MSc ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND GREEN TECHNOLOGY · The MSc Environmental Sustainability and...

MSc ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

AND GREEN TECHNOLOGY

Postgraduate Taught Course

2019-20 entry

School of Geography, Geology and the Environment

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2 | MSc ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILTY AND GREEN TECHNOLOGY

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Contents


of research world-leading, or of international

importance Research Excellence

Framework, 2014

97%

Welcome 3Key MSc Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology facts 4Why choose this course? 5What background do I need? 5What’s the structure of the course? 7What are the teaching methods used? 7How is the course assessed? 7Your Research Project 8Placements and Internships 9What’s the student experience? 10

The Sustainability Hub 12What skills will I learn to help me in my career? 15Advice from Keele MSc Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology graduates 16Investing in your future 17The MSc Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology team 18Contacts back page

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MSc ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILTY AND GREEN TECHNOLOGY | 3

WelcomeWelcome to Keele and welcome to the MSc in Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology.Based at Keele University Sustainability Hub at the heart of Keele’s beautiful campus this MSc can open doors to a wide range of careers including environmental management, energy development, planning and research.

As a student on Keele’s MSc in Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology course you’ll study issues spanning science, social science and politics. This is key as the ability to solve problems which take into account all of these, and their impacts on society, will be crucial in securing a sustainable future for coming generations.

If you haven’t studied an environmental course before this isn’t a problem - we accept a degree in any subject. And if you’re already in employment or have other commitments and would prefer to study part time over two years we’ll do our best to be as flexible as possible to make this work for you.

Past students from this course with the ability to widen their skills are agents for change and many have secured researcher roles and exciting employment opportunities in industry and the public sector.

The MSc Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology course is accredited by IEMA (The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment). Students who successfully complete the course automatically qualify for GradIEMA professional status, which is recognised in the marketplace. Students can also fast track to PIEMA (Practitioner Status) on completion of a work-based competence assessment.

Dr Sharon George Course Director

Follow us on Twitter @KeeleMScESGT

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• An interdisciplinary course drawing on teaching and research expertise from across the university

• An expert teaching team that’s enthusiastic and approachable• You can apply with any undergraduate degree discipline • You can specialise in the areas that interest you most• You’re able to access student membership of IEMA

(The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment)

• You’ll gain up-to-date knowledge via case-based learning led by practitioners

• We’ll help you collaborate with industry on your project, and undertake placements gaining valuable work experience

• You’ll be based in the inspirational Sustainability Hub building – a centre for excellence in sustainability and environmental technologies

Key MSc Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology facts


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Why choose this course? If you choose to study Keele’s MSc in Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology you’ll gain a broad scientific understanding of important environmental areas and green technology, as well as knowledge of environmental policy and politics. You can join us with a degree in any subject and you have the option to study part time over 2 years.

What background do I need?As an interdisciplinary course, run by the School of Geography, Geology and the Environment with input from the Schools of Politics, Philosophy, International Relations and Environment; Life Sciences and Law, it attracts students from a diverse range of backgrounds. Students have joined us with degrees ranging from aerospace systems engineering and computer science, through geology, geography, applied environmental science, biology and politics, to English literature and fine art and lots more inbetween! If you don’t have a degree but you do have relevant professional training and you think this is the course for you, then come and talk to us.

As an international student who may not have English as a first language we’ll need some evidence of your English language competence, and if you’re accepted on to the course then we’ll give you lots of support in developing your language skills. If more language training is needed, you’ll undertake a programme which will be carefully integrated with the content of this MSc course, so preparation for assessments will be included as well as presentation skills etc. The language training is designed to enhance the programme and ensure that you’ll receive the maximum benefit from the taught modules offered.

Jess Hind, current student

Studying for the MSc in Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology on a part-time

basis allows me to work outside the course, keeping a foot in with my employer and helping to pay the

bills. The pace allows me to enjoy the course to its full and balance

my time well, and considered timetabling has meant I am only in

for lectures one day a week!

”

Catherine Edwards is now Sustainability Consultant for

Credibly Green

As it’s been a long time since I’ve done any study starting the first term was daunting and the first exam was scary but I have surprised myself at how I have

coped and excelled compared to my first degree. Coming back to

University has highlighted the skills I have accumulated over the years which you don’t necessarily realise

you have!

”

Rachel Smith, 2017-18 student

Despite my background being in a completely different field to this course, I’ve still found the

transition of delving into the world of environmental sustainability

exciting and stress-free. My thoughts and ideas were welcomed

and accepted just as much as my peers’ by supportive and

experienced staff.

