- Integrated Environmental Management

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IEM Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ applies to all options of the IEM programme

When can I start the programme?
For those wishing to join the MSc programme there are two intakes per year: 1 April and 1 October.  For the IEMA Associate Membership Course and all othe CPD units there are four intakes per year: 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October.  You can apply at any time for any of the IEM courses and you will be added to the next study group.

How long does it take to study a unit?
Each unit requires approximately 100 hours of study to complete. This is equivalent to three months of study at 7 hours per week. On commencing a unit you will be given the assignment deadlines and a study plan to help you effectively meet them. 

How long will the MSc take me?
The MSc is designed to be completed in 3 years part-time.  In exceptional circumstances students can be granted an extension, with the maximum time allowable being five years.  There is also the possibility to take an accelerated route by studying more than one unit at at time.

Can I study full time?
The IEM programme is designed to be studied part time by distance learning.

Will there always be someone available to answer any queries?
Our tutors are available for the students to contact via email or telephone most of the time. Many are practicing professionals andso they are used to responding quickly to enquiries but they do also take occasional holidays. The Student Support Team is based on campus and we are always glad to help you out with any general queries in normal working hours.

Do I have to attend a residential school to complete the IEMA course?
The IEMA Associate Membership course does not include a compulsory residential component. Some students choose to attend the first residential school of the MSc programme (at extra cost) if they want to strengthen their knowledge or if they are considering transferring to the MSc.

Do I have to travel to Bath to complete my programme?
Students studying our CPD modules are welcome to come to the campus and we are happy to arrange access to University facilities for study and recreation. There is, however, no requirement that they come to Bath and many choose to study entirely at distance. MSc students must attend the residential schools normally held at the University. UK-based MSc students will also take their examinations at the university campus. Students based overseas normally sit examinations in a city near to their home. At the end of the course, most of our graduates make the journey to Bath to be awarded their MSc at the degree congregations held in July and December.

Can I get University accommodation when I visit Bath?
We are often able to offer accommodation on campus for students attending residential schools. When the campus accommodation is full we can help to locate reasonably priced accommodation in the City of Bath. Please note that the programme fees do not include accommodation costs.

Is there a time limit for completion of a CPD course?
CPD units are designed to be completed within 3 months and there are set deadlines for assignments.  In exceptional circumstances students can be granted an extension.  CPD students are registered for a maximum period of 12 months.

Do I have to do additional reading to complete the programme?
The learning materials are fully self-contained and the assignments or examinations that our students take can all be passed without further reading outside the course. We do not discourage wider reading but it is important for students to know that studying the course materials is sufficient on its own.

Do I need a degree to study the MSc?
We welcome applications from people without degrees but who have relevant experience. We have an Access Route onto the MSc, which is provided specifically for such students. It allows the IEM Team to assess their academic suitability for progression on to the MSc programme.

Once I have IEMA membership what else can IEM offer me?
The IEMA module is the first module of the MSc programme and so you have already completed the first part of the MSc and may go on to study any other module of the programme and attend the residential schools. The MSc course provides education and training in the practice of environmental management to the highest standard. Details of the modules available and how to register for the MSc can be found by choosing the relevant study option on the IEM home page.

Can I be granted credit for courses I have already studied in the area?
We are happy to consider applications for recognition of prior learning. In practice, however, we can only usually grant exemption from whole modules of the course and this requires that your prior learning covers all of the material in the relevant module. This can only be assessed by a detailed comparison of the syllabuses. Please get in touch if you think you would like to apply.

I am interested in the environment but don’t work in the field, would IEM courses be suitable for me?
It is not a requirement that our students must be working in an environmental field and several of our students work in unrelated areas (such as web design). They are studying IEM modules in order to develop career opportunities in the environmental area. The course is, however, centered on the application of environmental management techniques and skills and so it is most relevant for those who currently, or intend to, work in environmental management.

Your MSc application form asks for details of an academic referee - I don't know who to suggest...?
We use academic references as part of the body of evidence that confirms that you are who you say you are but also because we sometimes learn helpful things about you as a student from a fellow educator. The more we have that sense of assurance and knowledge from your application the better we can assess your ability and help you once you join the course. Anyone who has knowledge of your engagement in educational activity can give an academic reference. For most of our students the 'ideal' reference, which would be from an academic in higher education, is impossible and so we ask for the best that is available. That may be your company training officer or a tutor from any course that you have been studying. If you are having trouble identifying someone please get in touch to discuss it with us.

 Can I start as a CPD student and apply to transfer to the MSc at a later date?
Yes it is quite possible to enrol as a CPD student and apply to transfer later.  In fact quite a few of our MSc students and graduates started out as CPD students.  We would recommend transferring after studying only one or two units if possible as MSc students sit exams and attend residentials which CPD students do not normally do.

 How is the IEMA Associate programme assessed?
It is assessed by means of two pieces of coursework.   The first assignment consists of 10 short answer (150 words) questions and the second is a 1500 word essay.