University of Hertfordshire - MSc Water and Environmental Management

University of Hertfordshire

MSc Water and Environmental Management

Environmental water management is of increasing importance to all types of organisations in the UK and throughout the world. There is a growing need for qualified and trained environmental water managers.

The MSc Water and Environmental Management course focuses on sound water management and the requirements of sustainable development. You acquire expertise in the choice, design and implementation of a range of environmental management tools and methods including environmental impact assessment, integrated catchment management and environmentally sensitive river management.

Whether you are a graduate looking for a career in environmental water management or a professional who already has experience in this area the course advances your knowledge and skills so that you can develop your career in implementing environmentally sustainable solutions in business and organisations around the world. Studying on the MSc Water and Environmental Management course is the first step to becoming a Chartered Environmentalist.

Seven core taught modules are taken and students then choose one other module from a range of optional modules. Students also complete two modules (Research Methods and Research Project) which specifically support them through their independent research project. The project can be based on a water related issue that interests you or is relevant to your organisation, and you will be assigned a member of academic staff who will guide you through the research process.

Students will begin their studies, both full-time and part time, 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.

This course is available both full and part-time with intakes in September (Semester A) and January (Semester B). Full time study in Semester A takes 1 year. Full time study beginning in Semester B will take 15 months. Part time study options typically take two years but students are given a maximum of five years to complete.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of a 2.2 degree in any subject.

Applicants with other qualifications and relevant experience will be considered individually by the Programme Tutor. Accredited Prior Learning (APL) is available for those who already have associate membership of IEMA.

An IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent will be required If English is not the first language. If you do not have the required level of English for entry, our academic English courses can help you to achieve this level.

Career Prospects

Graduates have gained employment in a wide variety of sectors including Water companies, environment agencies, consultancy, NGOs, local government, and many other areas of the private and public sector employment. 

Former students have made impressive environmental improvements and large savings for their companies while studying on the programme, and several have achieved significant promotion within their companies.

Course Details

The programme approach integrates blended learning, combining face-to-face teaching and tutorials with online learning materials, easy contact with tutors and online submission of assignments. All modules are delivered as intensive two or three day short courses that run primarily on 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. Most part time students complete this course within 2 years but you are given a maximum of 5 to complete.

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
Environmental policy and governance
Environmental management tools and methods
Water pollution control
Water resources
Water and environmental management individual research project
Managing change for environmental management
Study skills

Optional modules
Sustainable energy
Integrated waste and pollution management
Ecology and conservation
Environmental management systems implementation
Agriculture and environment

*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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