Environmental Risk Management – (M.Sc.)

Suitable for graduates with an interest in environmental risk assessment or management from a wide range of disciplines. A technical background is not necessary. More important is a desire to inform environmental decision making using robust analysis and core management concepts.

Takes you on to diverse and rewarding careers as environmental risk practitioners and managers in local or national government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), environmental protection agencies or within the energy, manufacturing or water sectors. Part-time students develop business relevant skills throughout the course that can be immediately applied into their employer or sponsoring company.

You will be taught by a team comprising a combination of University academics and external experts who are practitioners in the subjects they deliver. Cranfield University has established itself internationally in a range of environmental disciplines and sustainable development. As such, teaching staff are uniquely placed to deliver this important course.

Course description

Global environmental change, natural disasters, pollution incidents and controversial technologies have brought risk to the forefront of science, governance, and into the public eye. Demand has grown for individuals with deep expertise in understanding and assessing the complexities of environmental risk.

This MSc programme provides graduates with an in-depth understanding of the key tools, techniques and management concepts to expertly inform and influence environmental risk decisions on a local and strategic/national level.

Students benefit from access to expertise within Cranfield's £3.5m Risk Centre, a specialist centre for research and education in strategic environmental risk appraisal, supported by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The MSc course comprises eight one-week assessed modules, a group project, and an individual research project.The Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) comprises eight modules and the group project. Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) students complete five modules and a design project.

Group project

The group project experience is highly valued by both students and prospective employers. It provides students with the opportunity to take responsibility for a consultancy-type project, working within agreed objectives, deadlines and budgets. For part-time students a dissertation can replace the group project.

Individual research project

The individual project, usually in collaboration with an external organisation, provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to carry out independent research, think and work in an original way, contribute to knowledge, and overcome genuine problems.

Modules:

The modules include lectures and tutorials and are assessed through written examinations and assignments. There is an emphasis on addressing real problems, with practical case studies. This provides the tools required for the group and individual projects.

* Environment Regulation in Practice
* Risk Perception and Communication
* Risk Management, Toxicology, Exposure and Health
* Environmental Risks - Hazard, Assessment and Management
* GIS Fundamentals
* Pollution Prevention and Remediation Technologies
* Evaluating Sustainability
* Environmental Risk Governance