Page 1 of 13

s

PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

Final

PART 1: COURSE SUMMARY INFORMATION

Course summary

Final award MSc Environmental Assessment and Management

Intermediate award PG Dip, PG Cert Environmental Assessment and Management

Course status Validated

Awarding body University of Brighton

School Environment and Technology

Location of study/ campus Moulsecoomb

Partner institution(s)

Name of institution Host department Course status

1. SELECT

2.

3.

Admissions

Admissions agency Direct to School

Page 2 of 13

Entry requirements Include any progression opportunities into the course.

Check the University’s website for current entry requirements.

Entrants to the course will normally be expected to possess a lower second class honours degree or above in an appropriate subject or an equivalent qualification. Exceptionally, candidates without an honours degree but with relevant knowledge, skills and experience may be admitted to the course. Candidates must meet the University based language criteria equivalent to IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall and 6.0 for individual written skills.

Candidates with a lower second class honours degree or above in an environment-related subject area would represent those with the most appropriate qualifications. Where candidates with honours degrees do not fall into this category the selection process will look for evidence of a strong commitment to environmental management combined with demonstrable scientific abilities. Such applicants might be required to submit evidence of work demonstrating these abilities. The academic qualifications of overseas applicants will be assessed in accordance with NARIC: the National Academic Recognition Information Centre for the U.K.

In exceptional cases candidates without a lower second class honours degree or above may be considered for admission to the course. Such candidates will be expected to possess either academic or work experience relevant to environmental management. Such candidates will be required to demonstrate during the admissions process abilities corresponding to those of honours degree level.

Normally candidates without a lower second class honours degree or above will be interviewed by the Course Leader or Admissions Tutor. Depending upon the interview and other evidence, a decision will be made about the need for the candidates to provide further evidence of ability through written work or other tests. In relation to the pressures of part-time study, the interviewing panel will require to be satisfied of the broader suitability of the candidate for the course and counselling on course themes / pathways will play a part in the enrolment process.

Applicants may apply to register for an award with advanced standing by claiming prior credit relating to previous qualifications or experience for modules which are required by the award.

This programme has been validated to combine either a 12 or 8 week Extended Masters (EMA) English Language pathway route. Programme specifications for the English Language component of the Extended Masters route can be found at: https://www.brighton.ac.uk/international/study-with-us/courses-and-qualifications/brighton-language-institute/eap-programmes/extended-masters/index.aspx

Start date (mmm-yy) Normally September

Sept 2018

Mode of study

Mode of study Duration of study (standard) Maximum registration period

Full-time 1 year 6 years

Part-time 2 years 6 years

Sandwich Select Select

Page 3 of 13

Distance Select Select

Course codes/categories

UCAS code Not Applicable

Contacts

Course Leader (or Course Development Leader)

Dr Ryan Woodard

Admissions Tutor Dr Ryan Woodard

Examination and Assessment

External Examiner(s)

Name Place of work Date tenure expires

Dr Servel Miller University of Chester

31/12/2021

Examination Board(s) (AEB/CEB)

Geography and Geology (PG)

Approval and review

Approval date Review date

Validation 19951 20162

Programme Specification June 20183 June 20194

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 1 (if applicable): RICS

2000 Dec 2018 (accredited to 2023)5

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 2 (if applicable): CIWEM

2017/18 2021/22

Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body 3 (if applicable):

1 Date of original validation. 2 Date of most recent periodic review (normally academic year of validation + 5 years). 3 Month and year this version of the programme specification was approved (normally September). 4 Date programme specification will be reviewed (normally approval date + 1 year). If programme specification is applicable to a particular cohort, please state here. 5 Date of most recent review by accrediting/ approving external body.

Page 4 of 13

PART 2: COURSE DETAILS

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Aims

The aims of the course are:

The course has been designed to respond to the current academic, commercial and industrial needs. Modules draw upon key topics such as environmental sustainability, methods of impact prediction and the interpretation and management of environmental performance. The overall aim of the MSc in Environmental Assessment and Management degree is to develop the range of academic, vocational and transferable skills associated with environmental management. Thus equipping graduates for subject-related employment opportunities, and for life-long learning.

