University home > Unit and programme catalogues in 2018/19 > Programme catalogue > Faculty of Science > School of Geographical Sciences > Environmental Policy and Management (MSc) > Specification
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Programme code | 9GEOG012T |
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Programme type | Postgraduate Taught Degree |
Programme director(s) |
Sean Fox
|
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
School/department | School of Geographical Sciences |
Teaching institution | University of Bristol |
Awarding institution | University of Bristol |
Mode of study | Full or Part Time |
Programme length |
1 years (full time)
2 years (part time) |
This programme aims to develop the student’s interest in and knowledge and understanding of the economic and political challenges created by the complexity of environmental change. Given such complexity, the programme recognises the need for a solid grounding in both human and physical geography, and related analytical methodologies. In the first instance, the programme (a) provides students with an understanding of the spaces, actors and other drivers that shape environmental policy and its execution across multiple geographic scales; (b) provides students with an understanding of how corporate and public institutions manage environmental liability and risk; and (c) how environmental policy is designed and operates. In the second instance, this programme provides the student with a solid understanding of the sources and scope of environmental change, such as climate change, land use degradation and water resources use. This aspect of the programme is geared specifically toward the student without any or very little background knowledge of the natural sciences. The goal here is foster scientific literacy so that the student can comfortably engage with scientists and understand how to interpret and explain scientific information to a non-scientist. In the third instance, the programme provides the student training in a number of analytical methodologies necessary for understanding 1) environmental policy and 2) environmental science. Here, the student will obtain skills in statistical methods, introductory/intermediate GIS/Remote Sensing techniques, and basic climate modelling. In addition, the student will gain research skills through the completion of a dissertation. The ultimate aim of the programme is to provide the student a broad range of knowledge that bridges human and physical geography, therefore providing the student with the confidence to address key issues in the governance and management of human/environmental relations. As a result, this programme prepares the student for work in a range of sectors (e.g. policymaking, corporate, consultancy, NGO, etc.) where knowledge and understanding of human/environment relations are needed.
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
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|
Depending on the unit, methods will range from traditional and interactive lectures, workshops, problem-solving classes, and fieldwork. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Students will be assessed for each unit, an integrated group project, and through the writing of a dissertation. Unit assessment—depending on the unit—will include, e.g., submission of written work, oral presentations, and group projects. A dissertation will be submitted at the beginning of September. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
---|---|
|
Depending on the unit, methods will range from traditional and interactive lectures, workshops, problem-solving classes, and fieldwork. |
Methods of Assessment | |
Students will be assessed for each unit, an integrated group project, and through the writing of a dissertation. Unit assessment—depending on the unit—will include, e.g., submission of written work, oral presentations, and group projects. A dissertation will be submitted at the beginning of September. |
Programme Intended Learning Outcomes | Learning and Teaching Methods |
---|---|
|
Groups projects, dissertation research, practicals |
Methods of Assessment | |
Oral presentations, problem-solving projects, dissertation research |
Statement of expectations from the students at each level of the programme as it/they develop year on year.
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Certificate |
An introductory understanding of the essential foundations for postgraduate study and of the themes and trends which underlie Environmental policy and management and environmental science. Students will gain insight into conceptual and methodological approaches to Environmental policy and management and environmental science. They will develop an understanding of how to apply such approaches in addressing complex environmental change. |
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Level M/7 - Postgraduate Diploma |
A broadening knowledge and evidence of broadening use of skills in discussing and analysing Environmental policy and management. A developing understanding of relevant environmental science and an ability to link environmental science with Environmental policy and management issues across a range of political units and for different types of actors (e.g. private firms). A competent grasp of the issues pertaining to current research in environmental science and Environmental policy and management, and an ability to reflect on inter-relationships between different areas of study. Increasing evidence of methodological sophistication. Ability to make use of a widening range of sources and methods in the analysis of environmental policy and management problems. |
Level M/7 - Postgraduate Masters |
Qualified evidence of analytic insight and reflexive practice. Ability to work flexibly and adapt skills and knowledge across a range of areas. Secure grasp of contemporary environmental policy and management in practice and an ability to evaluate critically different practices. Competence and authority in working with a diverse range of primary and secondary sources relating to environmental policy and management. Ability to structure ideas and proposals coherently and present them persuasively in cogent written form, to plan, manage and bring to completion a dissertation on a research topic arising from the different areas (e.g. environmental politics and governance in relation to climate change) covered in the programme, either comparative or based in a secure understanding of a broader practical context. |
The intended learning outcome mapping document shows which mandatory units contribute towards each programme intended learning outcome.
