River Basin Management (MSc-Postgraduate Diploma-Postgraduate Certificate)
ObjectivesThis programme aims to meet the needs of those individuals for whom river basin management is a real and practical issue and for those students fresh from a relevant discipline who wish to gain employment within the water-related environmental management sector. Our programme aims to give you: An understanding of the scientific principles that underpin river basin management. An understanding of the economic, social, and legal frameworks of river basin management. A sound training in relevant practical, investigative, research and generic skills.
Entry requirementsEntrance Requirements Normally a minimum of a second class Honours degree 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.
You must take four sub-modules in the Autumn Semester, including River Basin Management: River Basin Management: Involves a short-term work placement.
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).
In the Spring Semester you are required to take four sub-modules. You would normally take Pollution Control, Catchment Management and River Conservation and Management, plus one other.
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 activity on water quality.
River Conservation and Management: Physical habitat restoration, river flow regulation, and environmental impacts of river engineering.
Sustainable Development: Concepts, methods and practices, case studies.
Field Techniques for Environmental Managers: This practical module includes a training course based in the Doñana National Park in south west Spain, an internationally important wetland.
Business Strategy and 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 may proceed to the MSc. This involves completion of a three-month research project, often in collaboration with an outside agency.
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
There will be a continual demand for EU and overseas students with a sound knowledge of river basin management principles as well as scientific understanding of water, solute and sediment runoff and freshwater ecology.
The programme will be assessed by an advisory panel consisting of academic staff, environmental consultants and senior personnel from organisations such as Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency. The aim is to keep the course up to date with changes occurring in the field of river basin management.