The aims of the programme are therefore

To develop a critical awareness and understanding of the nature and significance of the tools and processes (such as Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Systems) available for the management of the environmental effects of policies, plans, programmes, projects and organisations (PGCert; PGDip; MSc).

To appreciate the legal and institutional framework within which environmental management tools and processes operate (PGDip; MSc).

To develop a range of academic, transferable, and professional skills through a combination of class, laboratory, and project modules using a student-centered and skills-based learning approach (PGDip; MSc).

The programme also develops, through the medium of environmental study, a range of transferable skills including IT, quantitative and qualitative research skills, scientific skills, communication skills, group-work abilities and personal organisation and development.

Learning outcomes

The outcomes of the main award provide information about how the primary aims are demonstrated by students following the course. These are mapped to external reference points where appropriate6.

Knowledge and theory The progressive development of knowledge and understanding is an important feature of the degree programme. Semester 1 develops understanding of core components of the discipline together with basic tools of environmental management. Semester 2 develops wider and more critical knowledge of environmental management and in particular the application environmental policy and law to the key issues. By the end of their course students will;

1. have developed a critical understanding of sustainable development and the policy context in which environmental management tools have been developed (PGCert; PGDip; MSc - IAM28, IAM29).

2. be able to evaluate and apply the core environmental assessment processes and techniques, in a range of situations (PGCert; PGDip; MSc - IAM27, IAM28, IAM32, option modules).

3. be able to critically evaluate current research and advanced scholarship in the field of environmental assessment and management (PGCert; PGDip; MSc - IAM27, IAM28, IAM32, GBM01).

4. be able to evaluate and critique methodologies and, where appropriate, to propose new procedures (PGDip; MSc - IAM27, IAM28, IAM32, GBM01).

5. have a systematic and in-depth understanding of the nature and development of environmental legislations (PGDip; MSc - IAM29).

6. be able to synthesise and explain the interpretation and implementation of

6 Please refer to Course Development and Review Handbook or QAA website for details.

Page 5 of 13

environmental legislation (PGDip; MSc - IAM27, IAM28, IAM29, IAM32).

7. understanding of how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research (MSc - GBM01).

Skills Includes intellectual skills (i.e. generic skills relating to academic study, problem solving, evaluation, research etc.) and professional/ practical skills.

A strong theme of skills development runs throughout the degree programme, embedded within core modules. Semester 1 introduces a range of core intellectual, discipline-specific and transferable skills including basic study skills, group work, presentation skills, IT skills, quantitative and qualitative methods, the development and communication of reasoned arguments, interpretation and synthesis of environmental data, together with basic field and laboratory skills. These are developed and enhanced in Semester 2, together with a greater emphasis on critical thinking, research skills, and problem-solving. Throughout the degree programme, the following intellectual, discipline-specific and transferable skills are developed:

1. have the ability to appreciate and apply the core principles of environmental assessment (PGCert; PGDip; MSc – IAM27, IAM32).

2. have developed a sound understanding of environmental management

skills and in particular auditing and assessment (PGDip; MSc – IAM27, IAM28).

3. have acquired an appreciation and sound understanding of the stages of ecological assessment (PGDip; MSc – IAM32, optional modules).

Transferable Skills – students will:

1. have developed their understanding of how the boundaries of knowledge are advanced through research (MSc – GBM01).

2. have developed an independent learning autonomy required for continued professional learning (MSc – all modules but especially IAM27, IAM28, IAM32, GBM01).

3. have developed communication skills, in particular, presentation and critical writing skills (PGDip; MSc - IAM27, IAM28, IAM29, IAM32, GBM01).

4. have developed self-motivation and self-evaluation skills required for professionals in the environmental field (PGDip; MSc – IAM21, IAM27, IAM28, GBM01).

5. developed their information management, problem solving and cognitive skills (MSc - IAM27, IAM28, IAM32, GBM01).

QAA subject benchmark statement (where applicable)7

Not Applicable

PROFESSIONAL, STATUTORY AND REGULATORY BODIES (where applicable)

Where a course is accredited by a PSRB, full details of how the course meets external requirements, and what students are required to undertake, are included.

