Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology

Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology - MSc

Incorporating Keele's internationally recognised expertise in research and teaching on environmental issues, our accredited MSc aims to provide you with a broad understanding of environmental problems whilst embedding the appropriate specialist scientific, managerial and generic skills for a career in the environmental sustainability sector.

Month of entry

September, January

Mode of study

Full time, Part time

Location

Keele University campus

Subject area

Environment, Natural Sciences

Fees for 2023/24 academic year

UK - Full time £10,000 per year. Part time £5,500 per year.
International - £18,800 per year.

Duration of study

1 year full-time or 2 years part-time

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Please note: this course is no longer accepting applications from international students for September 2023 entry

This course is open for January 2024 entry for UK and International students

Why study Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology at Keele University?

Benefit from Keele University's internationally recognised expertise in research and teaching on environmental issues

Global Sustainability Institution of the Year (International Green Gown Awards, 2021)

Accreditation by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) offers you globally recognised GradIEMA professional status

Opportunities to specialise in several sustainability themes

Keele’s unique 600 acre campus has become a ‘true Living Lab’, a testbed for a range of smart energy and sustainability initiatives

Course summary

Overview

The world is facing increasing environmental threats which are posing severe scientific, social and economic challenges to the human race. These challenges include: the depletion of natural resources, the loss of diversity and the need to develop new forms of energy generation whilst efficiently utilising existing energy sources. Tackling these environmental problems and establishing a sustainable environment requires the adoption of appropriate policies and managerial strategies.

The MSc in Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology is designed to provide an interdisciplinary understanding of environmental challenges whilst giving the opportunity to specialise in several sustainability themes related to geosciences, energy generation, biological science, green information technology, environmental policy and politics, and project management.

We’ll help you develop the broad skillset needed to devise, implement and evaluate sustainability initiatives, or plan and conduct the research to develop the new solutions, processes and technologies to support them. You'll then put skills, such as critical evaluation, research design, scientific writing, project management, data collection, analysis and interpretation, presentation and more, into practice during your research project.

Our interdisciplinary programme aims to equip you with the following key skills:

An understanding of knowledge in the areas of science, technology, policy and green political theory relevant to environmental sustainability
Experience in analytical and computer techniques which would allow them to contribute to the solving of environmental challenges
A conceptual understanding to evaluate critically current research and advance scholarship in environmental sustainability
A comprehensive understanding of experimental design, planning and scientific techniques within a research project
Problem-solving and team-working skills relevant to the implementation of sustainable technologies and policies

Additional opportunities

Depending on availability, 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 boosting your job prospects. In the past, for example, our students have gone on to PhD studies, and careers in clean energy, waste management and sustainability in organisations such as the NHS, local authorities and commercial businesses.

Learn from our campus - our own 'living laboratory'

As a student on the MSc in Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology, you will benefit from learning on a campus featuring a Low Carbon Energy Generation Park which is supporting Keele University's pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030, featuring two wind turbines, 12,500 solar panels and an industrial-sized battery to store the generated energy. You will access on-site energy projects such as the recent HyDeploy project and the HyDEX project, which are driving forward demonstration of low-carbon hydrogen technology, and the Smart Energy Network Demonstrator (SEND) project. SEND, a European first, is an at-scale environment providing a platform that allows energy generation, distribution, storage, forecasting and energy balancing to be intelligently carried out across different energy sources using the Keele University campus as a genuine ‘living laboratory’.

Other courses you may be interested in:

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"I enjoyed learning about all different environmental issues and solutions, technologies as well as business skills for addressing stakeholders with project ideas, to make real-world changes."

Fern, Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology

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Course structure

The MSc in Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology can be studied as either a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course, with a September or January start date. You will complete 180 credits to obtain the master's qualification, comprising of 120 credits of taught modules (60 credits core and 60 credits optional) and a 60 credit dissertation.

The programme comprises of four compulsory modules designed to develop research skills:

Project Management and Business Skills
Research Design
Case Studies in Sustainability and Sustainability Technologies
Dissertation module

The taught component of the programme is underpinned by a foundation of core modules covering sustainable technologies and environmental politics, academic and research skills, project planning and management.
These modules aim to equip you with relevant analytical and management skills and knowledge necessary to complete your research project under the supervision of a Keele member of the teaching and research staff and, where appropriate an external collaborator from industry.

The Dissertation involves the submission of a 15-20,000 word report that is undertaken in conjunction with an academic supervisor and, where appropriate, an external collaborator.

Core Modules

ESC-40091 Project Management and Business Skills (15 credits)

This module aims to provide you with key skills and a broad understanding and appreciation of professional practice in the context of sustainability and technical development project planning and management. You will learn how to use data to evaluate and inform decision-making in a commercial setting which has different priorities to a research context and to navigate the stages in planning, developing, delivering and managing successful projects.

