Environmental Management MSc

60 credits

This final module provides students with the opportunity to design and execute an original research ‘capstone' project related to their own discipline specific interests, which synthesises their learning. They will develop a theoretically informed body of work that integrates both theory and practice. It may take the form of a dissertation, practice project, or experiment-based project. Following submission students present their findings at a Masters Students Conference.

30 credits

The module will explore the environmental, economic, and social implications of our decisions and attempts to find sustainable solutions to environmental problems. Focusing on the 21st-century environmental and climate change challenges, you will learn, and explore the following aspects of Sustainable Environmental Management (SEM):

• Sustainable development and dependencies and interconnectivity between Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Environmental politics and policy making as underpinned by law
• Operation of Environmental Planning, and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
• Importance of accountability, equality, inclusivity, transparency, cultural context, and health and well-being as part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG).

These will be explored with a series of case studies that illustrate social, economic, and environmental impacts at different scales.

30 credits

This module investigates key issues relating to climate change, with a particular focus on the role of policy, governance, and social action in creating appropriate responses to this challenge. The aim is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to critically assess different options for dealing with the challenge of climate change and to identify potential ways forward, based on evidence and lessons from implementing climate change policy and programming.

Core material will be provided in lectures, supported by a range of seminars and workshops to facilitate further discussion, reflection, and analysis. Where feasible, these will draw on the experience of practitioners from a variety of settings and perspectives, or the students themselves. Field visits will be organised to complement the lecture series and to give further practical demonstration of the complexities of climate change-related policy and practice.

15 credits

Participatory approaches have become increasingly widespread in recent years, and they recognise the publics and other stakeholders' right to be involved in environmental decision making, but also expects them to take on a variety of responsibilities.

This module explores the diversity of participatory approaches, from global policy to local action. You will examine the benefits and challenges of participatory approaches involving a range of stakeholders in a number of contexts, and consider those who may be excluded and questions of social justice.

You will explore the complexities of implementing these policies and methods through case studies which focus on key issues and the challenges of balancing a range of competing needs.

15 credits

Environmental management decision-making should be evidence-based. Problems are often multifaceted and ‘wicked' in that they require the collection, synthesis, and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data on physical phenomena, human attitude and behaviour, and the regulatory and policy framework. This module is concerned with the practical aspects of data collection, analysis, and visualisation of qualitative and quantitative information and analytical results within an environmental management context.

The module covers the collection of primary data (such as through field survey, questionnaires or interviews) and the synthesis of secondary data resources that are often diverse, fragmented, partial, inconsistent, and commercially or personally sensitive. Students will learn how to explore and visualise environmental management information as graphs and maps, and to analyse textural and statistical pattern. Students will evaluate and critique the quality and fitness-for-purpose of survey designs and secondary data resources. The skills developed in this module are applicable to GG7XX7 Research Project and are transferrable skills that will enhance employability.

15 credits

The module examines global water resource challenges, the relationship between water, energy and land, and sustainable management solutions. Students will develop a critical evaluation of these challenges at a variety of scales through the systematic investigation of the component challenges, the interface between the components and their relationship to sustainable development, including resource assessment and resource use; water scarcity and security and water management decision-making.

Students will critically examine and debate natural (including climate) and socio-political drivers, mitigation, and adaptive environmental management strategies. The module will be spatially nested, examining broad global challenges, regional investigations in developed and developing world contexts, and local case studies to exemplify, compare and contrast experiences.

The module places an emphasis on professional skills development and KU Graduate Attributes and will be studied in multi-delivery and assessment modes, occupying multiple learning environments, blending lecture, seminars, debates and reflective sessions and practical skills acquisition. Practical skills will include field-based learning will include the opportunity for regional study in the UK and overseas.

15 credits

This module is concerned with the theoretical, practical, and ethical aspects of good academic, research and professional practice. The module begins by developing students' knowledge and skills of academic practice: finding, assessing, and collating information; academic writing, citation and referencing; and academic integrity.

With a firm academic base established, the module moves to implementing this practice to produce a team-based research project proposal of a designated environmental challenge. Research will be placed in the context of theoretical/conceptual frameworks such as Saunder's 'research onion', 'design thinking', and dissertation forms (traditional, systematic review, systematic map, and meta-analysis). The purpose and praxis of undertaking a literature review and developing a research proposal will be explained, as will their structure. Research and project management, ethics, and health and safety are considered.

The module will be delivered through a short series of lectures that explain concepts and good practice. Practical skills will be developed through workshop and computer-based classes and independent learning though on-line resources. The module develops crucial academic and professional practice a companion to Evidence-based Environmental Management and feeds into Research Project.

