Environmental Assessment module (UP31004)
Learn theoretical and practical skills to conduct and evaluate environmental assessments. This will cover key decision-support tools such as EIA, SEA, and SAs
Environmental Assessment gives you a rigorous grounding in the theory and practice of environmental assessment. You'll develop a critical understanding of the different types of assessment used in planning and policy, including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), and Sustainability Appraisal (SA).
The module develops your ability to evaluate the effectiveness of environmental assessment in promoting sustainable development, understand the legislative obligations on developers, and apply practical methods including Multi-Criteria Analysis and Risk-Based Analysis.
Teaching combines lectures, interactive workshops, and practical scenarios, with a strong emphasis on learning through real-world cases.
What you will learn
In this module, you will:
- Develop a systematic understanding of environmental assessment theories and practices
- Critically evaluate the effectiveness of EA in promoting sustainable development plans, programmes, and policies
- Understand the legislative obligations of developers and the roles of stakeholders in the EA process
- Apply the methods and techniques of EA, including Risk-Based Analysis and Multi-Criteria Analysis
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge and critical understanding of the environmental assessment process and its regulatory framework
- Show a broad and integrated understanding of the benefits and purposes of EA, including factors influencing its effectiveness
- Critically distinguish between EIA, SEA, and SA, and understand when each should be applied
- Apply basic procedures, methods, and techniques of EA and interpret their outputs
- Interpret key EA regulatory obligations for various stakeholders
- Engage effectively with stakeholders from various backgrounds and disciplines
- Work within teams to develop well-considered reports
- Make professional presentations using a variety of communication techniques
Assignments / assessments
Coursework (100%)
- All components must achieve a pass grade
This module does not have a final exam.
Teaching methods / timetable
- Lectures (11 hours)
- Practicals and interactive workshops (22 hours)
- Guided independent study (227 hours)
Courses
This module is available on the following courses: