Course description
Introduction
Accreditation of this course from Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Managers (CIWEM) is pending.
-Part-time by distance learning (28 months) no attendance required
-Flexible payment options
-Innovative and interactive using the internet
-Choice of start dates – Spring, Autumn and Winter
-Combines theoretical knowledge with learning applied catchment management skills
As we enter the 21st century, the countryside is being dramatically transformed. In the process, we can conceive rural areas as arenas in which competing interests and ideologies struggle to stake their claims, including the issues of water quantity, quality, and river management. The European Union, for example, addresses these issues within an Action Programme entitled Environment 2010: Our Future, Our Choice, which focuses on:
-Climate change and global warming;
-The natural habitat and wildlife;
-Environment and health issues;
-Natural resources and managing waste.
Subsumed within this over-arching action programme is the European Union Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC, the aims of which include:
-Expanding the scope of water protection to all waters, surface waters and groundwater
-Achieving 'good status' for all waters by a set deadline
-Water management based on river basins
-Getting the prices right
-Streamlining legislation
The Directive requires: the identification of water bodies and their physical characteristics; the assessment of pressures and impacts on rivers, lochs, estuaries, coasts, groundwaters and wetlands; and an economic analysis of water use. The core to addressing these aims and requirements is 'a single system of water management: River Basin Management'. The core action unit in the UK (equivalent to river basin management) is Integrated Catchment Management (ICM). Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) regards ICM as the fundamental management unit to the improvement of both the ecological status and the chemical quality of water in addition to addressing water quantity issues.
Content
The course uses a diverse range of modules to offer you a unique combination of theoretical and applied management techniques with policy formulation and business awareness skills:
-GIS and Remote Sensing for Conservation Management (15 credits)
-Catchment Management (15 credits)
-Managing Freshwater Supplies (15 credits)
-Soil, Land Use and Environment (15 credits)
-Catchment Hydrology (15 credits)
-Water Policy and Law (15 credits)
-Environmental Impact Assessment (15 credits)
-Field Based Research Practice (15 credits)
-Research for Policy and Practice (15 credits core)
-Dissertation (around 20,000 words) (60 credits core)
The 15 credit modules are described in more detail below.
Learning materials
Learning materials have been designed for use via the internet as well as being available on paper. You will be able to use the internet to communicate with other students and members of staff, as well as use it to access module specific web sites and reference materials, including an extensive range of electronic journal materials via the University Library. Some modules require the purchase of specific core texts, and you will also receive a printed reader with selected modules.
Pattern and duration of study
The MSc may be completed in 28 months and consists of eight 15 credit modules, and one 60 credit dissertation (total 180 credits). You will be given advice on the order in which the modules should normally be taken. However, you may also take individual modules as and when you like, and so build-up credit over an extended period to suit your personal situation. The course aims to support the philosophy of lifelong learning and equality of opportunity, and is designed to increase access for those with personal commitments or constraints.
Assessment
All of the assessment is by coursework, and will comprise a combination of projects or essays. Emphasis is placed on you being able to set and meet your own timetables and deadlines. Within the University framework, you will be encouraged to interact with staff and fellow students via chat-rooms, e-mail and the telephone.