60 credits

This final module provides students with the opportunity to design and execute an original research ‘capstone' project related to their own discipline specific interests, which synthesises their learning. They will develop a theoretically informed body of work that integrates both theory and practice. It may take the form of a dissertation, practice project, or experiment-based project. Following submission students present their findings at a Masters Students Conference.

30 credits

The module will explore the environmental, economic, and social implications of our decisions and attempts to find sustainable solutions to environmental problems. Focusing on the 21st-century environmental and climate change challenges, you will learn, and explore the following aspects of Sustainable Environmental Management (SEM):

• Sustainable development and dependencies and interconnectivity between Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• Environmental politics and policy making as underpinned by law
• Operation of Environmental Planning, and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
• Importance of accountability, equality, inclusivity, transparency, cultural context, and health and well-being as part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG).

These will be explored with a series of case studies that illustrate social, economic, and environmental impacts at different scales.

30 credits

This is the key module for the Energy pathway in the MSc Environmental Management. Against the background of international commitments on atmospheric emissions, diminishing fossil fuel resources and the liberalisation of energy markets, this module examines sustainable options for energy production, supply, and consumption. Specifically, the module will equip the students with a set of skills and abilities to identify classify and critically describe energy sources, and energy usage using analytical methods.

It is certainly true to say that today, few would perceive a future without renewables making a notable contribution to energy supplies in the longer term. However, it is also true to say that many envisage an ongoing role for both conventional fossil fuels and nuclear power. The primary aim of the module is to give students a good understanding of current trends, and to enable a critical evaluation of emerging ideas, technologies and policies.

15 credits

Participatory approaches have become increasingly widespread in recent years, and they recognise the publics and other stakeholders' right to be involved in environmental decision making, but also expects them to take on a variety of responsibilities.

This module explores the diversity of participatory approaches, from global policy to local action. You will examine the benefits and challenges of participatory approaches involving a range of stakeholders in a number of contexts, and consider those who may be excluded and questions of social justice.

You will explore the complexities of implementing these policies and methods through case studies which focus on key issues and the challenges of balancing a range of competing needs.

15 credits

Environmental management decision-making should be evidence-based. Problems are often multifaceted and ‘wicked' in that they require the collection, synthesis, and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data on physical phenomena, human attitude and behaviour, and the regulatory and policy framework. This module is concerned with the practical aspects of data collection, analysis, and visualisation of qualitative and quantitative information and analytical results within an environmental management context.

The module covers the collection of primary data (such as through field survey, questionnaires or interviews) and the synthesis of secondary data resources that are often diverse, fragmented, partial, inconsistent, and commercially or personally sensitive. Students will learn how to explore and visualise environmental management information as graphs and maps, and to analyse textural and statistical pattern. Students will evaluate and critique the quality and fitness-for-purpose of survey designs and secondary data resources. The skills developed in this module are applicable to GG7XX7 Research Project and are transferrable skills that will enhance employability.

15 credits

The module examines global water resource challenges, the relationship between water, energy and land, and sustainable management solutions. Students will develop a critical evaluation of these challenges at a variety of scales through the systematic investigation of the component challenges, the interface between the components and their relationship to sustainable development, including resource assessment and resource use; water scarcity and security and water management decision-making.

Students will critically examine and debate natural (including climate) and socio-political drivers, mitigation, and adaptive environmental management strategies. The module will be spatially nested, examining broad global challenges, regional investigations in developed and developing world contexts, and local case studies to exemplify, compare and contrast experiences.

The module places an emphasis on professional skills development and KU Graduate Attributes and will be studied in multi-delivery and assessment modes, occupying multiple learning environments, blending lecture, seminars, debates and reflective sessions and practical skills acquisition. Practical skills will include field-based learning will include the opportunity for regional study in the UK and overseas.

15 credits

This module is concerned with the theoretical, practical, and ethical aspects of good academic, research and professional practice. The module begins by developing students' knowledge and skills of academic practice: finding, assessing, and collating information; academic writing, citation and referencing; and academic integrity.

With a firm academic base established, the module moves to implementing this practice to produce a team-based research project proposal of a designated environmental challenge. Research will be placed in the context of theoretical/conceptual frameworks such as Saunder's 'research onion', 'design thinking', and dissertation forms (traditional, systematic review, systematic map, and meta-analysis). The purpose and praxis of undertaking a literature review and developing a research proposal will be explained, as will their structure. Research and project management, ethics, and health and safety are considered.

The module will be delivered through a short series of lectures that explain concepts and good practice. Practical skills will be developed through workshop and computer-based classes and independent learning though on-line resources. The module develops crucial academic and professional practice a companion to Evidence-based Environmental Management and feeds into Research Project.

120 credits

The Professional Placement module is a core module if you're following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for a major project or your future career.

It is your responsibility to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by your Course Leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. You will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by the Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.

Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.