This degree is accredited as meeting the requirements for the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institution of Water & Environmental Management (CIWEM).

7 Please refer to the QAA website for details.

Page 6 of 13

LEARNING AND TEACHING

Learning and teaching methods

This section sets out the primary learning and teaching methods, including total learning hours and any specific requirements in terms of practical/ clinical-based learning. The indicative list of learning and teaching methods includes information on the proportion of the course delivered by each method and details where a particular method relates to a particular element of the course.

The course has been developed around key topics that reflect the experience of the teaching staff and current academic and industrial thinking. These topics run through the breadth of modules on offer and include:

Environmental sustainability.

Practical application of environmental management.

Methods of impact assessment and prediction.

Interpretation and management of environmental performance.

Course material will be delivered through lectures, seminars, tutorials, fieldwork and projects. Teaching methods for the modules will vary according to the topic under consideration but will usually contain an element of fieldwork and or group work, of a formative or summative nature where appropriate. Furthermore, there will usually be both a theoretical and practical component in core subject modules. More information can be found in the module briefs.

All modules have been designed to provide background reading material relating to the basic theoretical concepts sufficient to provide a foundation for students with limited experience in those areas. Lectures sessions provide students with the opportunity to undertake formative discussion work, and debate new theories and concepts as well as providing a more traditional learning environment. They are complimented by case studies and practical assignments, often using the university as a living laboratory.

The modular nature of the course provides flexibility that enables students, in consultation with course and module leaders, to develop and study programmes which are structured around their specialist interest while retaining the core knowledge of environmental assessment and management.

In addition, students on this course benefit from:

Education for Sustainable Development

The University of Brighton is committed to the principles of sustainable development through its Education for Sustainable Development policy. The subject area of Environmental Management provides a useful platform from which to examine the issues associated with sustainable development. MSc Environmental Assessment and Management students are taught to identify and analyse current and future problems, and to critically examine the prospects for achieving a just and environmentally sound future for all.

By incorporating elements of both environmental philosophy and business requirements, Environmental Management provides a framework that enables understanding, assessment of and intervention in the physical world, whilst at the same time, critically examining the prospects for and effects of intervention / mitigation.

Graduates of the MSc Environmental Assessment and Management course are thus equipped to make a significant contribution to ensuring that future generations not only have an equivalent quality of life, but are likely to have an improved one.

Research Informed Teaching:

This course is delivered by research-active academic and vocational staff, and specialist aspects of the curriculum reflect the research interests of these staff. For example, research methods taught in GBM01 reflect those used in the research of the staff who deliver the module. Almost all of the option modules are taught by staff who are actively engaged in research and publish in their specific topic areas, and

Page 7 of 13

who are currently undertaking research or consultancy with leading bodies, including the Environment Agency, DEFRA and the European Union. This level of integration is particularly true for the MSc thesis, where students spend an extended period of time undertaking research with a subject specialist, who is linked into a network of scholars and businesses with shared interests. Throughout the course, students develop competencies enabling them to become independent researchers, with specialist skills sessions scheduled to support their development. Teaching and learning strategies for the course are developed in consultation with the UK’s Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences subject centre, often with support from specialists in pedagogic research, based in the University’s Centre for Learning and Teaching.

Experience Informed Teaching:

The course also makes use of industry-specialists in the more vocational aspects of the course. For example IAM27 is taught by a principle auditor with a wealth of experience in the subject, and IAM29 is taught by a range of environmental law practitioners. Guest lecturers from industry are also utilized to enable the students to appreciate the wide range of employment opportunities open to them as graduates of this course. It also enables students to open a dialogue with industry and appreciate the difficulties of translating academic theory/framework activities into the real-world situation.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment methods

This section sets out the summative assessment methods on the course and includes details on where to find further information on the criteria used in assessing coursework. It also provides an assessment matrix which reflects the variety of modes of assessment, and the volume of assessment in the course.

