Environmental Management

Is it for me?

Who is it for?

The programme is for people who are concerned with understanding and managing the impacts that organisations and individuals have on the environment. Maybe you’re one of the increasing number of people who are:

involved in setting up or responding to environmental and/or integrated management systems
planning new development projects, including technologies, programme and policies
trying to understand or manage sustainability.

Students on the Environmental Management (EM) Programme are drawn from industry, commerce, local government, consultancies, non-governmental organisations and communities. They include people already involved in the decision-making process and those who wish to be - either personally or professionally.

Do I need previous qualifications?

To study on this programme, you should normally have a degree or equivalent. If you have a first degree awarded by a recognised degree awarding body or an equivalent qualification, you can enter the PG Programme directly.

If you don’t have a degree, you should make sure that you are prepared to study at postgraduate level. One way to do this is by first completing undergraduate study before moving on to the postgraduate level. Please see our range of undergraduate modules at the OU: Study at OU

How much time will it take?

Most of the modules require about 12 hours study time per week over 6 months. The hours depend on the individual and on the module. It is important to try and schedule your study time and pace it as evenly as possible.

We recommend that you study one module at a time. You can take two modules together but you’d need to be careful of the study time required.

What if I don’t live in the UK?

All modules in the EM programme are available to study in the UK and Central Western Europe. Most EM modules are also available worldwide. If you live outside the UK / Europe you can still study and obtain the MSc but you may find your choice of optional modules is slightly restricted. Check individual module descriptions to find out in which countries they are available.

What study skills do I need?

You need to have a good grasp of English and be able to:

read actively and critically
reflect on what you read and on your own experience
apply concepts, frameworks and skills to practical examples
write clearly, coherently and concisely