(MSc) Sustainable Resource Management: Policy and Practice), inter-institutional programme

This novel course is a multidisciplinary approach to environmental sustainability devised by NUIG and UL to respond to the continuing interest among students in an environmental/ resource management taught MSc., and to market demands for graduates with more applied knowledge of the environmental sector. Strongly research led, it is unique in that it combines the expertise of both institutions in relation to urban form and function and landscape evaluation and management for conservation in a jointly awarded MSc postgraduate degree.

The 12-month long course comprises new modules taught only at postgraduate level and aims to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and experience that are needed to pursue successful careers in managing environmental resources sustainably. The course will help develop government policy and economic recovery by producing top quality graduates who can contribute to a smart economy and hasten implementation of green technologies. Given the pressure on and competition for limited resources, the course applies an evidence based approach to developing solutions for all system users. Graduates will become technically fluent in selected environmental science theory, policy development, implementation and best practice.

Programme Objectives:

a. To integrate an international perspective to reflect new research findings and current practice in sustainable use of resources that can be applied within Ireland and elsewhere.
b. To provide research-led learning opportunities that will develop skills in identifying and evaluating solutions for real world problems.
c. To provide Irish expertise to meet legal obligations.

This programme brings together theory, policy and practice to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and experience that are needed to pursue successful careers in managing environmental resources sustainably. This new course combines scene setting lectures by experts (including guest seminars), site visits and experiential learning to encourage students to adopt an informed, creative, innovatory and entrepreneurial approach to problem solving. As the course is structured around research in both institutions that is strongly linked to decision makers in industry and government organisations, it will develop graduates with necessary skills in identifying and evaluating solutions for real world problems.

Semesters 1 and 2 are devoted to formal scientific and policy coursework consisting primarily of lectures, problem-based learning, site visits and tutorials and private study. Students are expected to carry out group projects and to prepare written reports, oral and other presentations for continous assessment.

Semester 1 comprises 3 modules taught in NUI Galway (30 ECTS):

1. Ecosystem Assessment
2. Biodiversity and Conservation
3. Environmental Problems and Solutions

Semester 2 comprises 4 modules taught in UL (30 ECTS):

4. Material and Energy Flows
5. Urban Form and Transport
6. Urban Household Sustainability
7. Sustainable Lifecycle Engineering

Students undertake a research project at either institution during Semester 3 (30 ECTS).