Sustainability and Environmental Management MSc

Course overview

The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates that the green economy might generate 24 million jobs globally by 2030.

• We live in a dynamic world where the impact of human activity on the environment and society is now recognised as needing urgent attention.
  In 2015 the UN launched its 17 Sustainable Development Goals which have quickly become adopted as the framework by which nations and organisations are measuring their progress.
• This course is designed to reflect the needs of the profession as well as the research interests and industrial background of current lecturing staff. We are constantly evolving this course in order to apply both theoretical concepts and industrial practice in order to meet the needs of this important discipline for the benefit of both the natural environment and society.
• The course focuses on the environmental, technological, political, and social issues associated with environmental management and sustainability challenges and issues that affect organisations of every size, in every sector, at both a local and global scale.
• The course blends a mixture of both theory and applied ‘real-world’ industrial practice relating to sustainability and environmental issues. Successful completion of the course will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to drive sustainable development and address the challenges and opportunities posed by environmental issues.
• You will have the option to apply for a ‘work placement’ opportunity², designed to further develop your skills and knowledge with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. See modules for more information.

Why you should study this course

The world is changing at a rapid pace due to continued pressures from human activities. Every week, news stories present new or updated challenges from across the world, whether the use and disposal of coffee cups, the growing spread of plastic wastes in our oceans or the threat to endangered species. We need to create and maintain a world which is fit for future generations. No longer is it enough for environmentalists to ‘save the planet’. Sustainability professionals must be able to work within the human and natural frameworks which underpin everything we do to create change.

• The course is currently made up of eight taught modules which all students must take. Although the world is complex and full of uncertainty, there are a common set of skills and attributes needed by the modern environmental practitioner. This course covers the environmental, social, and economic aspects of the sustainability agenda.
• Key to sustainability is the ability to work with and through stakeholders, who have interests in or are affected by our activities. The combination of scientific understanding and evaluation with social science techniques is becoming vital to the delivery of successful programmes such as those aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• Upon successful completion of the course, you will be able to use and evaluate a huge variety of information to meet challenges of this century. While climate change remains a clear and present threat, we must also consider our resilience and ability to adapt. And while energy and CO2 continue to drive many decisions, we must remember the vital importance of water, both quality and quantity; the waste we create and discard; the pollution from our economic endeavours; and the role of natural systems to support our species.
• The course aims to align and recognise the importance of both people and the planet in the delivery of sustainable development goals, both in the UK/EU and across the globe.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to offer:

• A critical awareness of current issues, legislation, risks & opportunities and practice in sustainability and environmental management.
• The ability to apply sustainability principles to relevant stakeholders, organisations, products, and services.
• Analysis of the implications of global trends and governance for the environment, for society and for organisations.
• Analyse the role of innovation in developing sustainable products and services and providing sustainable solutions.
• An in-depth understanding of the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement, communication, co-operation, and governance in aspects of policy, strategy development, implementation, and management.
• The ability to manage data and information considering uncertainty and complexity to make appropriate and justifiable decisions.
• The ability to conduct research, in an ethical manner, and analyse data using appropriate methods and communicate the output effectively.
• Personal skills and competencies expected of a sustainability professional, in line with recognised standards.

All modules are designed to be relevant to the needs of the sustainability and environmental profession, based on IEMA’s graduate attributes. The formative and summative assignments that you will be set are industry-focused or have a real-world practical application.

You will be guided in development planning and reflective practice as current or future leaders, with a focus on influencing and managing change in your team, organisation, and the sector more widely.

Your career path could involve being actively engaged in delivering sustainable development within all types of organisations. At the heart of most modules are the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which are becoming the benchmark for organisations seeking to contribute.

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and aims to give you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university's Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.