Environmental Sustainability and Geography MA (Hons)

Students study introductory modules in Environmental Sustainability and Environmental Science. You will be introduced to the principles of sustainable development and their application in practice, the processes of environmental change and some of the techniques used to measure these, and the legal and political framework that shapes environmental policy.

Sustainable Development and the Environment: TP11003

Semester 1, 20 credits

The need for a more responsible approach to resource use is established and the achievement of sustainable development is considered at the international, national and local scale. This module explores the relationship between the concept of sustainable development and the application of policies designed to deliver sustainable outcomes. It considers the interface between sustainability and economic growth, and how this has been interpreted through policy initiatives at international, European, national and local level. Of particular interest is the way in which sustainability is being applied and implemented within the UK.

Countryside Planning and Management: TP12004

Semester 2, 20 credits

This module introduces students to the principal institutions concerned with the environment. It explores the practice of planning and development in the countryside and examines some of the major issues and concerns that have a bearing on planning and environmental management processes, such as affordable housing provision, wind farm developments and community land ownership.

The Physical Environment: EV11001

Semester 1, 20 credits

The foundation of environments in all parts of the globe is a physical one, determined by geological and terrestrial processes, and flows of water and energy. These processes provide the habitat in which all species live and evolve, and provide the baseline against which change resulting from human agency can be measured. As the pace of human change accelerates in all parts of the world, an appreciation of how these influences control the nature and evolution of environments is increasingly valuable.

Environments for Life: EV12002

Semester 2, 20 credits

Earth as a planet is experiencing change which, in many respects, is unprecedented on a geological timescale. Many of these changes are truly global in scale and have diverse impacts on living systems. Global warming, ozone layer destruction, the pollution of air and water and loss of species due to land and marine management policies are just some of the issues causing worldwide concern. Managing all these issues requires a knowledge of the scientific principles and processes that maintain a sustainable environment.

The Environments for Life module aims to provide this basic understanding in a range of accessible formats, through a programme of lectures, tutorials and practical classes focussing on environmental chemistry, atmospheric processes, weather and climate, terrestrial ecosystems, biodiversity, aquatic science and urban green space management.

Plus 2 other modules

Level 2 continues to develop the building blocks of environmental sustainability but also introduces new topics such as environmental management and environmental law. An example of a Level 2 project is a group exercise to develop a 'green' building on a local site.

Management in the Built and Natural Environments: TP21009

Semester 1, 20 credits

This module examines management for environmental (built and natural) professionals and environmental projects.

Introduction to Environmental Law: TP22004

Semester 2, 20 credits

This module introduces students to statutory controls in relation to the environment, and considers the relationship between planning law and environmental regulation.

Management and Monitoring: EV21001

Semester 1, 20 credits

Environmental resource management is described as an essential process of decision making incorporating the setting of environmental objectives, monitoring and assessment of current environmental conditions and the prediction of future change. Students will study resource management issues in relation to Mineral Resources and in a wider context, the protection of Scotland's natural resource base as a whole. The design of environmental monitoring programmes is considered in terms of supplying information required for management. In particular, the use of Remote Sensing techniques is examined in this module.

Mechanisms and Measurements: EV22002

Semester 2, 20 credits

This module serves as an introduction to the science of aquatic, atmospheric and terrestrial processes and emphasizes physical, chemical and biological mechanisms and their measurement. The range of topics taught in the module gives students their first opportunity to study oceanography, incorporating ocean circulation and global heat transfer and leading in to the productivity of the marine environment. Of equal importance are terrestrial processes. Terrestrial ecology is studied through exploration of vegetation adaptation, land reclamation and restoration. Finally, the chemistry of atmospheric pollution, water pollution and water treatment are examined.

Plus 2 other modules

You tackle more specialised aspects of environmental sustainability such as environmental business, environmental assessment and environmental geoscience. The Business, Law and Environment module, for example, gives students insights into environmental theory and practice as it is applied in the corporate sector and involves visits to firms who have adopted environmental management systems.

Modules on offer typically include:

• GE31019 - Research Methods in Human Geography OR GE31020 Field and Laboratory Skills in Physical Geography (Sem 1)
• EV32002 - Environmental Geoscience (Sem 2)
• TP32009 - Business Law and the Environment (Sem 1)
• TP32004 - Environmental Assessment and Sustainability Appraisal (Sem 2)

You can choose from a range of option modules and prepare a dissertation on a topic that interests you. This allows you to study in depth and develop your own specialism.

• TP42004 - Climate Change: Societal and Organisational Responses (Sem 1)
• EV41006 - Environmental Sustainability in Practice
• TP42011 - Dissertation (Year-Long)

plus 2 options from a list which typically includes:

• TP41004 - Community Governance (Sem 1)

As well as lectures, our teaching methods include tutorials, seminars, lab work and group instruction for skills development.

Through a range of practical coursework, you will have the chance to develop your skills in communication, report writing, presentation, policy analysis and evaluation, problem solving, decision making, IT, and team work.

As progress is made through the programme students have an increasing opportunity to specialise in subjects of their choice.