”

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What’s the structure of the course? The course is run over a full 12 months with the main intake in September but also the opportunity to join in January. It comprises two semesters of taught modules with a research project completed over the summer. Alternatively you can choose to study part time over two years. The interdisciplinary nature of the course allows you to choose your option modules from an exciting range of subjects which could include:

• Climate Change Science• Clean and Green Technologies:

Power from below and above the earth

• Trees, Forests and Global Change• Green IT• International Environmental Law• Economic Development and

Environmental Transformation

Your dissertation project is your chance to pursue your own particular interests and gain experience in an area in which you might want to develop your career.

What are the teaching methods used? You’ll be taught in many different ways - lectures and lab classes; webinars; field trips which are valuable for practical, real-life experience; discussion and debate; group work; researching case studies and private study. We’ll also invite external speakers, from industry and the commercial world, to come to talk to you and share their knowledge with you. Organised visits to external facilities and businesses give you a chance to see how the technologies and ideas you’ve discussed in your lectures are actually put into practice.

How is the course assessed? Modules are assessed by assignments which currently include the following: individual or group work, poster and oral presentations, reviews, reflective reports, technical reports, media articles, business and research proposals. Your research project is based on the submission of a 15-20,000 word report that you undertake in conjunction with an academic supervisor and, where appropriate, an industrial collaborator.

Emily Jervis, went on to a PhD in Developing Sustainability in

the Construction Industry, and is now Lecturer in Environmental Technology at the University of

Wolverhampton

Choosing the MSc in Environmental Sustainability

and Green Technology is one of the best decisions I’ve made. It

offers a great range of science and social science modules enabling

the student to understand environmental sustainability on

many different levels – something lacking in many other

environmental courses.

”Peter Robinson is now teaching at

a secondary school

I have studied this MSc part time for 2 years, alongside full

employment. It has been a challenge to manage the workload alongside employment, however

the flexibility of tuition and lecturers’ availability has made this possible. Support is available from all the staff and everyone is willing

to provide further assistance. I would thoroughly recommend

doing this course.

”Our external examiner wrote in

his report:

The course continues to provide a superb arena for teaching and

learning.The university and course team provide a caring and inclusive

framework.and

The course continues to provide an inspirational learning environment

via the Sustainability Hub.

”

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Your Research Project Your research project is the time for you to focus on your own interests and to develop and expand your knowledge in areas that will help with your future career.

You could have the opportunity to collaborate with an external organisation and work with them on a real life issue, giving you valuable experience and something really interesting to talk about at interview!

We encourage the students to organise their own Masters Research Conference to showcase their work and to network with potential employers.

Students have written theses on diverse topics from nuclear energy development to community education.

Rob Ellis, went on to a PhD in railway engineering at the

University of Birmingham and is now a Research Engineer for Hitachi Global R&D in London

The independent research project was the most valuable part of the MSc. I was totally undecided on

whether to start a PhD during my course. When I had completed

my research project I was keen to continue the research experience

and so I felt a PhD was the best way forward into a research career.

The research project was also a very good test of everything I had learned in the taught section and

gave an opportunity to bring all of those things together into one piece

of work.One of the most useful aspects of the MSc ESGT was that it opened

opportunities in disciplines I would not have been able to go into had

I not taken the course. I looked at PhDs in solid oxide fuel cells; ocean atmosphere contact eddy

covariant modelling and an EngD in future cars. In each case, it was the strength of this Masters course

that made the supervising staff interested in me.

”


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Placements and Internships Here at Keele we realise that the key to unlocking employment potential is the nurturing of a three-way process during the course between you - the students - our teaching staff and employers. This ensures that employers are at the heart of our teaching and we listen to what they want and how they want it. You’ll have the opportunity to develop a relationship with employers, to work with them on your dissertation project and gain that all-important experience.

We are fortunate to have great support at Keele to foster these links and to grow these relationships. We’re currently linking our students with several different paid internships and placements around carbon reduction, new innovation development and sustainability. This is a great way to get some valuable paid work experience, enhance your CV and build your professional networks, reputation and confidence.

Current opportunities include:

Keele Research and Innovation Support Programme (KRISP) keele.ac.uk/businesssupport/keeleresearchandinnovation supportprogramme/

Santander funded opportunities keele.ac.uk/santander/

Diego Puentes-Mojica, 2015-6, Santander internship with Staffordshire Business and

Environment Network

The experience was amazing! The only drawback is I wish it could have been longer. I am a native

Spanish speaker; being able to work in an English environment helped

me to use current interpersonal skills, into a new language with amazing results. I was able to

develop new networking skills in an unfamiliar culture, with

unexpected positive outcomes.

”

Neenu Tom, MSc ESGT student

This is a really fantastic course because it’s about green

technologies. It’s the future. This is a course which can

bring a change to the world.

