part of the industrial and commercial development process in relation to the delivery of sustainable development. This module aims to develop a sound appreciation of the importance of conducting EIA, together with an understanding of the techniques by which this can be achieved, in conjunction with an appreciation of what is happening globally in relation to EIA. The environmental assessment of plans and programmes by SEA is also considered.
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
Demonstrate a comprehensive and critical understanding EIA and the importance of the process for delivering sustainable development
Demonstrate the ability to co-ordinate and prepare an EIA.
Topics covered may include:
The origins and background of EIA
UK planning law and EIA
Reasons for undertaking EIA as part of the development process
Importance of project appraisal in the EIA process
Project screening and scoping
Impact prediction, evaluation and mitigation within the development
Participation, presentation and review within the EIA process
The role of the local public inquiry in the EIA process
Planning procedures and the preparation of environmental statements
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the measurement, prediction, assessment and control of environmental noise. It will address the current noise descriptors used to assess environmental noise, consider the range of environmental noise sources and critically evaluate the factors which affect their perception and control. Use will be made of case studies to provide a work based approach to this module.
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
Understand, apply and critically review noise indicators, criteria and assessment procedures relevant to environmental noise assessment
Critically review the range of noise mitigation techniques appropriate for environmental noise.
Topics covered may include:
Introduction to environmental noise
Review of Road Transport Noise
Review of Air Transport Noise
Review of Rail Transport Noise
Industrial Noise
Mineral, Landfill and Construction Site Noise
Control of Wind Turbine Noise
Review of Noise From Entertainment Sources And Other Leisure Activities.
This module reviews the legislative framework for noise and vibration for both environmental and workplace applications. It considers aspects related to the national noise incidence and attitude survey, and the recent developments related to the mapping of noise in the UK. Students will be introduced to and acquire an understanding of Environmental Impact assessment methods and the role of IPPC. Furthermore, the module will cover the regulation and assessment of vibration related to environmental and workplace applications.
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
Review and critically evaluate the relevant EU/UK legislative drivers, EIA, IPPC and codes of practice for noise and vibration
Critically assess the standard noise prediction methods and tools that are used to predict and environmental noise and vibration
Topics covered may include:
An overview of the European and UK National Policy on environmental assessment and noise
The impact of planning and building control legislation on environmental noise
An overview of main legal and administrative frameworks associated with the regulation of noise
The role of noise prediction and mapping for the control and assessment of environmental noise
An introduction to environmental impact assessment (EIA) and the evaluation of environmental noise
Integrated Pollution Prevention Control (IPPC) and the permitting regulations
The legislative control of noise and vibration at work
An overview of environmental vibration assessment and standards.
On successful completion of this module you will have a critical understanding of the importance of waste management and the techniques used. A variety of waste sectors will be examined including: Construction and demolition, agriculture, commercial and household waste. The current options for management of waste: waste prevention, re-use, recycling, composting, landfill and generating energy from waste are reviewed.
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
Demonstrate a comprehensive and critical understanding of EU and UK waste legislation, together with the powers and duties of the enforcement agencies
Critically assess the nature and issues within the waste sectors including construction and demolition, agricultural, commercial and household waste, together with an understanding of treatment and disposal routes
Elucidate the current options available and the issues within waste management: waste prevention, re-use, recycling, composting, landfill and generating energy from waste.
Topics covered may include:
Types of waste, from ‘normal’ domestic refuse to highly toxic and hazardous wastes
Waste management
Legislation of waste and the role of the local authorities/enforcement agencies.
Management options to prevent waste and to promote re-use, recycling, composting and disposal of waste products
Waste management strategy for the UK
Effects of waste on the environment and the problem of radioactive waste.
This is an opportunity for you to apply the knowledge and understanding gained from the taught modules within your programme of study to a specific research based investigation. You will have the opportunity to apply initiative, creative thinking and organisational skills to a specific topic within your MSc programme of study. Early on in the module, emphasis will be placed on the research skills necessary to execute an independent, investigative study. You will be expected to devise a research proposal and then execute the study over a given time frame.
On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
Demonstrate initiative and critical thinking skills in selecting a problem for investigation and identifying appropriate methodologies for their implementation
Critically evaluate existing literature in the field of enquiry
Collect, interpret and critically evaluate primary/secondary data and discuss its significance in the context of the investigation and of related studies.
Topics covered may include:
Literature review techniques
Critical review of scientific literature
Questionnaire design
Statistical methods of hypothesis testing
Data interpretation
Thesis structure, organisation and presentation
Health and safety implications
Ethical issues and studies.
60
Stage 3
Core module
Entry Requirements:
You will normally need an undergraduate degree (minimum 2:2). A science or related degree is preferred but a range of degrees will be considered.
If you don’t have this qualification but do have extensive and relevant work experience at an appropriate level, we welcome your application. You must provide a CV detailing your academic and work experience and a reference from your workplace or the institution where you undertook your previous study. This information should be included as part of your online application.
English language qualifications
You will also normally need one of the following English Language qualifications:
GCE O level English Language Grade C
GCSE English Grade C
If English is not your first language you will need an English language qualification. For this course you will need at least one of the following:
The role of the environmental manager or environmental consultant has become more important as industry is required to manage and control the interaction between themselves and the wider environment, so the skills you learn on this course will be in high demand.
One of our graduates was the Sustainability Manager for the 2012 London Olympics and other graduates have gone on to employment within a range of organisations such as:
local authorities
Government bodies like the Environment Agency
private companies in industry like Powergen
consultancies.
You might also want to move on to a higher degree such as a PhD.
What our students say about this course
"The Masters course gave me the necessary skills and knowledge needed to kick start my career in what is an incredibly diverse and varied field." Phil Cumming, graduate. Sustainability Manager for the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.
"The online programme was delivered in a manner that was thoroughly interesting, by an obviously motivated team of lecturers. I hope to study further modules and have recommended the programme to others." Steve Witney, graduate. Working for East Midlands Trains.
