Environmental Management MSc
Be in demand! There’s a national need for environmental managers and this MSc is designed to help you become one. It’s also ideal preparation for other fields of work, such as environmental consultancy or pollution control.
Accredited by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), the course gives you Associate Membership of this professional body, bringing benefits such as free events and publications which keep you updated on important changes in legislation.
Popular with those already in work
This online MSc is popular with people already working in jobs that require a good understanding of the principles of environmental management and their application, or people intending to move into these kind of roles. Online study is a great way of fitting professional development around your other commitments. Course modules still operate within a fixed semester or term time, 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. If you successfully complete 4 modules, you'll be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) and a further 4 modules gives you a Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip). To gain the full MSc, you will then need to take an additional Independent Study.
Course Length:
1 year of full time study. 2-3 years of part time study.
Start Dates:
September and January
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. What is the equivalent qualification in my country?
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.
You will also normally need one of the following English Language qualifications:
- GCE O level English Language Grade C
- GCSE English Grade C
- IELTS 6.0
- TOEFL (paper-based) 550
- TOEFL (computer-based) 213
- TOEFL (online) 93.
If you have other equivalent English Language qualifications, these may be accepted – please provide full details with your application.
Fees:
| Per Module | Modules | Total | Start | |
| UK | £500 | 12 (8 + IS)* | £4,924** | Sept/Jan |
| Non UK | £560 | 12 (8+ IS)* | £5,620** | Sept/Jan |
*You will study a total of 12 modules - 8 modules plus your Independent Study (IS) which equates to an additional 4 modules.
For UK students the cost of the Independent Study is £924 and for Non UK Students it is £1,140.
For example, as a UK student you will pay £500 x 8 moudles (£4,000) plus a total of £924 for your Independent Study. The total cost of the full MSc Environmental Management will therefore be £4,924 for UK students.
**Prices correct for 2011/2012. Subject to annual increase.
Career Information:
The role of the environmental manager 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 is 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.
Testimonials:
Phil Cumming graduated and is now the Sustainability Manager for the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games
"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."
Steve Witney, graduate and employee of East Midlands Trains
"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."
Bridget Bradley, a graduate and now Climate Change Projects Officer for Derby City Council
"My intention in studying for the MSc in Environmental Management was to change my career. I would not be doing my current job if I had not taken this course."
Ahmed Sabo has graduated and is now a lecturer at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Nigeria
"I have acquired a lot of knowledge and practical skills on how to conduct environmental research. It is a milestone in my career as a young lecturer. The tutors and other supporting staff were friendly and accommodating.
Course Leader:
Modules Summary:
For the full MSc Environmental Management, you must successfully complete a total of nine modules, including the Independent Scholarly Activity module (Independent Studies). However, you can gain 2 stand alone qualifications along the way, so while we would encourage you to complete the full MSc, if you aren't able to, you can still gain an award.
Stage 1: For a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) you need to complete 4 modules (3 core and 1 optional)
Stage 2: For a Postgraduate Diploma you need to complete a further 4 modules (2 core and 2 optional)
Stage 3: To gain the full MSc, you must undertake an Independent Study.
To be eligible to apply for the IEMA Associate membership, you must pass the following modules:
- Environmental Policy and Law
- Environmental Management and Audit
- Environmental Management in Practice
Modules Summary Stage 1:
You must take these three CORE modules and select one of the OPTIONAL modules from the list shown in Stage 2.
Modules Summary Stage 2:
You will need to complete the following double credit CORE module and then choose two of the OPTIONAL modules from the list below:
Student Profile:
Phil Cumming graduated and is now the Sustainability Manager for the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games
"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."
Steve Witney, graduate and employee of East Midlands Trains
"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."
Bridget Bradley, a graduate and now Climate Change Projects Officer for Derby City Council
"My intention in studying for the MSc in Environmental Management was to change my career. I would not be doing my current job if I had not taken this course."
Ahmed Sabo has graduated and is now a lecturer at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Nigeria
"I have acquired a lot of knowledge and practical skills on how to conduct environmental research. It is a milestone in my career as a young lecturer. The tutors and other supporting staff were friendly and accommodating.
Career Information
The role of the environmental manager 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 is 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.
Modules
For the full MSc Environmental Management, you must successfully complete a total of nine modules, including the Independent Scholarly Activity module (Independent Studies). However, you can gain 2 stand alone qualifications along the way, so while we would encourage you to complete the full MSc, if you aren't able to, you can still gain an award.
Stage 1: For a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) you need to complete 4 modules (3 core and 1 optional)
Stage 2: For a Postgraduate Diploma you need to complete a further 4 modules (2 core and 2 optional)
Stage 3: To gain the full MSc, you must undertake an Independent Study.
To be eligible to apply for the IEMA Associate membership, you must pass the following modules:
- Environmental Policy and Law
- Environmental Management and Audit
- Environmental Management in Practice
Stage 1
You must take these three CORE modules and select one of the OPTIONAL modules from the list shown in Stage 2.
Core Module
In this module, you will develop a sound understanding of the importance and application of environmental management systems and environmental auditing in business. This will enable you to deal with day-to-day environmental management and auditing work and to prepare contingency plans for emergency situations. Case studies and group work are important features of this module.
We will cover:
- An introduction to the environment as a social and biophysical problem.
- Basic techniques in environmental management.
- Environmental management systems.
- An introduction to environmental auditing.
- Preparing an environmental audit.
- Preparing an environmental policy.
