University of Hertfordshire - MSc Environmental Management for Agriculture

University of Hertfordshire

MSc Environmental Management for Agriculture

Agriculture faces many challenges, not least coping with the rising demand for food, biofuel and other products by an increasing population combined with the demands for a more sustainable industry. Food security is key and requires the reconciliation of efficient production of food with reducing agriculture’s environmental footprint.

The MSc Environmental Management for Agriculture course examines agriculture activities and their potential to impact both positively and negatively on the environment. It explains how environmental management systems, environmental auditing, life cycle assessment and environmental impact assessment can be used in the farm situation.

This course aims to use environmental management to deliver sustainable agricultural management. Students will gain a holistic understanding and the interdisciplinary training to identify on-farm environmental risks and the knowledge and skills needed to develop answers.

The specialist core modules have been designed to ensure understanding of the issues, where the science is balanced with the practical demands of the farm/producer/grower. You will develop the expertise required for a career in research, development, policy, or within the advisory sector relating to sustainability in farming systems, the food supply chain, environmental management and rural development, or to apply their skills in agriculture. 

The structure of the MSc Environmental Management for Agriculture course is based on five core modules, a research methods module and a supervised research project related to the field of agriculture, and a choice of 3 optional modules. Students will begin their studies, for both full-time and part time students, with a core module in Sustainability and Environmental Systems.

This course is accredited by IEMA, a professional body for people working in environment and sustainability. This course entitles students to FREE student membership for the duration of the course and on successful completion you qualify for GradIEMA. Graduate membership is a launch-pad for future leaders within environment and sustainability and offers a range of benefits to support you throughout your career. You can then ‘fast track’ to Practitioner Membership (PIEMA) following successful completion of the work-based assessment of competence.

The course has also been accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) which means that whilst students are enrolled on the programme they are eligible for complementary student membership with that institution. Upon graduation, students will be eligible to apply for graduate membership.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a 2.2. Honours degree, in agriculture, botany, plant sciences, horticulture, zoology, environmental sciences, or a related subject or a professional qualification and / or work experience equivalent to the above.



Students whose first language is not English are required to achieve a 6.5 IELTS score. If you do not have the required level of English for entry, our 

academic English courses

 can help you to achieve this level.

Course Details

The MSc Environmental Management for Agriculture course approach integrates blended learning,  combining:

  • face-to-face teaching and tutorials with online learning materials
  • field and laboratory work
  • easy contact with tutors 
  • online submission of assignments

All modules are delivered as intensive two or three day short courses that run primarily on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Full-time students attend tutorials in the weeks following a short course, receiving face-to-face support.

Part-time students attend courses at the University for only about 16 working days a year. These students complete their assignments through making use of our outstanding virtual learning environment Studynet and keeping in remote contact with tutors. Students normally complete the part time course within two years but we give maximum of five years. 

Our outstanding virtual learning environment Studynet will enable you to keep in remote contact with tutors and submit assignments online

Assessment is primarily by assignments, often directly related to environmental management in the workplace or field. These can include reports, essays, seminars and online tests.

You have access to excellent University facilities including a field station, laboratories and state of the art Learning Resource Centres.

Each module can be studied individually as a stand-alone course, please enquire for further details.

Sustainability and environmental systems
Research methods
Foundation in environmental auditing
Integrated farm management
Environmental management individual research project
Agriculture and environment
Integrated crop protection
Study skills

Optional modules
Transport Policy & Travel Planning
Sustainable energy
Environmental policy and governance
Environmental management tools and methods
Integrated waste and pollution management
Water pollution control
Ecology and conservation
Water resources
Managing change for environmental management

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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