”

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Hui Yin Chia on the Bangor Field Course

If you are a tree hugger, then you will certainly enjoy being a wind turbine hugger! I bet ‘low

frequency vibration’ is written all over the lecture slides and you still have no idea how low the

vibration is? Don’t worry, on the Bangor Field Course you can feel it for yourself! The visit to Dinorwig

Power Station which I felt was definitely the most valuable aspect

of the trip, gave us “real world” insight into pumped storage and

hydroelectric. It was the first time I had ever been underground where actual generating turbines operate, and we’d learnt so much about this

during the Hydropower lecture. In my opinion, this fieldtrip is the best way to really enhance your understanding on what the text

books talk about.

”

What’s the student experience? The Bangor Field Course

The Bangor field course is one of the highlights of the course for many students who see the trip as a chance to reflect, think, talk and connect with their subject and what it really means. Carefully timed, the trip allows you the space to put what you’ve learned into perspective and context before you embark on your independent research project over the summer.

The Green Ball

Friendships made on the course are long lasting and at the end of the year the students celebrate their friendships and all they’ve achieved by organising their own social event.

This can be in any format you choose but a black tie ball always proves popular! Teaching staff and alumni can be invited and it’s an occasion when the current cohort can network with past students and learn from their experiences.

George Ngugi, Kenya

now Graduate Management Trainee: Environment and Natural

Resources, Kenya

Overall this Masters course has been the best thing that has

happened to me. I think I’m a better environmentalist, I think I’m a

better environmental advocate after this course. I think I’ve enhanced my knowledge and experience far beyond undergraduate level and I think I’ll make a better professional

after this course.

”


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The Sustainability Hub – Home of the MSc Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology Situated in the historic Home Farm complex at the entrance to the university, the Keele Sustainability Hub is more than just a building. It’s a mixed-use site and is home to businesses and teaching activities. Renewable energy sources and green technologies are integrated into these buildings, incorporating:

• Solar thermal• Solar PV• Climate control and underfloor heating• Smart lighting and air quality systems• Rainwater harvesting and waterless urinals• Ground source heat from six 100m boreholes• Bio-fuel woodchip burner• Evaporative cooling

As a student on the MSc in Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology programme a lot of your teaching and research will take place at the Hub, and you’ll have direct access to these environmental developments first hand. You can use the Hub and its facilities as your base - a peaceful and inspirational place to meet and to study - during your time at Keele.

Valerie Obasuyi based her research project around the Hub

My project was titled “An examination of recycling

behaviours at Keele University” examining three areas on campus: The Student Union, a restaurant

and the Keele Sustainability Hub.I could not mention the success of

my project without acknowledging the kind contributions of staff and fellow colleagues at the Hub. As an international student, the staff

made my project less challenging as they guided me through the ethics

of conducting research. Basing my project at the

Sustainability Hub was great and fulfilling as to me, it was a way

of giving back to the department that helped build my career and increase my knowledge. I will

forever remain fulfilled wherever I go knowing that I made great contribution towards achieving

sustainability at the Keele University Sustainability Hub.

”Alistair McLaren found that the

environment at the Sustainability Hub had a massive impact on him

and his studies

The Hub changed me from an immature undergrad to a well-

rounded, confident adult. I spent the majority of my time at the Hub especially during the period when the thesis was being written. The

benefit of the friendly atmosphere of the Hub was that there were

always individuals around to talk to regarding the thesis, personal life or just a general chat which

calmed any nerves and allowed for reassurances throughout difficult periods. This allowed me to build

relationships with the staff and get involved in the community outreach projects with the Hub, which are not only imperative for my CV but also for my life

experiences. In hindsight I wouldn’t change any part of my Masters and the way I studied for it at the Hub - in fact I may have spent even more

time there.

”


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Rob Hutchinson, joined Thomson Ecology as an Assistant Ecologist

The MSc Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology provided flexibility to pursue my environmental interest in ecology, with expert

support, teaching and direction from experienced lecturers and tutors, whilst providing the core knowledge necessary to progress into the job

market with confidence and ability.

”

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Ioan Parry, went to The University of Central Lancashire as a PhD Researcher, and is now a Post-

Doctoral Research associate in the Energy Research group there

Skills developed during the MSc such as mixed-methods data collection, data analysis, and

academic writing, are skills that have helped me greatly in my current research-based role.

”

During your studies we place a strong focus on preparing you for your chosen career. Let our graduates tell you about some of the skills they learned on the MSc Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology course.

