Course description
This highly innovative course bridges the gap between: environmental policy; development studies; and science and technology policy. With a strong international appeal, this course has been designed to respond to the urgent need to find better ways to harness science and technology in support of sustainability in both developed and developing countries.
The MSc in Science, Technology and Sustainability examines the role of public policy in the application, development and management of science and technology to enhance social wellbeing, economic growth and environmental sustainability. It addresses questions such as how innovations occur in principle and in practice, and how they can best be managed.
The course, which is available full-time (1 year) and part-time (2 or 3 years), is offered to graduate students from all disciplinary backgrounds and/or employment situations.
The Programme and its International Context
The 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development and various international bodies - such as UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organisation) and UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) - have consistently identified the need to strengthen mechanisms, skills and policies to facilitate the deployment of science and technology in support of sustainability. This course is designed to respond to this international concern.
The course combines technical study with the exploration of related policy implications. Students will acquire an understanding of scientific or technical issues related to sustainable development and gain skills in the use of tools and methods for environmental management. Candidates will also acquire the skills, knowledge and understanding to design, evaluate and manage science and technology policy in the wider context of national and international sustainable development programmes.
Programme Structure
The Diploma and MSc courses run concurrently, involving a curriculum of four core modules (totalling 48 credits) and a wide range of optional modules relating to technology, development policy and strategy, and environmental management (minimum of 72 credits). Each module is taught two to three hours per week over eight to 12 weeks. In addition, MSc students undertake a dissertation (60 credits). Progress to the MSc is dependent on performance in the instructional modules.
For part-time study the modules can be taken over two years (attending classes typically one day per week) with the dissertation completed in years two or three. In addition to the dissertation topics proposed by course leaders and industrial partners, students may propose topics themselves that can be of relevance to their employer.
Core Modules
* Science, Technology and Innovation Policy
* Principles of Sustainable Development
* International Environmental Policy
* Research Methods
Optional Modules
(Not all classes may be offered each year)
* Recent Trends in Technological Progress
* Globalisation and International Technology Markets
* Development and Management of Technology
* Development Strategy and Policy
* Energy Resources and Policy
* Pollution Control Policy
* Recycling Urban Land
* Transport, Development and Sustainability
* Ecology, Biodiversity and Sustainability
* Environmental Economics
* Business Strategy and the Environment
* Biotechnology and the Environment
* Environmental Management Systems
* Applied Strategic Environmental Assessment
* Environmental Impact Assessment
* Spatial Query and Analysis using GIS
* UK and EU Environmental Law
Normal course length
MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time
PgDip: 9 months full-time; 18 months part-time
PgCert: 6 months full-time; 12 months part-time
Career Prospects
The course is suitable for graduates in any discipline, and particularly for students and practitioners of policy analysis, planning and decision-making in developed and developing countries. It should enable them to work in:
* government ministries, think-tanks, regulatory agencies, and other public bodies related to science, technology, industrial innovation and environmental sustainability;
* international agencies, including agencies of the United Nations system and international Non-Governmental Organisations that are engaged in development activities; and
* Research and Development (R&D) management in either the public or private sector.
