Course description
Rural areas worldwide are facing challenges that we need to anticipate and manage.
This course focuses on how to create sustainable rural economies and societies through
• sound environmental management
• developing local food industries
• diversifying into new industries such as tourism
It helps you to begin or further your career in rural development in public, private and non-governmental organisations in developed and developing countries.
You gain the skills and knowledge to work for agencies such as the UN and the EU, rural policy units in national governments, aid organisations and rural-based organisations.
We work with public and private sector organisations to make sure the course meets the needs of employers. Because of this, many assignments focus on work-based scenarios.
The consultancy project module requires you to complete a project, often in partnership with a real organisation. Previous examples include
• an assessment of the economic benefits to tourism of re-wilding an area within a national park
• evaluation of the accessibility of a local footpath network for disabled people
Field visits are also an important part of the course. Previous visits include regeneration schemes in Toronto, Canada, and post-industrial landscapes in Cornwall. We also make frequent visits to local sites in Sheffield and the Peak District.
Our environment subject area has a proven research track record, attracting over £400,000 funding each year from research councils and industry.
This funding means that we can invest heavily in specialist computing and laboratory facilities, such as our individually designed, environmental and soil laboratories. Our research also means that we can feed the latest developments and understanding into our course content.
Associated careers
Typically you can find employment in
• government agencies
• national park authorities
• local authority countryside services
• environmental consultancies
• voluntary conservation organisations, such as the RSPB and the County Wildlife Trusts
Many graduates achieve posts in the area of their choice, either before completing their studies or shortly afterwards.
Most part-time students are supported by employers and many find that they progress in their workplace after completing the course.
Course content
Core modules
• environmental perspectives and policy development • valuing the environment • professional management skills • sustainable rural development • visitor and sustainable tourism management • consultancy project
To complete the masters you also take • applied research methods • dissertation.
Optional modules
Two from • environmental management systems and landscape and wildlife management • landscape planning and restoration (includes a field trip) • cultural landscapes and protected area management • geographical information systems • geographical information systems and the environment