ESC-40095 Case Studies in Sustainability and Sustainability Technologies
(30 credits)

During this module you will be presented with case studies to consider around three main themes: The human footprint; Emerging contaminants, and; Sustainable consumption. You will develop skills in critical evaluation, assimilation and communication of complex debates and you will gain an appreciation of the role of ethical, social and political and technical factors in sustainable development and will use these skills to consider a case study of your choice.

ESC-40093 Research Design (15 credits)*

*Subject to module validation

ESC-40089 Dissertation (60 credits)

The dissertation module focuses on a student-led research project culminating in the write-up of the research project in the form of a 15,000- 20,000 word master's dissertation. The module is delivered via a combination of one-to-one meetings with the project supervisor(s), independent research and self-learning techniques.

Optional Modules

Indicative Optional Modules

ESC-40097 Clean and Green Technologies (30 credits)

This module aims to provide you with an overview of key concepts, debates, processes and discourses in relation to clean technologies, including renewable sources such as wind/wave/solar, and storage technologies such as hydrogen. The module will emphasising how we can use these technologies in specific scenarios, and minimise carbon footprint and assessing the contribution each might make to meeting energy needs sustainably. You will also gain an appreciation of clean technology while developing transferrable employability skills.

GEG-40020 Key Themes in Human Geography and Sustainability (15 credits)

The Key themes in Human Geography and Sustainability module provides cutting-edge insights into the diversity of inquiry, debate and active research currently taking place within contemporary human geography and the diverse range of sustainability-related issues of relevance. In particular, these relate to the current United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and especially the creation of sustainable cities and communities, good health and well being, reduced inequalities and clean energy. Through exposure to current research, students are able to generate new subject-skills and knowledge which they can apply in the real world and which can help in the development of new approaches for tackling current societal challenges. In addition, the module aims to provide you with the skills and opportunity to undertake a critical systematic literature review - a skill highly valued by employers who frequently require a synthesis and quality appraisal of research on particular topics.

PIR-40106 Dimensions of Environmental Politics (15 credits)

This module aims to provide you with an overview of key concepts, debates, processes and discourses in relation to the political dynamics of the environment. The broad introduction to the main facets of environmental politics will also prepare you to specialise in greater depth in one or more areas in other optional modules and their dissertation. You will explore the following three key questions in environmental politics:

- How did the environment come to be seen as a political question?
- How have political institutions responded to what have been called environmental problems?
- What are the challenges such problems individually or collectively pose for existing political structures, institutions, and practices,
and the theoretical presumptions underlying them?

You will also have the opportunity to develop their research and communication skills by delivering Powerpoint presentations and participating in weekly debates.

ESC-40101 Collaborative Project (15 credits)*

*Please note you can choose the Collaborative Project module or the Advanced Traineeship module, not both.

This module provides the opportunity to work on real-world issues as you work with staff to identify and approach appropriate collaborative partners and define appropriate projects. You will gain essential employability skills and experience as you are supported to lead collaborative discussions to co-define and co-design a project scope and to review the project's progress and outcomes. You will also develop highly desirable skills in project planning and management, communicating in a professional setting, and problem solving.

GEG-40030 Advanced Traineeships in Geography, Geoscience and Sustainability (15 credits)*

*Please note you can choose the Advanced Traineeship module or the Collaborative Project module, not both.

Advanced traineeships in Human Geography and Sustainability will provide you with real world ‘hands on’ experience of working on a live research project. Through collaboration with a directive research mentor, you will generate a range of new subject-specific and generic research knowledge and skills which will enhance your understanding of contemporary societal challenges as well as future employability. Furthermore, you will generate key insights into different aspects of the research process, ranging from research design and grant preparation to the delivery of impact-related activities and work alongside a range of stakeholders during your research traineeship.

ESC-40047 Green IT (15 credits)

This module will enable you to gain an understanding of the sustainability challenges facing the IT industry and of the strategies and techniques that are available to address these challenges. You will also explore ways in which IT can enhance sustainability in other sectors (e.g. through the use of simulation and modelling software and IT tools such as video conferencing).

ESC-40060 Climate Change Science (15 credits)

You will explore factors affecting the climate and the impacts that this change is having on our planet and its inhabitants. Topics include how climate change comes about, its effects and how to prevent it, including the role of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). You will gain skills and confidence in interpreting and communicating complex information, basic modelling and data analysis related to climate change.

LAW-40043 International Environmental Law (15 credits)

This module offers a critical perspective on the development of international environmental law. It provides a grounding in the legal norms, institutions and processes of the field, and explores current environmental global issues such as biodiversity loss, trade and environment, food security and climate change through specific treaty regimes. Drawing on a range of legal, policy and other literature, the module highlights key challenges facing the regulation of the environment today.

ENL-40001 Academic English for Postgraduate Students 1 (15 credits)

This module is designed to enable non-native English speaking international postgraduate students to develop their knowledge and use of the specific linguistic, rhetorical and critical competencies essential to success on their chosen programme of study or research. Particular emphasis will be placed on equipping students with a 'toolkit' for avoiding plagiarism in their writing and developing the critical and analytical skills needed for a judicious approach to scholarship and research. Students will also have the opportunity to prepare and deliver a team oral presentation on a topic related to their field of study or research.

