Environmental Sustainability

Snapshot

Why Study at Dundee?

Environmental Sustainability is a diverse and dynamic subject examining the interaction between people and their surroundings. The MA in Environmental Sustainability is concerned with the use of natural resources and the attainment of more sustainable lifestyles whilst protecting critical natural capital. With the increasing emphasis on the 'green agenda' in all aspects of daily life, understanding the environment has never been more important. Global warming, biodiversity and renewable energy are just a few of the recurring themes we hear on the news. Public agencies are now looking for graduates with the ability to deliver sustainable outcomes, while businesses, large and small, are seeking graduates with substantial environmental expertise.

This exciting degree programme means you no longer need to wait until you have graduated to turn your academic interests into such practical environmental skills. You can instead draw on two highly-rated disciplines in the School of Social and Environmental Sciences to give you the management and administrative skills and the scientific and technical knowledge to deliver a more sustainable environment. If you want to tackle pollution, to ensure that new developments enhance rather than detract from their surroundings, to offer communities the chance to have a real say in how people use their natural resources, in short to have a real impact on the future of our earth, then this is the degree for you.

Dundee is uniquely located for the study of environmental sustainability. It has easy access to estuarine, maritime and a range of terrestrial environments. Its urban and industrial heritage, the fertile agricultural hinterland and the backdrop of hills and mountains afford a vibrant and varied 'laboratory' in which to study.

Employability

Graduates from the programme are employed in a wide variety of jobs: preparing national policy and legislative guidance on environmental protection; assisting local authorities with sustainable development strategies, waste strategy implementation and other environmental policies; working as environmental consultants in specialist areas such as atmospheric or water pollution; working in large corporations as environmental sustainability personnel or corporate social responsibility managers; and acting as countryside rangers.

Whilst many of our graduates have helped shape environmental policy and regulation at local and national levels, one recent graduate has worked at European Union level, drafting Pollution Control Regulations in Brussels while on secondment from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

Teaching and Assessment

The degree programme is taught by experienced Planning and Geography academics. We use a variety of teaching methods. As well as lectures, we have 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.

You will have the opportunity to study abroad: to spend second year at the University of Northern British Columbia, Canada, or to study in Europe on an ERASMUS exchange. The degree programme is structured in such a way as to allow for entry at Level 1 or Advanced Entry at Level 2, depending upon qualifications. As progress is made through the programme students have an increasing opportunity to specialise in subjects of their choice.

Special Features

The MA in Environmental Sustainability is accredited by the professional body the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) which means that all students who attain a Lower Second class degree or better are eligible for Associate Membership of IEMA.

Programme Content

Notes on Programme Progression

Level 1

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.

Level 2

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.

Level 3

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.

Level 4

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.

MA Degree Structure and Overview

Visit the MA overview page for general information on our MA degree programme.

Entry Requirements

Your Application

What skills, qualities and experience do I need?

The Dundee MA degrees follow the distinctive pattern of many Scottish universities by offering a broad-based education that requires you to study a number of different subjects in Levels 1 and 2 (Level 2 only for Advanced Entry Honours degrees). You do not have to finalise your choice of degree course until you are better able to appreciate both the nature of the subjects you are studying and the relationships between them. However, you must make an initial choice of course on the application form and we would expect you to provide some evidence of your enthusiasm for your chosen course and details of any relevant experience.

We use a range of learning methods at Dundee: you will be expected to respond to the information and advice provided by academic staff, especially in lectures; to prepare for and participate in tutorial discussion or to work in practical classes; to work individually or in groups on set assignments such as essays and projects; and to 'read round' the subject. Consequently, we are looking for evidence that you are capable of working systematically, of responding to the guidance of your teachers, and that you have both the ability and enthusiasm to successfully complete a degree programme.

A degree in Environmental Sustainability helps you develop a wide range of complementary skills designed to support you in a career as an environmental professional. We place emphasis on basic skills of numeracy and literacy, but teach our courses in a way which makes them accessible to students from a wide range of academic backgrounds. Indeed, that diversity adds to the value of our students' learning experiences.

No prior environmental experience is required. Good students have an enthusiasm to learn about the environment and how our understanding of it affects its management. Many have gained their own insights into environmental issues through travelling abroad or through conservation projects. Basic IT skills and some breadth of basic grounding in the sciences are an advantage.

Tips for your application

What is important to us, in your application, is the evidence provided by the grades you have attained, or are predicted to attain, in your examinations, along with whatever you and your referee can point to indicating both your special interest in any of our subject areas, and your general liveliness of mind.

Your personal statement is an opportunity to say why you should be offered a place to study in Dundee. We are looking for applicants with an ability to express opinions clearly with reasoned support and evidence, who are open to critical guidance, and who have a commitment to high standards of achievement in all they do. These qualities can be demonstrated through academic attainment, paid or voluntary work, and extra-curricular activities of all kinds.

Referees should concisely indicate your analytical abilities, communication skills, capacity for academic work, and commitment to your studies. We will be interested to hear about examples of initiative, leadership, and any evidence of organisational skills. Indicators of a positive outlook and engagement with social and cultural activities will be welcome, as will an assessment of your potential to develop in the university environment.

We will consider applications to one or more MA courses at Dundee: each application will be considered on its merits. We are looking for applicants who either have achieved, or will achieve, the published requirements in terms of Highers, Advanced Highers, A-Levels or acceptable alternative qualifications.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

It is possible to study for most of our honours degrees in 3 years if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section. There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.

Contact

Karen Simpson
Admissions & Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 384 028 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 384 028 (from outside the UK)

Email: ContactUs@dundee.ac.uk