School of Earth and Environment FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENT Sustainability Masters Programmes
Studying Sustainability at Leeds The School of Earth and Environment at Leeds is one of the largest and most vibrant in the world, providing exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study. 2WWW.SEE.LEEDS.AC.UK We have an excellent reputation for world-class research and innovative teaching and are currently ranked second in the UK for Research Power (Research Assessment Exercise 2008). All our degrees are led-by the Sustainability Research Institute (SRI) within the School. The SRI is home to one of the largest academic groups of sustainability experts in the world focusing their research and teaching on the social, natural, political, economic and business aspects of a wide range of issues for example, climate change; land and water management; corporate social responsibility; project management and consultancy, to name but a few. The SRI also attracts significant research funding and leads and hosts three national research centres focussed on climate change, economics and policy, energy and material demand reduction. This wealth of research helps to inform the content of our Masters Degrees and gives you the opportunity to interact with academics who are at the forefront of major global issues. Excellent career prospects There is an increasing demand for professionals with interdisciplinary insight. The drive for sustainability (e.g. a low-carbon economy, or economic development that considers environmental and social issues) needs people with an in-depth understanding of sustainability and climate change issues. Forward-thinking businesses are looking for people with postgraduate skills (knowledge, research and practical experience) in sustainability and climate change. Students who complete our programmes find employment across a wide range of occupations in the fields of Sustainability, Climate Change, Environment and Development. Graduates are typically employed as Consultants, Programme or Project Managers and Advisors across a wide range of sectors including government and non-governmental organisations, and consultancies both in the UK and internationally. Our programmes are also excellent preparation for PhD study. Links with sustainability partners We have successful and productive links with many non-academic partners with different perspectives on sustainability, for example NGOs, local government, businesses and consultants. Students come in contact with our network of partners through teaching, research and other aspects of the student experience in the school. Our industrial partners consistently report that the combination of academic rigour and exploration of current issues ensures that graduates have the combination of skills and knowledge to be effective straight away. As a result, our graduates are seen as work ready, with fresh ideas and innovative ways of working in their chosen careers. Research-led teaching We are committed to investing in the student experience with research-led teaching at the core. We have one of the largest research clusters of earth, environmental and social scientists in the UK and internationally. We co-host the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funded Centre for Climate Change, Economics and Policy (CCCEP); the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC); and UK InDemand. Our staff are at the cutting edge of research world-wide, leading research in a wide range of fields (spanning both natural and social sciences) and are active in guiding global, national and local policy debates on pressing contemporary issues. Our programmes are led by staff within the Sustainability Research Institute (SRI), one of the School s five Research Institutes. With over 30 staff, SRI is one of the largest groups of inter-disciplinary researchers, working on the different dimensions of sustainability. Visit our website for further information about our School and its world-leading research groups: www.see.leeds.ac.uk/research Why sustainability? Finding ways to live and work more sustainably is the big challenge of our times. How do we develop new ideas, policies and practices to ensure that everyone in the growing global population has a good quality of life, while also safeguarding the planet s resources upon which we all depend? Our degrees At Leeds we offer a suite of interdisciplinary Masters Degrees that are highly integrated but also offer you opportunities to specialise and consider different aspects of this challenge in depth: MSc Environment and Development explores where the needs of economic development and environmental conservation meet across a range of contexts and scales from the global to the local. MSc Climate Change and Environmental Policy combines a solid understanding of the physical and social science of climate change with environmental policy and governance. MSc Sustainability and Business working closely with Leeds University Business School, this programme explores the interface between business, society and the environment, where sustainability is the starting point, not an add on. MSc Sustainability and Consultancy a highly applied programme building up to a research project usually carried out on placement, designed to equip you to