COURSE CURRICULUM

The MSc in Environmental Assessment and Management is a one-year full-time course structured around 180 credits, comprising six taught modules (20 credits each) and a 60-credit dissertation. The program begins in September and runs through to the end of August. Compulsory taught modules lay the foundation in environmental and sustainability assessment, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, including a field course that emphasizes real-world experience. Alongside these, students can choose from a range of optional modules to develop specialised skills and tailor their learning to specific interests, building a portfolio that enhances employability in environmental fields. The course strongly integrates research training throughout the academic year, equipping students with the essential skills needed to complete their dissertation. This begins with the Research Skills module, which offers guidance on literature reviews, data analysis, ethics, and research design. It also includes training in social science research techniques, such as questionnaire surveys and qualitative data analysis. The dissertation, conducted during the summer, involves independent research on a topic related to environmental assessment and management, supervised by a faculty member and possibly in collaboration with an external organisation. Students are encouraged to pursue topics of personal or professional interest, ensuring alignment with career goals. Two key modules are “Environmental Assessment Effectiveness,” which explores strategic assessment through the lens of sustainability appraisal and includes a practical fieldwork component, and “Theory of Environmental Assessment,” which provides a comprehensive overview of environmental assessment methods and their application in various decision-making contexts. The structure of the program ensures that students not only gain theoretical understanding and practical experience but also develop critical thinking and analytical skills required to assess environmental impacts and contribute to sustainable policy and planning practices.