This programme was first established more than 20 years ago and is now widely recognised as an international leader in training environmental managers for work in both the public and private sectors. Environmental managers play a vital role in the sustainable use of water resources and waste disposal, in tackling problems such as the impacts of climate change and pollution, and in advising on management to minimise the degradation of soils, aquatic resources and natural habitats.
Stirling’s graduates work for organisations such as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and major environmental consultancies, many in senior positions.
Programme Objectives
Our programme aims to give students:
- An understanding of the scientific principles that underpin environmental management
- An understanding of the economic, social, political and legal frameworks for environmental management
- A sound training in relevant practical, investigative, research and generic skills
Entrance Requirements
A good second class Honours degree in a relevant subject or its equivalent.
Consideration is given to other candidates with substantial relevant professional experience. Enquiries are welcome from all prospective students confident in their ability to handle scientific and numerical information.
English Language Requirements
If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your proficiency such as a minimum IELTS score of 6 (minimum 6 in each skill), or TOEFL: Listening 23, Reading 23, Speaking 23, Writing 23.
Funding
The diploma element of the programme is normally supported through awards from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). For details visit:
www.saas.org.uk
For further information on possible sources of funding, visit: www.stir.ac.uk/postgrad/finance
Modes of Study
Full-time: one year
Part-time: 27 months
Programme start date
September
Structure and content
Students take four core modules in the autumn semester:
- Environmental Systems and Assessment: Focuses on terrestrial and freshwater environments and approaches to their assessment
- Environmental Policy and Management: The role of Environmental Management in society and the role of governments (UK and other)
- Environmental Economics: A bridge between scientific knowledge and policy decisions
- Information Technology: Focuses on statistical techniques and Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
In the spring semester students select four modules from a list which normally includes:
- Field Techniques for Environmental Managers: A practical module providing training in field data collection and interpretation based on a residential field course
- Remote Sensing: Concepts, principles and techniques with hands on experience with various environmental applications, and training in the use of ENVI and ArcGIS
- Biodiversity: What can be done to conserve the world’s biodiversity?
- Catchment Management and Water Quality: Impacts of human activities in river basins on water quality and strategies to minimise these
- River Conservation and Management: Physical habitat restoration, river flow regulation and environmental impacts of river engineering
- Economics of Climate Change: Why has it happened? What are the costs? What are the mitigation options?
- Environmental Law and Management Systems: The implementation of environmentally sound practice in business; the ISO14001/4 Environmental Management Systems Standard and EMAS, Environmental Law, the European Eco-management and Audit Scheme
- ‘Gooding’ the Earth: Soil function and quality. Soil problems and potential strategies for their mitigation and management
Students who successfully complete the taught programme will qualify for the Diploma and may proceed to the MSc. This involves completion of a three-month research project, often in collaboration with an outside agency. Students frequently choose a topic complementary to their option selection, allowing them to develop a high level of competence in aspects of environmental management relevant to their future employment.
Delivery and Assessment
The programme is taught primarily by Biological and Environmental Sciences staff, from other departments of the University and visiting professionals from outside agencies.
Assessment is via coursework and examination, and may include teamwork and presentations. Exams are held in December and May, and external examiners may interview students at the end of the spring semester. MSc research projects are submitted in early September.
Timetable
Contact the School for information on your timetable and reading lists.
Career Opportunities
The programme is assessed and its content regularly reviewed in consultation with academic staff, environmental consultants and senior personnel from organisations such as the Scottish Government, Scottish Natural Heritage, and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. The aim is to keep the programme relevant to the needs of employers and up-to-date with changes occurring in the field of environmental management.
These efforts are reflected in our excellent employment record in recent years. The majority of students have found positions in nature conservation, consultancy, environmental protection agencies, waste management organisations and environmental research.
Our graduates work for environmental agencies such as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and major environmental consultancies, many in senior positions.