be an effective change agent through consulting. What you can expect Our degrees offer you opportunities to develop theoretical and practical knowledge, develop research skills and gain vocational experience. They are shaped by internationally recognised, academically excellent and problem-oriented interdisciplinary research on environmental, social and economic aspects of sustainability and climate change conducted within the Sustainability Research Institute and Institute of Climate and Atmospheric Science. They are directly informed by our policyorientated and practical work with business, government agencies, intergovernmental institutions, research and policy think tanks, and not-for-profit organisations. All our programmes share a common foundation in sustainability but each has a distinct set of core and optional modules beyond that foundation. They include module options from other Schools across the University (including Business, Geography, Politics and International Studies). Visit us Your background, work experience and desired career path will determine which programme suits you best. If you are struggling to decide, why not come along to one of our open days or arrange a separate visit? www.see.leeds.ac.uk/admissions-andstudy/masters-degrees/open-days Connect with us Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ SchoolofEarthandEnvironment universityofleeds or follow us on Twitter @SEELeeds 3
MSc Climate Change and Environmental Policy Climate change and environmental protection are among the biggest environmental challenges we face and are growing concerns for policy makers. This programme prepares interdisciplinary analysts to deliver integrated approaches to mitigate and adapt to climate change and devise environmental policy. 4WWW.SEE.LEEDS.AC.UK 4 My masters was challenging but the knowledge and skills I developed, and the people I met along the way have made the effort more than worthwhile. The varied modules have given me a broad, holistic understanding of sustainability and I would strongly recommend the course to anyone who is hoping to change the business world for the better. James Townsend, Graduate, 2012 This is an interdisciplinary programme that provides you with a solid foundation in the physical and social science of climate change and the conceptual and applied understanding of critical issues in governance of environmental problems. The programme is intended primarily for those who are, or will be, involved in developing responses to climate change, other environmental problems in government, and in private and not-for profit organisations at the international, national and local levels. Key features Teaching is delivered by lead authors of the latest reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and of the Centre on Climate Change Economics and Policy (CCCEP). Develop interdisciplinary expertise on climate change and environmental policy and governance. Develop a conceptual and applied understanding of critical issues in climate change and environmental policy and governance within government, business and civil society settings. Benefit from a programme that delivers teaching from the School of Earth and Environment, the School of Politics and International Studies, and the School of Geography. Modules Six compulsory modules (including an individual research project) and ten optional modules. Compulsory modules: Climate Change: Physical Science Basis Climate Change Mitigation Climate Change: Impacts and Adaptation Environmental Policy and Governance Research Methods Individual Research Project. Optional modules: Business, Environment and Sustainability Critical Perspectives in Environment and Development Environmental Assessment Environment-Development Overseas Field Course International Relations and the Environment Introduction to Ecological and Environmental Economics Introduction to Sustainability Standards and Tools for Business, Environment and Corporate Social Responsibility Terrestrial Biosphere in the Earth System Tools and Techniques in Ecological Economics. Key facts Start Date September Duration of MSc 12 months (full-time) 5
The course exposed me to an international world of knowledge where every opinion was gracefully taken. Every country mattered. The resources at the university are amazing and there is so much help and support for international students. All this has made my experience wonderful at the institution. Graduate, 2013 MSc Environment and Development Explore the challenges associated with achieving development that is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. This programme provides students with the current knowledge, skills and practical experience to contribute towards achieving solutions in this topical field. This programme brings together expertise from the Schools of Earth and Environment and Politics and International Studies, and the practitioner community. It provides you with theoretical and practical training in environment, development and sustainability, ensuring that you are at the forefront of debates and well positioned for exciting international or local careers. Key features A wide range of interdisciplinary training options which enable you to advance your academic and practical experience in the fields of environment and development. Priority