- The future of environmental management.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework. Assignment 1 is an essay worth 25% and assignment 2 is an audit worth 75%.
Credits:
Core Module
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.
Topics you will cover:
- The impacts of human activities on the environment at local, regional, and global levels, both current and historical.
- The development of environmental concern and the changing nature of human relationship with the environment, in particular the concept of sustainable development.
- Environmental policy in the UK, EU, and internationally; earth summit agreements and the UK response.
- The various pressures on governments and business when setting policy.
- The structure and function of UK and EU environmental law and international agreements.
- The powers and duties of the regulatory authorities.
- Environmental legislation and agreements that are relevant to a particular organisation.
- Principal UK and EU legislation relating to air and water pollution, IPC, planning, waste management, and noise. And important case law relating to this legislation.
- Market mechanisms, the common law and an introduction to non-legislative tools.
- Likely future developments in legislation and policy.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework.
Credits:
Core Module
In this module you will develop to a high level, those skills required for the design, initiation, development and successful execution of a research investigation. We will also provide training on aspects of experimental design, data analysis including statistical methods, and writing skills.
We will cover the following topics:
- Collecting and summarising information relevant to a selected research topic.
- Report writing in science: the skills of report writing and thesis presentation guidelines.
- Introduction to seminar presentation.
- Principles of experimental design, review of statistical method and data interpretation techniques.
- Recognition and categorisation of risk: the application of health and safety regulations of the University in the context of a research project.
- Principles of project planning and management.
- The use of criteria for assessing the worth of published material.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework. Assessment 1 is to develop a proposal and is worth 70%; assessment 2 is a statistical exercise worth 30%.
Credits:
Stage 2
You will need to complete the following double credit CORE module and then choose two of the OPTIONAL modules from the list below:
Core Module
This module aims to provide you with experience of applying principles of environmental management in a real-world context. You will be able to develop the intellectual and personal skills expected in a professional environmental manager role. An important element of this module is the work-based placement, which through the group wiki, report and individual blog contributes to 70% of the assessment mark. You will be expected to find your own placement which can be your employer or local organisation.
Topic you will cover include:
- Use of ISO14001 in Industry and Higher Education
- Public participation in environmental decision making
- Economics versus the environment
- How to engage the workforce in environmental management
- Benefits to companies of ISO accreditation
- Links of environmental management to corporate social responsibility
- Environmental management in SMEs
- Acorn scheme
- Problems and ways forward
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework.
Credits: 30
Optional Module
Waste Management was developed under the Control of Pollution Act 1974, and has been continually redefined and strengthened under subsequent acts. During this module you will develop a sound appreciation of the importance of waste management, its legislative development and an understanding of the options available as an integral part of pollution control.
Topics you will cover:
- Current UK and EU law relating to waste management.
- The classification of waste types and arisings.
- Waste management and integrated pollution control – the duty of care.
- Waste stream identification, waste minimisation principles (replacement, removal, reduction, recycling, recovery, reuse, etc)
- Waste disposal options, including predisposal treatments, landfill, incineration, composting, together with an assessment of the impact of each disposal option.
- The effect of waste on ground water and surface water quality.
- UK and international strategies for dealing with radioactive waste.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework.
Credits: 15
Optional Module
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 benefitical for you if you are carryint out work-based learning where you can have the opportunity to explore and research a particular topic of interest in detail.
How will I be assessed?
It's 100% course work.
Credits: 15
Optional Module
The aim of this module is to introduce you to the measurement, prediction, assessment and control of environmental noise. It will address the current noise descriptors used to assess environmental noise, and consider the range of sources and critically evaluate the factors which affect their perception and control. The cost element associated with control methods will also be considered.
How will I be assessed?
It's 100% coursework.
Credits: 15
Optional Module
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 (air, water, land, and biota). 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 in the light of legislation and pollution prevention and control.
How will I be assessed?
It's 100% coursework.
Credits: 15
Optional Module
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.
How will I be assessed?
It's 100% coursework.
Credits: 15
Stage 3
Core Module
This is an opportunity for you to use your creative thinking and organisational skills to produce an independent piece of work of your choosing (subject to approval with your tutor). Problem solving and the formulation and testing of hypotheses will need to be central to your research study.
How will I be assessed?
It’s 100% coursework – a written study of between 10,000-15,000 words.
Credits: 60
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. What is the equivalent qualification in my country?
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.
You will also normally need one of the following English Language qualifications:
- GCE O level English Language Grade C
- GCSE English Grade C
- IELTS 6.0
- TOEFL (paper-based) 550
- TOEFL (computer-based) 213
- TOEFL (online) 93.
If you have other equivalent English Language qualifications, these may be accepted – please provide full details with your application.
Apply Now
Applications for Online courses are made through the main University of Derby website.
By clicking on "Apply now" below you will be redirected to the University of Derby website to continue your application process.
Fees
| Per Module | Modules | Total | Start | |
| UK | £500 | 12 (8 + IS)* | £4,924** | Sept/Jan |
| Non UK | £560 | 12 (8+ IS)* | £5,620** | Sept/Jan |
*You will study a total of 12 modules - 8 modules plus your Independent Study (IS) which equates to an additional 4 modules.
For UK students the cost of the Independent Study is £924 and for Non UK Students it is £1,140.
For example, as a UK student you will pay £500 x 8 moudles (£4,000) plus a total of £924 for your Independent Study. The total cost of the full MSc Environmental Management will therefore be £4,924 for UK students.
**Prices correct for 2011/2012. Subject to annual increase.
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