Introduction

Our programme is unique as it is taught jointly by University academics and professionals from leading environmental consultancy JBA Consulting, the Environment Agency and the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, which has one of its major research facilities based at Lancaster. With a strong emphasis on practical study, you can gain the skills to progress a career in areas such as water consultancy, water regulator, water company or research organisation.

Over the two years, you will study six modules and complete a dissertation project. The core modules have been professionally accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management. They will provide you with the key skills of a water professional by addressing the principles of: catchment hydrology, sustainable surface water management, groundwater assessment, methods of catchment protection, principles of lake ecology, managing coastal flooding, flood forecasting, the design of river structures and the restoration of river channels. Optional modules covering wider environmental and social science skills are also available.

Practical work is an important component of the programme, with modules including challenging fieldwork in Cumbrian and Lancashire catchments and laboratory work involving the use of flumes, water quality analyses and computer models. Background reading and learning resources will be provided to allow you to complete pre and post-course learning in your own time.

Assessment

Students on a part-time programme will need to commit at least one day a week to attending taught modules. This may be a whole day or could be two or three half-days. Having slight flexibility may be beneficial and will increase your module choice. Students also need to set aside around 15 hours a week for independent studies such as reading, coursework, and exam preparation. Extra consideration needs to be given to planning dissertations, which account for 50% of the marks. Some applicants may be able to undertake a project within their workplace with the agreement of an academic supervisor. For others, blocks of time may be needed to carry out the research, for example, in the field or laboratory.

Community

The Graduate School for the Environment is a community of high-achieving students, world-class environmental researchers, government scientists and enterprises working together to address today’s biggest environmental challenges. We harness the power of three of the world’s foremost research organisations to give students the best possible chance of enjoying productive, impactful and influential careers.