All modules conform to the School’s current assessment policy. A variety of assessment methods are used on the course to assess students’ knowledge and skills. The table below details the core modules only. Assessment methods include:

Learning Outcome Assessment method Module Number of credits

demonstration of knowledge, understanding and analytical skills

Examination, Reports IAM28, IAM27, IAM29, IAM32

80

demonstration of research ability, problem analysis and problem solving, solution building and evaluation

Projects IAM28, GBM01 80

Examination, Reports Examinations, Reports Presentations (summative and formative)

IAM27, IAM28, IAM29, IAM32

80

demonstration of knowledge and communication skills

Examinations, Reports Presentations (summative and formative)

IAM27, IAM28, GBM01

100

Demonstration of ability to construct a critical argument and research

Essays/Critiques IAM27, IAM29, IAM32

60

Coursework schedules are published at the start of the academic year to ensure that students are able to plan their time in order to manage the completion of assessments to deadlines.

Page 8 of 13

SUPPORT AND INFORMATION

Institutional/ University All students benefit from:

University welcome week programme (includes orientation and introduction to study and library skills plus the careers centre services).

University Student Handbook (including general advice to students on regulations, University policies, and advice and support facilities).

Extensive library facilities centred on the main Aldrich library.

Six open access computer pool rooms on the Moulsecoomb site with over 200 workstations (and a further 450 network points for personal PCs in the library). All are linked to the University network services and have daily user support help desk.

Students have external and internal E-mail and internet access, and may set up personal websites.

Student services, including Welfare, Careers, Counselling, Legal, Financial, Accommodation, Childcare, Medical, Sexual Health and Chaplaincy support.

Course-specific Additional support, specifically where courses have non-traditional patterns of delivery (e.g. distance learning and work-based learning) include:

In addition, students on this course benefit from the following:

a) Handbooks and Guidance Notes

MSc Course and Skills handbook

Module briefs

Course specific guidance

b) Academic and Administrative Support

Course Leader who monitors academic and personal progress of students on the course.

School of Environment & Technology StudentCentral that hosts supplementary learning resources in support of modules as well as providing links to additional resources.

School administrative support for module registration.

School Information Advisor who works with staff and students to enable access to paper-based and electronic resources.

School of Environment & Technology Learning Technology Advisor who works with staff and students to enable access to, and use of, Information Technology facilities.

School of Environment & Technology Student Support Tutor (SST) service that provides confidential and non-judgemental support and advice to students across a range of academic, personal, financial and other issues. Provides direct support through informal drop in sessions and one-to-one meetings and guidance on accessing further help.

Open-door policy of tutors during office hours where possible.

c) Computing and Laboratory Facilities

School of Environment and Technology Computer Suites, containing 165

networked terminals running GIS, Remote Sensing and Image Analysis

software (ArcGIS, MultiSpec, ImageJ). Other software in the School

includes AutoCad, Adobe Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Matlab, Microsoft

Office, MiniTab, Pertmaster, Rhino, Solidworks, etc.

Environment and Public Health Laboratory, seating up to 10, equipped

with bench-top spectrophotometers for basic water chemistry, membrane

filtration equipment, balances, incubators, centrifuge, UV cabinet and

Page 9 of 13

sterilisation equipment for public health microbiology procedures.

Soil and Water Analysis Laboratories, with muffle furnace, analytical

balances, Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, X-ray Fluorescence

Spectrometer, portable X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometers, X-ray

diffractometer, gamma ray spectrometer, ICP-OES, carbon analyser, Gas

Chromatographs, pH meters and experimental cells for experimental

work into the electro-kinetics of contaminated sediments.

Soil and Sediment Analysis Laboratory, with drying ovens, sediment

sieving facilities, top pan balances and Malvern Mastersizer 2000 laser

particle size analyser.

Dedicated Geology Laboratories, with 3 Nikon research-quality

petrological microscopes (1 with Nikon SLR camera, 2 with Nikon video

camera attachments and monitors), 50 petrological teaching

microscopes, extensive rock and fossil samples, extensive teaching thin-

section collection, and access to specialised computer terminals.

Hydraulics Laboratories, with 10m x 0.4m flume for wave simulation, 10m

x 0.4m flume for river simulation and sediment transport, 6m x 0.25m

venturi flume, and two 5m x 0.1m narrow flumes with plate weirs.