Sarah Smith, Project Assistant, Community Windpower Ltd

The mix of modules provided me with an opportunity to learn about sustainability and clean technology

from a variety of perspectives. It provided me with knowledge of the technologies available as well as the political and social

elements involved in environmental decision making. I have a greater

understanding of the complexities involved in achieving sustainability and deploying green technologies.

”

Jason Maddocks, Online Content Manager, Eclipse Business Media

Statistical analysis and extensive use of excel was a significant part of my thesis, which has carried over to

my current role. IT literacy using word processors and picture/video

editing software are all required in my current role. My report

writing skills are used on a monthly basis in my reports to the various

companies we work with.

”

What skills will I learn to help me in my career?

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Advice from Keele MSc ESGT graduates

Ioan Parry, Post-Doctoral Research associate, Energy and Society research Group, University of Central Lancashire, Preston

My advice would be to utilise the high quality of resources

and academic personnel at Keele University so that your knowledge

and resultant research can be of the highest quality. Recognise the resources that are available to you

and make the most of them.

”

Oankar Birdi, Supply Chain Officer, Renewable UK, London

My one piece of advice would be to try and apply the knowledge and experiences gained from the MSc

ESGT in a practical and real world environment, bearing in mind the

course is quite broad in terms of its content. Take any opportunities

you can to demonstrate your knowledge in a practical way, as

this is what will open doors for you. Keeping up to date with the current news stories is also a must to show you are aware of what is going on

in a particular field.

”

Elizabeth Clifton, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Resource Centre, NC, USA

Choose classes in the program that will assist you in the career you

may be interested in. You should also take advantage of the guest speakers that come during the

course, and use them to get an idea of where you would like to work after the course ends. The degree

can translate to so many choices in the environmental world, it helps to narrow it down. Then choose a

thesis topic that supports what part of the field you think you will work

in. You can make contacts with companies as you write your thesis,

and this will help you during your job search.

”

Shanshan Wei, Assistant Engineer, Suzhou Spring Environmental

Technology Co, China

The most valuable things I’ve learned in Keele are independence

and how to cooperate positively with others. These skills also help

me a lot now when I am doing my job.

”

Evelyne Sindani Mong’are, Research Scientist, Kenya

Wildlife Service

My advice to all students considering this course would be:

On this course the opportunity for application of knowledge is unlimited and you will be in a

position to utilize the knowledge in community awareness creation programmes including the works on environmental conservation. I believe the knowledge gained in

the course of the study and training will be assets for your academic and professional development,

and hence the transfer of skills and knowledge to the community. This

will further help in considerable reduction and alleviation of global

environmental issues both in your own country and the rest of

the world.

”


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Investing in your futureNew opportunities at Keele Here at Keele University we’re developing the largest single, integrated electricity, gas and heat smart energy network demonstrator in Europe. It’s the first facility in Europe for living laboratory research, development and demonstration of new smart energy technologies and services in partnership with business and industry.

The Smart Energy Network Demonstrator (SEND) project has received £9,009,000 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. It uses our 600-acre campus at Keele as a laboratory where new energy-efficient and low-carbon technologies are researched, developed and tested. We’re perfectly placed as a research

and development facility to reflect the energy requirements of a small town.

We’re also participating in the £7m HyDeploy project, a collaboration to deliver blended hydrogen into the existing natural gas grid. The HyDeploy project will be the first UK practical deployment of hydrogen to a live gas network since the transition from town gas.

As a student on our MSc in Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology course you’ll be connected into these exciting, cutting edge, commercial research developments.


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The MSc Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology teamThe MSc Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology course is taught by a team of professional, inspiring and enthusiastic staff. One of the strengths of the course is that it draws on the experience and research of staff from other disciplines across the university. So your lectures are delivered by experts from the schools of Geography, Geology and the Environment; Politics; Life Sciences and Law.

Recognising the importance of engaging first hand with practitioners also means that throughout the year a number of guest speakers from industry and business will be invited to share with you the most up-to-date knowledge and give you a real-life perspective on the topics you’re studying.

As a student on the MSc Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology course you’ll find the whole team friendly, approachable and supportive.

Hannah Gilmour, now a managing consultant at Ebsford, an

environmental consultancy

The main difference between doing a Masters and an Undergraduate degree is you really get to know your lecturers and you get a lot more one-on-one time and you

build up a relationship with them, so you have a bigger support

network there.

”

Vanessa Odell, now working at Change Agents UK

I chose Keele because of its location, the landscape itself is so beautiful, the woodlands, and being able to

go out for walks.

”



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School of Geography, Geology and the EnvironmentThe Sustainability HubKeele UniversityKeeleStaffordshireST5 5BG+44 (0)1782 733178 or +44 (0) 1782 [email protected]

@KeeleGGE @KeeleMScESGT

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