For information on the admissions requirements for this programme please see details in the postgraduate prospectus at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/prospectus/postgraduate/ or contact the relevant academic department.
Students will be encouraged to attend departmental seminars in both human and physical geography.
Programme administrator email geog-pgadmin@bristol.ac.uk. Programme Director Dr. Sean Fox email sean.fox@bristol.ac.uk
The following units are must pass for the award of an MSc: GEOGM1405, GEOGM0029, GEOGM1409, GEOGM0013, GEOGM1007, GEOGM0010, and Sustainability, Risk and Resilience in the Urban Age.
For the definition of must pass units please see the Glossary of Terms from Annex 1 to the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes at http://www.bristol.ac.uk/academic-quality/assessment/annex/glossary/
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Students must take the following units: | ||||
Climate Change: Science and Impacts | GEOGM1405 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Practical Statistics for Use in Research and Policy | GEOGM0010 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
An Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing for Environmental Policy and Management | GEOGM0013 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Consultancy Project | GEOGM0029 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Sustainability, Risk and Resilience in the Urban Age | GEOGM0037 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Environmental Policy and Politics | GEOGM1409 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Dissertation | GEOGM1007 | 60 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
180 |
The pass mark set by the University for any level 7(M) unit is 50 out of 100.
For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to exit from the programme with a postgraduate diploma or certificate.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
An award with Merit or Distinction is permitted for postgraduate taught masters, diplomas and certificates, where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications. An award with Merit or Distinction is not permitted for exit awards where students are required to exit the programme on academic grounds. An exit award with Merit or Distinction may be permitted where students are prevented by exceptional circumstances from completing the intended award.
The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:
Award with Distinction*: at least 65 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation. **Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
Award with Merit*: at least 60 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 60 out of 100 for the dissertation. Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.
** For the award of Distinction, the Faculty of Engineering requires at least 70 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to choose, or be required, to leave at the postgraduate diploma or certificate stage.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Climate Change: Science and Impacts | GEOGM1405 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Dissertation | GEOGM1007 | 60 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
An Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing for Environmental Policy and Management | GEOGM0013 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Consultancy Project | GEOGM0029 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Sustainability, Risk and Resilience in the Urban Age | GEOGM0037 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Practical Statistics for Use in Research and Policy | GEOGM0010 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Environmental Policy and Politics | GEOGM1409 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
180 |
Unit Name | Unit Code | Credit Points | Status | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Students take the following mandatory units: | ||||
Dissertation | GEOGM1007 | 60 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
Climate Change: Science and Impacts | GEOGM1405 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
An Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing for Environmental Policy and Management | GEOGM0013 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Practical Statistics for Use in Research and Policy | GEOGM0010 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
Sustainability, Risk and Resilience in the Urban Age | GEOGM0037 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Consultancy Project | GEOGM0029 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
Environmental Policy and Politics | GEOGM1409 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
180 |
The pass mark set by the University for any level 7(M) unit is 50 out of 100.
For detailed rules on progression please see the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes and the relevant faculty handbook.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to exit from the programme with a postgraduate diploma or certificate.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
An award with Merit or Distinction is permitted for postgraduate taught masters, diplomas and certificates, where these are specifically named entry-level qualifications. An award with Merit or Distinction is not permitted for exit awards where students are required to exit the programme on academic grounds. An exit award with Merit or Distinction may be permitted where students are prevented by exceptional circumstances from completing the intended award.
The classification of the award in relation to the final programme mark is as follows:
Award with Distinction*: at least 65 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation. **Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
Award with Merit*: at least 60 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 60 out of 100 for the dissertation. Faculties retain discretion to increase these thresholds.
* The MA in Law has separate regulations for awarding distinction and merit.
** For the award of Distinction, the Faculty of Engineering requires at least 70 out of 100 for the taught component overall and, for masters awards, at least 70 out of 100 for the dissertation.
All taught masters programmes, unless exempted by Senate, must allow the opportunity for students to choose, or be required, to leave at the postgraduate diploma or certificate stage.
To be awarded a postgraduate diploma, students must have successfully completed 120 credit points, of which 90 must be at level M/7.
To be awarded a postgraduate certificate, students must have successfully completed 60 credit points, of which 40 must be at level M/7.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
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