Environmental Simulation Laboratory with 6m x 4m hydraulic stream

table.

Surveying equipment consisting of 30 total stations, 30 quickset levels, 3

dGPS systems, 25 hand held GPS.

Field collection equipment including, corers, automatic water samplers,

geophysical monitoring equipment, water quality probes, air quality

probes, soil kits, spades, trowels.

Biology Project Laboratory, with access to Skye quantum sensors and

data loggers, dissecting and compound microscopes, research-quality

compound microscope linked to digital still and video cameras, controlled

temperate and light growth cabinets, Delta-T leaf area meter, Shimadzu

UV-spectrophotometers, Minolta SPAD chlorophyll meter, Hansatech

plant efficiency analyser, drying ovens, sterile culture rooms, balances,

greenhouses, Microtox system, aquaria.

4x4 field vehicle.

Page 10 of 13

PART 3: COURSE SPECIFIC REGULATIONS

COURSE STRUCTURE

This section includes an outline of the structure of the programme, including stages of study and progression points. Course Leaders may choose to include a structure diagram here.

The full time course is studied over 1 year of 50 weeks. The academic year is divided into two teaching semesters, each of sixteen weeks. The research module associated with the dissertation is begun towards the end of Semester 1 when students have obtained sufficient subject specific knowledge to begin developing their ideas. It intensifies in Semester 2 and is completed over the summer period.

Study is undertaken at Level 7 of the national qualifications framework, and is divided into modules. The content and structure of the course is based around core modules relating to environmental assessment and management, supported by additional, optional modules. Modules within the MSc programme are classified into 4 core modules (IAM27, IAM28, IAM29, IAM32) and the MSc dissertation. The structure allows for 2 option modules to be taken from existing Master’s level programmes from within the School of Environment & Technology, and where applicable modules offered by other Schools.

The standard value of a single module is normally 20 credits (equivalent to 200 hours learning) and the structure allows the use of multiples of this (for example the dissertation module is awarded 60 credits/600 hours). Full-time students study for 180 credits, 120 taught credits and 60 credits associated with the dissertation module. Part-time students are required to complete each level before proceeding to the next. Part-time students may study a maximum of four modules in a semester and are advised to maintain a minimum rate of two in each semester in order to maintain a satisfactory rate of study and allow time for the dissertation in Level2, Semester 2.

Figure 1 shows the structure of the standard programme of study for the MSc Environmental Assessment and Management degree. Optional module choices will be discussed with students prior to the start of the course and students will be encouraged to play to their strengths, consider career aspirations in their module choice rational.

SEM

1

IAM28

Systems for Environmental Management

IAM27

Environmental Impact Assessment

Timetable option

2

IAM29

Environmental Policy and Law

IAM32

Case Studies in Environmental

Assessment and Management

Timetable option

Summer

GBM01

Research Dissertation

(including tutorials in Sem 1 & taught component in Sem 2)

Page 11 of 13

Modules

Status:

M = Mandatory (modules which must be taken and passed to be eligible for the award)

C = Compulsory (modules which must be taken to be eligible for the award)

O = Optional (optional modules)*

A = Additional (modules which must be taken to be eligible for an award accredited by a professional, statutory or regulatory body, including any non-credit bearing modules)

* Optional modules listed are indicative only and may be subject to change, depending on timetabling and staff availability

