The level 7 Certificate of Credit in International Environmental Policy and Law is a 20 credit module providing you with a critical understanding of the principles of international environmental policy and law. The course, which takes an international outlook, covers key topics including history, sources and major international environmental policy and law. A critical comparative approach is taken in discussing specific UK legislation in relation to other national laws, which will benefit both UK based and international students. You will also study environmental compliance mechanisms within organisations using a series of interactive case studies.
The module, which has been developed with input from the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), is suitable for individuals with compliance responsibilities within organisations or those seeking to improve their knowledge and understanding of international environmental policy and law. Whilst this module is an opportunity to enhance your CPD and add to your professional portfolio, it is also an excellent opportunity to experience our IEMA accredited online Sustainability and Environmental Management MSc before making a commitment to study the full programme.
By completing this course, you’ll have a greater understanding of how policy and legislation are being used to mitigate current environmental issues and approaches that can be taken to achieve compliance within organisations.
Accredited by CIWEM, giving you free student membership
This programme is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).
Whilst enrolled on this module you can enjoy free student membership to the CIWEM that allows you to:
- Keep up to date with the latest best-practice knowledge through their member’s magazine, policy documents and technical journals
- Build your professional network through free events and local branches
- Enhance your career prospects through professional recognition of your qualification
The CIWEM will support the development of the skills and qualities that employers are looking for, providing you with opportunities to showcase your talents.
Upon completion of this course, you will be eligible to register for graduate membership of CIWEM.
Delivery from experienced academics
We have many years’ experience in the delivery of environmental courses online which means you can expect the highest standards of teaching and education. Our team of tutors, made up of research-active academics and practising sustainability professionals will guide you through the module, providing regular feedback to ensure you stay on track.
You will also have access to a dedicated online learning advisor who will be on hand to support you with pastoral and non-academic matters throughout your studies.
We will advise you of your study plan when you are invited to enrol.
You must complete one 20 credit module which covers environmental policy and environmental law.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
The module is delivered 100% online over 10 weeks using a range of interactive learning materials and some live classroom sessions. Provision is made for discussion and interaction with tutors and fellow students through live virtual classroom sessions and online discussion forums.
You will study alongside students who are on the full online MSc Sustainability and Environmental Management, giving you a wider perspective of sustainability from your global student community.
Pace of study
The academic year is made up of three 10-week terms, known as trimesters. We recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester.
If you opt to undertake the accelerated study plan whereby you will study two modules in one trimester, we recommend 40 hours of study per week.
Should you decide to study on the accelerated rate you should ensure that you have the capacity to fully engage with your studies and achieve the best grades and final award. If you choose to study on the accelerated rate, you will need to balance approximately 40 hours of study per week alongside your professional and personal life and commitments.
It may be useful to consider studying one module at the standard rate of study before deciding whether to then increase to the accelerated rate of study.
There will be 1/2 virtual classrooms over the 10 week trimester and if you are unable to attend you will be able to download the session to view in your own time.
Assessment method
This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work and practical reports.
Student support and guidance
Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals. There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:
All these services, and more, are available to you as an online student at the University of Derby.
This Certificate of Credit can act as an ideal form of CPD for those working in sustainability and environmental management. It will provide you with an understanding of international environmental policy and law and the principles, mechanisms advantages and disadvantages of environmental compliance within organisations.
Options for further CPD
It is important for environmental professionals and practitioners to stay up to date with the latest trends and developments within the industry through continued professional development.
Those looking to further enhance their CPD within sustainability and environmental management can continue their learning with another one of our Sustainability and Environmental Certificate of Credit standalone modules:
Progress onto a masters degree
The 20 credits at Level 7 gained from this Certificate of Credit can be transferred as RPL (recognition of prior learning) onto a relevant Master’s degree subject to meeting all other admission criteria.
The 20 credits from this standalone module can be used towards module exemptions onto our MSc Sustainability and Environmental Management (Online).
Utilise our Careers and Employment Service
Whilst you are a student at the University of Derby, and for three years after you graduate, our Careers and Employment Service can assist you with job search advice, CV creation, workshops and events, as well as one-to-one appointments with employment advisers to help with career planning and interview preparation.
You will require a good first degree in a related subject. Applicants with professional qualifications or relevant experience can also apply.
English language qualifications
If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need an English language qualification. For this course you will need at least one of the following:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 6.0
- TOEFL 550 (paper based) 213 (computer based) or 80 (internet based)
- Pearson Test of Academic English: 51
- Cambridge Advanced Certificate: Pass
- London Tests of English: we accept level 4 for undergraduate courses
- International GCE O-level English Language: Grade C
- International GCSE English/English as a Second Language: Grade C
Find out more about our English language requirements
‡2025/26 for new entrants
Starting between September 2025 and August 2026.
| | Per 20 credits | Modules | Cost |
|---|
| UK/EU/International |
£1,030 |
1 |
£1,030 |
About your fees
Prices are correct for the year of entry shown. These are subject to annual increase in subsequent academic years.
