SECTION ONE: General Information

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1 SECTION ONE: General Information Programme Title MSc Sustainability and Environmental Management Approval of Specification Award Title & Interim Awards Click here to enter a date. Master of Science in Sustainability and Environmental Management Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainability and Environmental Management Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainability and Environmental Management Mode of Study Full-time: Part-time: E-learning: Distance: Sandwich: Start Date: May 2018 Date of Last Update: Programme Start Click here to enter a date. Click here to enter a date. Date & Period of Validation 5 Years: Indefinite: Other (Please state): Awarding Institution University of Derby: Other (Please State): College Managing the Programme University of Derby Online LearningUniversity of Derby Online Learning Institutions Delivering the Programme University of Derby: Other (Please State): Relevant External Reference Points The programme is designed to comply with The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) Syllabus of Core Knowledge and Skills for Graduate membership through Accredited Degree Programmes. External Accreditation/ Recognition The current programme is accredited by IEMA and The Institute of Environmental Sciences. Following successful revalidation, additional accreditation will be sought from the The Chartered Institute of Waste and Environmental Management (CIWEM). JACS Code(s) F751 - Topics in Environmental Sciences of industrial or commercial importance. 1

2 SECTION TWO: Overview Background/Context: The importance of environmental management has continually risen in the agenda of both private and public organisations in the past few decades due mainly to increased public awareness, the ever widening scope of national and international environmental legislation and greater acknowledgement of the interdependencies between environmental and financial performance. The emergence of the sustainability agenda has broadened the scope of what is covered by environmental management and by extension, the skills environmental practitioners/managers are expected to have to now include social and financial elements like corporate governance, making environmental business cases, communication and reporting, sustainable value chain and sustainable business management among others. In addition, sustainability is also increasingly being embedded in most job descriptions meaning non-core environmental management practitioners now need to acquire sustainability skills. This shift in the sector is reflected in the 2016 Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) report (titled: Beyond The Perfect Storm; the Corporate Sustainability Challenge ), produced after a survey of employers on what skills they now look for in environmental management graduates. This programme is designed in line with relevant professional body requirements to equip students with the environmental and sustainability skills and knowledge required to critically evaluate and respond to the sustainability risks and opportunities facing organisations. Overview of the Programme: The past few decades has seen increased public awareness of anthropogenic impacts on the environment and the contribution of businesses to this impact, giving rise to a call for more sustainable businesses built upon principles of strong social, economic and environmental responsibility. This demand for more sustainable businesses has led to a redefinition of the skills employers seek in environmental management professionals to now include wider sustainability skills that go beyond the traditional ability to measure and analyse the biophysical environment. The programme is delivered in a challenging and flexible manner in the friendly and supportive environment that the University and the course team seek to provide. The strong professional and academic links within the course team in addition to the professional accreditations of the programme ensures that the programme meets the appropriate professional standards. As well as delivering the core knowledge associated with environmental and sustainability management, the programme is very practical in its approach. Through the use of case studies and simulated real life issues, students will be exposed to the reality of life as an environmental and sustainability professional and given the opportunity to develop the skills 2

3 required to succeed in the sector. Digital and employability skills are also embedded throughout the modules in the programme. The programme also offers the additional benefit of free IEMA student membership to students on the programme and graduate membership with the option of a fast track route to a professional level membership upon successful graduation. There are three core modules in the programme namely: 1. International Environmental Policy and Law, 2. Tools for Delivering Sustainable Solutions to Environmental Problems 3. Sustainable Business Management These core modules, in addition to the Environmental Impact Assessment module can be taken as stand-alone certificates of credit/cpd by professionals offering flexibility to professionals wishing to enhance their knowledge in those areas. Exit awards at PgCert and PgDip levels are also available on the programme. Key Characteristics: The key characteristics of this programme are; Relevant and current content acknowledging the importance of wider sustainability issues in environmental management. Use of innovative teaching and assessment technology providing real life learning and problem solving opportunities. Includes digital and employability skills equipping students for professional careers in sustainability and environmental management. Flexibility of delivery through the online learning environment, with a number of entry and exit points (in September, January or May) to best suit the needs of online learners, encouraging achievement and maximising retention via self-paced learning and flexible study patterns. Underpinned by an understanding of online learning pedagogy. Portfolio-based, reflective and collaborative online learning that meets the needs of online students. Accreditation by relevant professional bodies including IEMA, the largest body of environmental and sustainability professionals with benefits including membership, networking and recognition. Access to a full virtual campus including student wellbeing, digital library, careers support and pastoral support from a dedicated online learning advisor in the programme. Programme Aims: The programme aims to produce sustainability and environmental management professionals 3

