PgDip/MSc in Environmental Management
Belfast, United Kingdom
DURATION
3 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
GBP 2,090 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance learning
* Northern Ireland, Great Britain and EU Fees; International Fees are 14,910 GBP; Please note that the price displayed is for the complete master’s programme. Postgraduate certificates and diplomas are charged at a pro-rata basis.
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Introduction
Environmental Management techniques are integral to conservation, agriculture, forestry, industry and countryside planning. This online programme is designed both for new graduates who lack professional experience in environmental management and, for professionals in the environment sector who wish to develop their careers, updating their knowledge and skills. It aims to satisfy an industrial and public sector demand for environmental scientists.
About
The programme has been developed to set environmental management tools into the context of how ecosystems are structured, how ecosystems /function and the legislative/policy framework for environmental planning. The flexible nature of this course makes it especially suited to people in full-time employment.
The principles and practice of Environmental Management are covered, with specific objectives being to:
- Understand the importance of an evidence-based approach in developing management strategies
- Apply quantitative techniques to assess the effects of environmental management
- Produce environmental impact statements and advise on implementing environmental management systems
- Apply structured planning principles to site biodiversity management and ecosystem restoration
- Monitor pollution and assess its environmental effects
To take this course, you will need access to a computer with a fast internet connection. The course uses the Blackboard learning environment and the modules are delivered using online lectures, including practical and tutorial material. Students and staff interact via email, discussion boards, online chat and telephone. You will find that this course is much more flexible than traditional on-campus university courses as you can study using your own computer and the internet, at your own pace, any place and any time (within given timeframes).
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Admissions
Curriculum
Modules
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
Year one
Environmental Impact Assessment
This module introduces the concepts and requirements of environmental impact assessment, the methodology of planning and carrying out an environmental audit and the use of environmental management systems.
Year two
Biodiversity Management
Biodiversity managers make decisions based on understanding ecosystems and by applying ecological principles to achieve their objectives. This module covers key scientific topics, which are crucial for developing effective biodiversity management plans in different ecosystems. It exemplifies how ecological-social-economic factors interact to influence our ability to conserve and manage biodiversity.
Year three
Environmental data analysis
This module will provide new and synthesise existing knowledge and skills necessary to understand and analyse environmental data. Statistics, environmental modelling, geographical information systems and presentation skills will all be taught and demonstrated. The students will put this knowledge into action in the form of worked examples and assessments. Knowledge and evaluation techniques are provided in lectures, skills developed during worked examples and demonstrated by assessments.
Environmental Management Project
This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of research in an area of particular interest to the student. The student will be assessed on their project plan, a literature review, a poster/presentation and a research paper on an area agreed with the student's supervisor.
Pollution Monitoring
This module provides the knowledge and skills necessary to monitor pollution of the environment. The topics included are: the key elements of the monitoring programmes for air, water and land; sample collection; chemical methods of analysis, including quality assurance; biological methods of analysis, including toxicity tests and bioassessment; use of environmental models; statistics, data analysis and assessing compliance and; critical loads. The student gains experience through lectures, supporting documents, directed reading and practicals.
Career Opportunities
Most students on the course are already working in industry or public services.
Key skills which will be developed are:
- Biodiversity management plans and site restoration design
- Ecological monitoring
- Environmental management systems
- Environmental impact assessment
- Research analysis and data interpretation techniques.