Course description
Environmental Management techniques are integral to conservation, agriculture, forestry, industry and countryside planning. There is a need for trained environmental managers who can analyse environmental issues and propose viable solutions. The focus of this programme is environmental impact assessment, biodiversity management, pollution monitoring and environmental decision-making. The theory and practice of environmental management is covered, including:
a) The production and assessment of environmental impact statements and the importance of an evidence-based approach to policy and operational decision-making.
b) The application of quantitative techniques for assessing and monitoring landscape-scale habitat structure, distribution and change.
c) The application of ecological and planning principles for site biodiversity management and ecosystem restoration.
d) Theory and techniques for monitoring pollution.
The programme is designed for new graduates who lack professional experience in environmental management and people already in environment-related employment, who wish to develop their careers by updating their knowledge and skills. It aims to satisfy an industrial and public sector demand for science-qualified environmental management personnel. Those students who progress to the MSc element will carry out a research project on a topic related to Environmental Management which will draw upon the material covered in the taught Postgraduate Diploma modules.
Duration and Mode of Attendance
There are four modules for the PGDip (120 credit points) covering:
1) Assessment and Minimisation of Environmental Impacts
1) Biodiversity Management
2) Pollution Monitoring
3) Environmental Data Analysis
The MSc requires successful completion of the PGDip plus a further research project module (60 credit points). Each module runs sequentially, with one module per semester (no summer semester modules). The research project for the MSc is normally completed directly after successful completion of the PGDip.
The course is part-time and is offered entirely via the internet. This widens access for students who would otherwise be unable to engage in postgraduate study and gives them flexibility in terms of time, location and workload.
Professional Recognition
This course is fully accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences.
