MSc in Environmental Strategy

Description of core modules

Life Cycle Approaches: Provides an introduction to life cycle thinking, principles and practice of applying LCA. Case studies constitute an important element of the module to help develop environmental performance indicators and how to use them to inform environmental decision-making. Students are introduced to various types of LCA computer software and undertake exercises to give them a hands-on experience.

Environmental Auditing and Management Systems: Enables students to understand and develop appropriate environmental policies, and to enable them to appreciate and work with Environmental Management Systems (EMSs). Further, this module aims to provide insight into the role of environmental tools for problem solving and decision making in a complex environment with conflicting objectives.

Environmental Law: Understanding the structure of key environmental laws in the UK and EU covering waste, water and atmospheric pollution constitute an important element of this module. Judicial and court-room procedures in the context of environmental claims are explored. Students are familiarised with the rules of evidence, preparing and presenting evidence as an expert witness.

Environmental Science and Society: This module introduces basic environmental science concepts. Specific topics covered include: thermodynamics of ecosystems and human systems, ecology and biodiversity, pollution science, the science of climate change, the science of ozone depletion, scientific approaches to environmental risk, science and technology, science and human behaviour, scientific uncertainty and the precautionary principle.

Dissertation: The dissertation is a personal research project which offers you the opportunity to concentrate and specialise on a particular environmental aspect of their interest. The dissertation may be linked to ongoing research within the Centre or to outside organisations and can be carried out within an industrial sponsor, with a public body, in your place of work, at home or abroad. Projects vary significantly in terms of approach but all require students to identify a research gap and to demonstrate creativity in addressing it in research design, analysis and synthesis of ideas.