MSc/ PG Diploma/ PG Cert Integrated Environmental Management by distance learning

We welcome students from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds and will accept applicants with both science and arts-based degrees.

Applicants must have a first degree from a recognised university to be accepted directly onto the MSc programme.

Access Route

Applicants who do not have a first degree but have appropriate practical experience can apply to start the MSc as an Access route student.

The Access route comprises the first two units of the full MSc programme. Entrants who achieve the required standard in these two units and wish to continue with their studies can transfer to the MSc programme.

English language requirements

The language of study for the course is English. Non-native English speakers must supply evidence of one of the following English qualifications:

• 6.5 in the IELTS test (Academic English) with at least 6.0 in each of the four components
• 92 overall in TOEFL (internet) with Writing 21, Listening 21, Reading 22 and Speaking 23
• 62 in the PTE Academic with no less than 59 in any component.

Accredited Prior Learning

Where applicants can demonstrate evidence of relevant prior learning achievement, credit may be awarded in part fulfilment of the programme’s credit requirement. Credit will be granted for whole units only up to a maximum of 50% of the taught programme.

MSc Programme Structure

The MSc is divided into four components:

• 6 compulsory units
• 2 optional units
• 2 residential schools
• dissertation research project.

Each unit takes approximately three months to complete, with a recommended study time of 100 hours. After completing the taught units, students should aim to submit their dissertation within 12 months.

Download the MSc Study Plan.

Post Graduate Certificate (PG Cert)

The Post Graduate Certificate is aimed at students who would like a recognised qualification in an environmental field who do not have the time or resources to commit to the MSc programme. Students complete 30 credits covering:

• 4 compulsory units and
• 1 optional unit

The programme can be completed within 12 months as detailed in the PG Cert Study Plan.

Students who register for the PG Certificate have the opportunity to transfer onto either the Post Graduate Diploma or the MSc at the end of their programme.

Post Graduate Diploma (PG Diploma)

Students who would like to take the programme as a PG Diploma are required to complete the first three components of the MSc - specifically

• 6 compulsory units
• 2 optional units
• 2 residential schools

Students are not required to complete the dissertation.

Accelerated Learning

After the first two units students registered on the PG Diploma or the MSc can opt to complete the course following an accelerated learning programme. In this option, two units are taken simultaneously and the programme can be completed in two years.

Assessment

Most units are assessed by assignment or open book exam only. These assignments are submitted to set deadlines which are posted at the start of each unit to help you plan your time.

Closed book exams are only taken for Sustainable Development and Environmental Impact Assessment.

Exam venues:

• UK students: Examinations are held at the University of Bath
• Overseas students: Local venues can be arranged.

Students are required to attend two on-site residentials in Bath during their registration, scheduled to take place in your first and second years. These schools combine lectures from tutors and guest speakers with interactive group work looking at a range of relevant case studies.

Residential School 1

(seven days) – Usually October, Year 1

In addition to covering material from the first four units, Residential School 1 also includes:

• An introduction to university facilities and services
• An introduction to Moodle
• Advice on study skills, assignment submissions and exam preparation

Residential School 2

(five days + two day dissertation workshop) – Usually October, Year 2

Residential School 2 covers materials relating to the final compulsory units and includes sessions about the optional units.

two-day workshop specifically focused on how to develop your dissertation.

Introductory Workshop (Optional)

(two days) - Usually April, Year 1 - April starters only

This introductory workshop covers the material presented in the first two days of Residential School 1. Attendance is optional and the workshop will only be run if a sufficient number of students indicate they would like to attend.

Benefits of the residential schools:

The residential schools provide an opportunity to:

• Talk to experts in  the field of environmental management
• Meet your tutors and discuss the course material in person
• Get to know the support staff
• Socialise with your fellow students at evening events organised throughout the week
• Develop ideas for your assignments or dissertation.

The dissertation assesses your ability to carry out independent, in depth research.

Once you have successfully completed your taught modules you can start work on your dissertation. The dissertation tutor and your assigned supervisor will help you develop and present your dissertation topic.

Dissertations can be literature-based or investigative depending on your circumstances and interests. Company sponsored students may choose a topic that is beneficial to their employer provided it covers sufficient material to complete the research.

Past dissertation titles include:

• Adeosun-Verhaak, Adefunke - The Montreal Protocol on ozone depleting compounds as an example of the precautionary principle and an investigation into whether the legislation affected EU-15 competitiveness adversely (2012)
• Chard, Michael - Does ISO 14000 bring about improved environmental performance in the construction industry?  – With special reference to Sir Robert MaAlpine Ltd (2012)
• Moysey, Carolyn - The factors which should be considered by a global organisation in the establishing and monitoring of carbon reduction targets (2012)
• Bichara-Diseki, Simone - Life cycle assessment of a microalgae biodiesel production system for the investigation of energy requirements (2011)
• Deriglazova, Natalya - The role of tiered environment analyses in USDOI practices relating to U.S. outer continental shelf oil and gas development (2011)
• Elder, Graeme - The factors which should be considered by a global organisation in the establishment and monitoring of carbon reduction targets (2011)
• Gogan, Raymond - Review of waste management options for oil based mud cuttings with special emphasis on waste injection (2011)
• Gray, Jonathan - End-of-life issued uniform shirts: can PSNI’s published sustainability (2011)
• Higgins, Tony - Carbon footprint: is the term widely understood and, if not, could lack of understanding by a workforce have an impact upon the environmental performance of an organisation? Strategy impact upon disposal (2011)
• James, Keith - An investigation of the relationship between recycling paper and card and greenhouse gas emissions from land use change (2011)
• Johnson, Kehinde - A review of Public Consultation Process under the Nigerian EIA Act of 1992 (2011)
• Weir, Derek - A critical review of sustainability strategy in policing by literature review (2011)
• Lugo, Donna - Environmental decision making using multi-attribute decision analysis – A case study involving waste disposal options for high volume very low level radioactive waste asbestos (2011)

IEM Academic and teaching staff

 There are two intakes per year:

• 1 April (deadline for applications 28 February)

• 1 October (deadline for applications 30 August)

Apply online

To apply, visit the University's online application system

Choose the programme you wish to apply for from the list. This will depend on the start dates you require.

Complete the online application form and upload the relevant supporting documents.

All applications are assessed by the Director of Studies.

The fees you pay relate to the academic year in which you start a stage.

• 2012/3
• 2013/4

These are three ways you can pay:

• Credit Card
• Debit Card
• Bank Transfer 

Please do not make any payments until you have received an invoice from the University.

Information for sponsored applicants

If your company is sponsoring you, you will need to provide the following at the start of your programme:

• Company contact details - as below (all details must be provided)
• An original letter from your company on official headed/ branded paper

The letter must state that they will be paying your fees for the duration of the programme.

We advise all applicants who are being sponsored to request these details in advance as it could delay you in starting your programme.

Students who have completed the MSc in Integrated Environmental Management have found employment in a number of industries in both the private and public sector. Examples of these are detailed below:

Private sector

Public sector