access onto an optional Overseas Environment-Development Field Course to Tanzania. Modules Five compulsory modules (including an individual research project) and choose four optional modules. Compulsory modules: Critical Perspectives in Environment and Development Introduction to Sustainability Environmental Policy and Governance Research Methods Individual Research Project. Optional modules: Business, Environment and Sustainability Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Climate Change Mitigation Climate Change Physical Science Basis Environment-Development Overseas Field Course Global Inequalities and Development* International Relations and the Environment* Standards and Tools for Business, Environment and Corporate Social Responsibility Terrestrial Biosphere in the Earth System Tools and Techniques in Ecological Economics. *Counts as two modules. Key facts Start Date September 6WWW.SEE.LEEDS.AC.UK Tanzania Field Course Duration of MSc 12 months (full-time) 24 months (part-time) 7
MSc Sustainability and Business This programme examines the ways in which businesses can improve their environmental performance and enhance their social responsibility. It is delivered jointly by the School of Earth and Environment and Leeds University Business School, and explores both corporate and societal perspectives on sustainability. Leeds provided an interdisciplinary experience that helped me to grasp the full scope of sustainability, and prepared me for my role by giving me an awareness of current trends in the field and the tools to be able to discuss sustainability with a wide range of audiences. You will be introduced to a range of sustainable business initiatives and management tools and shown how they are applied in practical situations. You will also critically examine factors that shape the success or failure of different approaches and their contribution to sustainability. What is the contribution of business to sustainability? Why is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) so important today? How can companies respond to the challenges of sustainability? Which are the best tools and approaches for sustainable business? The programme is suited to those who wish to work in companies to develop corporate responsibility strategies and enhance their contribution to social and environmental dimensions of sustainability. It can also lead to careers in government or non-governmental organisations working in partnership with or trying to influence business. Key features A long-established programme combining a focus on business with an inter-disciplinary grounding in sustainability Run jointly by the School of Earth and Environment and the Business School, bringing in a range of different perspectives on corporate sustainability. Modules Seven compulsory modules (including an individual research project) and choose two optional modules. Compulsory modules: Introduction to Sustainability Business, Environment and Sustainability Issues and Cases in Corporate Social Responsibility Research Methods Standards and Tools for Business, Environment and Corporate Responsibility Systems Thinking and Consulting Practice Individual Research Project. Optional modules: Delivered by School of Earth and Environment Climate Change: Impacts and Adaptation Critical Perspectives in Environment and Development Environmental Economics and Policy Environmental Policy and Governance Environment-Development Overseas Field Course Tools and Techniques in the Analysis of Society, Economy and Environment. Delivered by Leeds University Business School Debates and Controversies in International Business Managing for Innovation Marketing for Management Organisational Development and Change Risk Perception and Communication. Key facts 8WWW.SEE.LEEDS.AC.UK 8 Steven Nemeth, Account Director, 2degrees, a collaboration platform for sustainable professionals. Start Date September Duration of MSc 12 months (full-time) 24 months (part-time) 9
MSc Sustainability and Consultancy This programme is aimed at graduates and professionals who want to pursue roles as consultants and managers in the corporate social responsibility, environmental management and sustainability arenas. We have been encouraged to consider all the elements of sustainability which is helping me view my project in the wider context and explore the interrelationships that I might not have considered beforehand. Knowing how to apply project management methods into a real-life situation has definitely benefited me, especially when dealing with other departments. The programme combines modules that provide you with grounding in a broad scope of topics under the umbrella of sustainability. This includes areas such as project development and corporate sustainability strategy, as well as focusing on the tangible professional skills that are used by environmental and sustainability consultants and project managers. You will truly focus on sustainability as an integrated issue, rather than separating the environmental, economic and social elements. Key features Manage a consultancy project, usually undertaken in the form of a 10-12 week placement with a professional organisation. Benefit from a programme that has strong relationships with consultancy firms and consultancy clients across all aspects of sustainability. Teaching