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"The flexibility in essay topics for many of the degree’s modules allowed me to explore my interests. There was a lot of support and encouragement to pursue work experience either prior to graduating or prior to the dissertation module."

Ajeet, Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology

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"Keele University in particular has great relationships with the local community and businesses and their ability to put research into practice, especially in the Environmental sustainability sector. The whole ethos of environmental sustainability is taken seriously across the whole campus"

John, Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology

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Dr Sharon George speaks to CNN about UK plans to minimise plastic waste

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Teaching, learning and assessment

How you'll be taught

The programme is delivered through a variety of learning and teaching activities designed to develop research and professional skills.
This includes lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars, practical/laboratory classes, problem-based learning, directed reading and independent study and project work, individual presentations and linked discussion.

In addition, you’ll have one-on-one meetings with individual research supervisors, which may take place online or face-to-face. You will be taught by experienced, well-qualified staff who are research-active within the discipline, accomplished at working on research-funded projects nationally and internationally, and eager to share their teaching, research and professional experience to help you achieve success in your studies.

Though there are taught components to the course, we place a strong emphasis on student-led learning and research to help develop your independent research skills and technical skills, with support from teaching staff and technicians.

The main focus of the programme is your research project, which can be carried out here at Keele, with external collaborators in the public or private sector, or at overseas institutions, giving you the opportunity to enhance your employability and network within the sector.

How you'll be assessed

You will complete formal assessment on all modules. Assessments for core modules are coursework-based and include, for example, oral and poster presentations, reports, reviews, a blog, reflective writing, project proposals, a research project portfolio and the dissertation. The assessment on optional modules varies depending on the module, but will feature similar types of assessment, as well as essays, consultancy or technical reports, or exams.

Between 15,000 to 20,000 words in length, the dissertation produced as part of your research project forms your main assessment. You will be paired with an academic supervisor who is an expert in your field, from within the staff here at Keele, one of our international partner institutions or an external collaborator. Together, you will work to advance your research interests and develop your individual research, writing and communication.

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Keele Postgraduate Association

Keele University is one of a handful of universities in the UK to have a dedicated students' union for postgraduate students. A fully registered charity, Keele Postgraduate Association serves as a focal point for the social life and welfare needs of all postgraduate students during their time at Keele.

KPA interior

Hugely popular, the KPA Clubhouse (near Horwood Hall) provides a dedicated postgraduate social space and bar on campus, where you can grab a bite to eat and drink, sit quietly and read a book, or switch off from academic life at one of the many regular events organised throughout the year. The KPA also helps to host a variety of conferences, as well as other academic and career sessions, to give you and your fellow postgraduates the opportunities to come together to discuss your research, and develop your skills and networks.

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Facilities

Our unique self-contained campus, with over 600 acres of grounds including forests and lakes, has provided an ideal setting to establish itself as a testbed for real-world teaching, learning and research opportunities as a ‘true Living Lab’. Featured as a national best practice case study in the promotion of sustainability exchange, initiatives such as the Smart Energy Network Demonstrator and SIMULATE (Smart, Infrastructure and Mobility Urban Laboratory and Test Environment) project, contributed to Keele being named Global Sustainability Institution of the Year (International Green Gown Awards, 2020).

Central Science Laboratory (CSL)

The School benefits from its very own dedicated teaching space in the new state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratory (CSL). Featuring 80 new polarising microscopes and 20 new low powered microscopes, the CSL allows us to innovate and enhance the teaching experience of our students, and supports a highly tailored approach to practical learning.

Following a £34m investment, the CSL opened its doors to students in September 2019 and provides 5,300m2 of modern, co-located science laboratories. Over £2m alone has been spent on industrial research-grade analytical and laboratory equipment that is used by students in their day-to-day laboratory teaching. Access to state-of-the-art facilities and high specification equipment will ensure you are well prepared for scientific or industrial employment post-graduation. The environment mirrors the multi-faceted nature of working life and the shared space allows group working and collaboration between disciplines, building the skills and experience much valued by employers.

Keele Ice Lab

Working in collaboration with national and international partners including the British Antarctic Survey, the Keele University Ice Lab provides new capacity in the UK for ice core and water research to help us better understand climate change. It features dedicated high-precision water isotope and fluorescence spectrometry capability, as well as a dedicated freezer laboratory for water and ice samples from polar environments.

Keele Weather Station

The Keele University Weather Station has been supplying meteorological data for over 70 years, both locally and nationally. We record a wide range of information, including wind speed and direction, rainfall, humidity, sunshine/radiation, air and ground temperatures. Weather recording on two sites is now automated thanks to an investment and support from the Met Office to purchase equipment from Campbell Scientific Instruments – the same company that installed a weather station on Mount Everest.

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