4 With the knowledge and skills to critically apply relevant environmental management and assessment tools to provide solutions to complex environmental problems in a sustainable manner. With the critical communication, leadership and business knowledge and skills to embed a culture of sustainability within businesses and organisations. with the digital, employability, critical thinking, leadership and wider graduate skills to advance their professional knowledge and understanding, and to develop relevant new skills to a high level. SECTION THREE: Programme Learning Outcomes On completion of the MSc Sustainability and Environmental Management, students will: Knowledge and Understanding Post Graduate Certificate 1. Demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of current international environmental policy and law and available tools for solving environmental problems.. Post Graduate Diploma In addition to the above learning outcome 2. Demonstrate critical evaluation of current sustainability and environmental management problems and tools and approaches for dealing with them. Master of Science In addition to the above learning outcomes 3. Have a critical and systematic understanding of available research methodologies and techniques for designing and undertaking substantial investigations into environmental problems. Intellectual Skills Post Graduate Certificate 4. Have a conceptual understanding that enables them to make a critical evaluation of available sustainable business models and where appropriate propose alternative models Post Graduate Diploma In addition to the above learning outcome 4

5 5. Have the ability to creatively apply knowledge of environmental policy and law, environmental management tools and other relevant information in innovative ways to create transformative solutions. Master of Science In addition to the above learning outcomes 6. Be able to critically undertake the analysis of complex, incomplete or contradictory environmental or sustainability data/evidence and judge the appropriateness of the methodologies used.. Subject Specific Skills Post Graduate Certificate 7. Be able to express in a critical and reflective manner an understanding of environmental sustainability risks and opportunities in a professional context. Post Graduate Diploma In addition to the above learning outcome 8. Be able to critically reflect on current global environmental and sustainability problems and the appropriateness of available tools and management options for solving them. 9. Be able to identify and implement the most appropriate method to achieve compliance with applicable environmental legislation and / or codes of practice and guidelines in the context of social, environmental and economic sustainability. Master of Science In addition to the above learning outcomes 10. Have developed a critical and holistic view and approach to researching and reporting on environmental and sustainability issues.. Transferable Skills Post Graduate Certificate 11. Communicate effectively with a range of people and organisations using suitable language and means of delivery. 12. Critically reflect on and evaluate the effectiveness of own professional practice. Post Graduate Diploma In addition to the above learning outcomes 13. Critically evaluate and implement evidence based practice 5

6 14. Engage in conceptual, critical and reflective thinking of own professional practice. Master of Science In addition to the above learning outcomes 15. Organise, undertake and disseminate critical independent scholarship in sustainability and environmental management to a satisfactory standard with an appropriate level of originality SECTION FOUR: Programme Structure & Curriculum The programme is fully delivered for Online Distance Learning over three trimesters and has three entry points in September, January and May. It is a flexible level 7 modular programme that can be studied over a period of two to five years depending on a student srequirements and employment needs. There are three stages to obtaining the MSc Sustainability and Environmental Management: Stage 1:Post Graduate Certificate Sustainability and Environmental Management Stage 2 : Post Graduate Diploma Sustainability and Environmental Management and Stage 3: MSc Sustainability and Environmental Management. All three modules at Stage 1 are core modules for the programme and are accredited by IEMA for free Student Membership during studies and Graduate Membership upon successful completion. A fast track route to Practitioner Membership is available to students with relevant professional experience. Full details of the benefits of IEMA membership can be found at: The five modules at PgDip are all option modules and students can take any three from the five. The programme is normally taken over a three year period although it can be taken for up to a maximum of five years. Below is a standard three year study pattern showing the modules taken at each stage for the September, January and May start dates: 6