is delivered by academic staff and practitioners. IEMA-approved Associate Certificate programme means that when you graduate, you are eligible to become an IEMA Associate Member, the first stage towards full professional chartership. Modules Eight compulsory modules (including an individual project) and choose one optional module. Compulsory modules: Introduction to Sustainability Business, Environment and Sustainability Project Management: Developing and Managing Environmental Contracts Project Management: Sustainability, People and Resources Issues and Cases in Corporate Social Responsibility Standards and Tools for Business, Environment and Corporate Social Responsibility The Regulatory and Planning Context for Sustainable Projects Individual Environmental Consultancy Project. Optional modules: Climate Change: Physical Science Basis Environmental Economics and Policy. Key facts Start Date September Duration of MSc 12 months (full-time) 24 months (part-time) Claire Blissett, Graduate, 2013 WWW.SEE.LEEDS.AC.UK 10 11
Further information Contact us Visit the School website: www.see.leeds.ac.uk/masters Postgraduate Admissions Office, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom LS2 9JT. Tel. +44 (0)113 343 8109 Fax. +44 (0)113 343 5259 Email. apply-masters@see.leeds.ac.uk Fees and scholarships Fees are listed on the School website: www.see.leeds.ac.uk/masters-fees The School offers a number of scholarships to help towards your tuition fees. For information on these and other University of Leeds and Industry scholarships and bursaries visit: www.see.leeds.ac.uk/scholarships International students Leeds is ranked 1st among participating Russell Group Universities for international students in the ISB (International Student Barometer Autumn 2012). We attract researchers and postgraduate students from around the world, bringing together nationalities from Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia and North and South America. We recognise that moving to a new and unknown country is a major transition and can be quite daunting. For this reason, the University of Leeds guarantees you a place in our accommodation, provides orientation sessions on arrival and ongoing support during your time at Leeds and extra support for English language at the University s Language Centre. For more information visit: www.leeds.ac.uk/accommodation www.leeds.ac.uk/international www.leeds.ac.uk/languages International applicants can also obtain additional in-country assistance from our overseas representatives: www.leeds.ac.uk/countryspecificinformation WWW.SEE.LEEDS.AC.UK 12 13
How to apply Applications should be made online via the University website: www.leeds.ac.uk/students/apply.htm Alternatively contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office: Tel: +44 (0)113 343 8109 Email: apply-masters@see.leeds.ac.uk You can also find details of the application process online in the How to Apply section of the School website: www.see.leeds.ac.uk/masters Applications are accepted year round although we recommend international students apply no later than the end of May. Entry requirements UK Bachelor Degree (with a classification of 2:1 or better), or equivalent qualification. Mature applicants without a first degree or with a lower degree classification may be considered on the basis of their relevant industry experience and their potential for benefiting from the programme. If you re not sure if your international or EU degree is equivalent to a UK degree, check our School website for details or contact the School for advice. English language requirements If your first language is not English, you must provide evidence of your language proficiency. This is normally in the form of a recent test certificate. We accept IELTS and other recognised alternatives, for further details please visit the University s Language Centre: www.leeds.ac.uk/languages The University of Leeds Language Centre also provides a range of English for Academic Purposes Pre-sessional courses which are designed to help international students develop the necessary language and academic study skills required for successful study on a taught postgraduate degree programme at the University of Leeds. Courses are offered throughout the year with starting dates in September, January, April, July or August. For more information visit: www.leeds.ac.uk/languages Or email the Language Centre langc@leeds.ac.uk WWW.SEE.LEEDS.AC.UK 14 15
The University endeavours to ensure that the information contained in this brochure is accurate at the date of publication and does not accept liability for any inaccuracies contained within it. Where circumstances change outside the reasonable control of the University, we reserve the right to change or cancel parts of, or entire programmes of study or services at any time without liability, even after students have registered at the University. The University's contract with its students does not confer third party benefits for the purposes of the Contract (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999. Taught Postgraduate Admissions Office School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds Leeds, United Kingdom LS2 9JT Tel. +44 (0)113 343 8109 Fax. +44 (0)113 343 5259 Email. apply-masters@see.leeds.ac.uk www.see.leeds.ac.uk August 2014