ObjectivesOur programme aims to give students:
table An understanding of the scientific principles that underpin environmental management.
table An understanding of the economic, social, political and legal frameworks for environmental management.
table A sound training in relevant practical, investigative, research and generic skills.
Entry requirementsEntrance Requirements
Normally a minimum of a second class Honours degree in a relevant subject, but consideration is given to other candidates with substantial relevant professional experience. Enquiries are welcome from all prospective students confident in their ability to handle scientific and numerical information.
There are four core modules in the Autumn Semester:
Environmental Systems and Assessment: This module focuses on terrestrial and freshwater environments and approaches to their assessment.
Environmental Policy and Management: The role of Environmental Management in society and the role of governments (UK and other).
Environmental Economics: A bridge between scientific knowledge and policy decisions.
Information Technology: This module focuses on statistical techniques and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
There are four module options in Spring Semester. Typically options include:
Field Techniques for Environmental Managers: This practical module with a field trip to Doñana National Park in south west Spain.
Pollution Control: Monitoring, data collection, laboratory analysis of air, water and soil.
Biodiversity: What can be done to conserve the world’s biodiversity?
Catchment Management and Water Quality: Strategies to minimise impact of human activities on water quality.
River Conservation and Management: Physical habitat restoration, river flow regulation and environmental impacts
of river engineering.
Advanced Sustainable Development: Concepts, methods and practices, case studies.
Business Strategy and the Environment: The implementation of environmentally sound practice in business; the ISO14001/4 Environmental Management Systems Standard and EMAS, Environmental Law, the European Eco-management and Audit Scheme.
If you successfully complete the taught programme you will qualify for the Diploma and can proceed to the MSc. This involves completion of a three-month research project, often in collaboration with an outside agency. Choice of a project topic complementary to your option selection allows you to develop a high level of competence in important aspects of environmental management.
Delivery and Assessment
The programme is taught primarily by staff from the School of Biological & Environmental Sciences plus other academics elsewhere in the University.
Assessment is via coursework and examination and may include teamwork and presentations. Exams are held in December and May and external examiners may interview students at the end of the Spring Semester. MSc research projects are undertaken during the summer and submitted in early September.
Career Opportunities
The programme is assessed and its future content reviewed by an advisory panel consisting of academic staff, environmental consultants and senior personnel from organisations such as the Scottish Executive, Scottish Natural Heritage, and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The aim is to keep the course relevant to the needs of employers and up to date with changes occurring in the field of environmental management.
These efforts are reflected in our excellent employment record in recent years. Within about four months of graduating over 85 percent of students have found positions in nature conservation, consultancy, environmental protection agencies, waste management organisations and environmental research.