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8 SECTION FIVE: Learning & Teaching The programme aims to produce an engaging and enriching learning experience achieved through the use of a variety of learning, teaching and assessment strategies. The overall approach to teaching, learning and assessment is influenced and determined by the following key areas: Flexibility of course delivery Attainment of a critical and holistic overview of sustainability and environmental management Awareness of interactions and interplays between the environment, human development, business goals and the elements of sustainability. Practice based approach Research based approach Technology based support, instruction and assessment Integrated course delivery across the breadth of sustainability and environmental management Multidisciplinary team approach A guiding principle within UDOL is the call to action through activities, where students engage with your peers from different work backgrounds for a vital learning and development experience. Students will therefore be encouraged to engage with other students throughout all modules to gain a rich sense of the subject matter from different work perspectives. Participation in online discussion forums serves the dual purpose of improving learning and providing support. The programme is developed using the following learning design styles all underpinned by the UDOL academic framework. Self-paced, supported online learning (S) Collaborative online learning (C) Portfolio-based, reflective online learning (R) A combination of design styles are also employed (for example self-paced supported with significant collaborative activity (SC) or Self-paced supported with reflective activity (SR)) throughout the programme. Module types/learning designs Key: Self-paced supported design type: S Reflective/portfolio design type: R Collaborative design type: C Self-paced supported/reflective design type: SR Self-paced supported/collaborative design type: SC 8

9 Self-paced supported/reflective/collaborative design type: SRC Autumn International Environmental Policy and Law (SC) Global Resource Management (SC) Pollution Assessment & Remediation (SC) ISA (S) Spring Tools for delivering sustainable solutions to environmental problems (SRC) Low Carbon Energy Management ISA (S) Summer Sustainable Business Management (SC) Environmental Impact Assessment (SRC) Ecology and Conservation (SC) ISA (S) Case studies are used throughout the programme to enable students study the practical application of theories and also create complex scenarios for assessment purposes. For example, the complex interactions between various environmental media or the different pillars of sustainability are better studied by discussing actual cases that showcase these interplays, the application of tools and skills in dealing with them and the resultant effects. SECTION SIX: Assessment This programme operates within the University s Regulatory Framework and conforms with its regulations on assessment The programme is comprised of formative and summative assessments designed to test the module learning outcomes, which are derived from the programme learning outcomes. The shorter items of formative assessments are provided online through interactive discussion forums, wikis, portfolios, blogs, interactive activities etc to ensure students engage with the topic areas covered in each module and with each other.these do not contribute marks to the summative assessments but build up to and feed into them by providing an opportunity for students to receive advance feedback thereby improving their performance in the summative assessments. All summative assessments in the programme are carried out by coursework. In addition to testing the achievement of learning outcomes, these summative assessments also provide an opportunity to develop key practical skills. The assessments will require students to work both independently and in groups. As such, more traditional essays and reports are used in combination with presentations, innovative online technology such as web site development and virtual reality. This approach helps ensure the acquisition of the breadth and depth of knowledge and digital and employability skills required at this level. 9

10 Parity of assessment load will be ensured through discussions between module leaders, monitored by the academic lead and noting any feedback from students and the external examiner. Students will be encouraged to apply the sustainability and environmental management knowledge gained during taught modules in the context of professional practice and to demonstrate their understanding in online discussions or assessments where applicable. SECTION SEVEN: Admission Entry Criteria for Home Students: Admissions criteria for this programme are consistent with those of Regulatory Framework for Postgraduate Taught Programmes. Applicants should normally have: EITHER OR At least a lower second class (2:2) Honours degree in a pure or applied science (or combination) of a UK university, the CNAA or an overseas equivalent. Qualifications and experience considered to be equivalent to the above. All students applying via this route will be assessed and where necessary interviewed by the Academic Lead. When assessing a non-standard applicant s suitability for entry onto the programme, the Academic Lead will have particular regard to the applicant s: Level of current qualifications Experience of working in an environmental management or sustainability setting, the roles undertaken and the level of decision making undertaken Ability to write in a clear, coherent and critical manner Motivation for undertaking the programme Support from employer to undertake programme To ascertain the above, an interview with the candidate may be undertaken, a reference from the employer that details the applicant s experiences and current role, and the applicant may be asked to undertake a critical written report for consideration. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a way of recognising and valuing the knowledge and skills that an applicant already has when embarking on a programme of study. If an applicant can demonstrate and provide evidence of prior learning and that their existing knowledge and skills meet some of the requirements of this programme, then the University will allow them to be considered for exemptions for parts of the academic programme. As the 3 core modules at the PgCert level of the programme are aligned to IEMA s practitioner level membership, IEMA practitioner members can join the programme at the PgDip stage. 10