Level8

Module code

Status Module title Credit

7 IAM27 C Environmental Impact Assessment 20

7 IAM28 C Systems for Environmental Management 20

7 IAM29 C Environmental Policy and Law 20

7 IAM32 C Case Studies in environmental assessment and management 20

7 GBM01 C Masters Dissertation 60

7 GBM02 O Environmental Placement Module 20

7 AIM27 O Planning Theory 20

7 AIM28 O Policy and implementation in town planning 20

7 AIM29 O Sustainable urbanism in coastal communities 20

7 AIM39 O International practice in property and planning 20

7 BEM37 O Sustainable Construction 20

7 BYM34 O Advanced Ecology Field Skills 20

7 BYM39 O Issues in Ecology & Conservation 10

7 BYM63 O Advanced taxonomy and survey skills 10

7 BYM70 O Microbiology, Ecotoxicology and Environmental Remediation 10

7 GYM01 O Introduction to GIS 20

7 GYM02 O Applications in GIS 20

7 GYM05 O Applied Remote Sensing 20

7 IAM23 O Independent Study Module 20

7 WEM01 O Water Resources Management 20

7 WEM02 O Water Treatment Technology 20

7 WEM03 O Wastewater Treatment Technology 20

7 WEM04 O Water Quality Analysis 20

6 GY341 O Waste Management 10

8 All modules have learning outcomes commensurate with the FHEQ levels 0, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. List the level which corresponds with the learning outcomes of each module.

Page 12 of 13

AWARD AND CLASSIFICATION

Award type Award* Title Level Eligibility for award Classification of award

Total credits9 Minimum credits10 Ratio of marks11: Class of award

Final MSc Environmental Assessment & Managemen

7 Total credit 180 Minimum credit at level of award 150

Level 7 marks Postgraduate degree

Intermediate PGDip Environmental Assessment & Managemen

7 Total credit 120 Minimum credit at level of award 90

Level 7 marks Postgraduate (taught) degree

Intermediate PGCert Environmental Assessment & Management

7 Total credit 60 Minimum credit at level of award 40

Level 7 marks Postgraduate (taught) degree

*Foundation degrees only

Progression routes from award:

Award classifications Mark/ band % Foundation degree Honours degree Postgraduate12 degree (excludes PGCE and BM BS)

70% - 100% Distinction First (1) Distinction

60% - 69.99% Merit Upper second (2:1) Merit

50% - 59.99% Pass

Lower second (2:2) Pass

40% - 49.99% Third (3)

9 Total number of credits required to be eligible for the award. 10 Minimum number of credits required, at level of award, to be eligible for the award. 11 Algorithm used to determine the classification of the final award (all marks are credit-weighted). For a Masters degree, the mark for the final element (e.g, dissertation) must be in the corresponding class of award. 12 Refers to taught provision: PG Cert, PG Dip, Masters.

Document template revised: 2010 Page 13 of 13

EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS

Please refer to the Course Approval and Review Handbook when completing this section.

The examination and assessment regulations for the course should be in accordance with the University’s General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses (available from staffcentral or studentcentral).

Specific regulations which materially affect assessment, progression and award on the course e.g. Where referrals or repeat of modules are not permitted in line with the University’s General Examination and Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses.

The course regulations are in accordance with the University's General Examination and Assessment Regulations (available from the school office or the Registry). Specific course regulations allow a referral of GBM01, the masters’ dissertation module, however, a fail and repeat decision will not be allowed.

Assessment criteria

Indicative criteria used for the assessment are given here, mapped against award classification (as identified within the University of Brighton General Examination and Assessment Regulations). More information can be found in the Course Handbook.

The award of Master of Science in Environmental Assessment and Management (MSc)

In order to be eligible for the award of Master of Science in Environmental Assessment and Management the candidate must attain a minimum of 180 CATS points with a minimum of 150 CATS points at M level. This is comprised of 60 CATs points for the project, 80 CATs points for the 4 Core modules, and 40 CATs points from appropriate option modules.

In awarding the MSc with Distinction, the Examination Board will look for;

• a dissertation with a mark in excess of 70 percent,

• an average mark, in excess of 70 percent,

• absence of any area of significant weakness or failure.

In a awarding the MSc with Merit, the Examination Board will look for;

• a dissertation with a mark in excess of 60 percent,

• an average mark, in excess of 60 percent,

• absence of any area of significant weakness or failure.

The award of Postgraduate Certificate in Environmental Assessment and Management (PGCert)

In order to be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate in Environmental Assessment and Management, the candidate must obtain a minimum of 60 CATs points and have successfully completed 3 Core modules.

The award of Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Assessment and Management (PGDip)

In order to be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Assessment and Management, the candidate must obtain a minimum of 120 CATs points, having successfully completed 4 Core modules (80 CATS) and 2 option modules (40 CATS).

Exceptions required by PSRB These require the approval of the Chair of the Academic Board