11 Further details of the University RPL scheme can be found at: and the Online Advisor or Programme Academic Lead can be contacted for further details Entry Criteria for International Students In addition to the above, International Students will be expected to demonstrate that they have achieved a total overall IELTS score of 6 or above or equivalent. Associate Modules The three core modules in the programme shall be available as associate modules in each of the trimesters in which they are available. The modules will be offered to applicants whose academic credentials require them to further demonstrate their ability to study at level 7 before being granted admission to the full programme. SECTION EIGHT: Student Support & Guidance Induction For all online students, there is an Online Student Orientation which serves the purpose of highlighting the particular needs of online study preparing them for the online learning environment. This orientation is available to access before formal entry onto the programme and throughout the duration of studies. As an enrolled student there are a number of support mechanisms available including a customer service and operations team who provide advice and guidance on administrative, technical and pastoral support issues, an Academic Lead who provides academic guidance and is also able to refer students to central university services designed to support their academic and personal development within the programme. Students will be invited to a programme welcome webinar at the start of the programme and module introduction webinars at the start of each module. As these events are timetabled, they will be recorded for the benefit of those unable to attend at the set time. Academic guidance, welfare and pastoral support The day to day management of the programme is the responsibility of the Academic Lead who is responsible for communicating with the outside professional bodies regarding programme specific issues. To support the academic lead in the smooth running of the programme there is a dedicated team of academic staff made up of on campus lecturers and also Associate Academics who oversee subject specific modules. All students enrolled onto a programme will also be allocated a personal academic tutor to support them through their studies and to be available to discuss any concerns that may arise. The Online Learner Advisors (OLAs) provide the bridge between students and the academic team. Their primary focus is on providing pastoral care and guidance to students. A comprehensive range of support is made available at enquiry, application, enrolment, induction and during studies. This support is provided locally within UDOL and centrally from the University s central teams. 11

12 Library Support The Library provides support through a general enquiry service and has a Subject Librarian for Science who provides individual help on searching for information. The Library also has a Study Skills team to assist with any study skills support. Students with special needs The learning and teaching strategy is constructed with direct reference to the Equality Act (2010) via the University Of Derby Equal Opportunities Code Of Practice in relation to students declaring a disability. UDOL has been proactive in its support of any students with dyslexia or other educational/health needs. This has included the development of a microsite: Make I.T. work for you' that supports students in making changes to their computers and other technologies, to improve accessibility. In addition, the Content and Commissioning team take steps to ensure that authored materials of the learning content are as accessible as possible. This is all underpinned by the Universal Design for Learning framework. SECTION NINE: Employability The drive for businesses to become more sustainable means that graduates from the MSc in Sustainability and Environmental Management can work in most organisations irrespective of the sector. The programme equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to solve environmental problems and develop a sustainability culture in organisations. Some roles which graduates from the programme can fill include environmental or sustainability officers and/or managers, facilities officers and/or managers, health and safety officers and/or managers among others. Graduates from the programme can also find relevant roles in government and non-govenmental organisations as well as international agencies. The digital and employability skills embedded in and taught throughout the programme in addition to the professional accreditation by IEMA with membership benefits further enhances the employability of graduates from the programme. The university careers unit is available to students on the programme during their studies and up to three years after graduatiin. They will provide support for CV writing, job search etc. A live webinar will also be offered to students periodically with up to date information on the job market for environmental management and sustainability professionals. SECTION TEN: Post Programme Opportunities The Masters programme allows for progression to further qualifications as it is a good basis for further study in the form of a research degree (MPhil/PhD). Graduates from the programme qualify for Graduate Membership of IEMA and depending on their experience, can be fast tracked to Practitioner and Full Membership. 12

13 SECTION ELEVEN: External Links The programme meets the QAA masters degree characteristics and has good external links with professional bodies and employers. Ongoing dialogue and awareness is maintained by the activities of the programme team, through employer visits, conference attendance, publication of articles related to the subject areas, consultancy and other practice based scholarly activity. Within certain modules, practicing professionals will be brought in for guest lectures to illustrate how careers develop within specific areas of sustainability and environmental management to illustrate their employment journeys. 13