Environmental Sustainability

Human activities have driven the Earth into a new geological epoch – the Anthropocene – where continuation of business-as-usual will lead to further damage and increased risks of irreversible change. This module explores the Sustainable Development Goals in the context of planetary boundaries (biophysical limits), examining the synergies and trade-offs in achieving a safe and socially just operating space for humanity. 

The likely extent of human-caused climate change and associated risks and impacts, now necessitates an integrated approach to mitigation and adaptation. This module examines climate risk assessment and management at the national and corporate level in the context of the international response, critically assessing and applying approaches and tools to avert, minimise, and address losses and damages. 

Biodiversity loss is a major global challenge with over one million species on the brink of extinction from threats including land use change, over exploitation, climate change and pollution. Drawing on examples from around the world, such as savannah, forests, peatlands, and marine environments, this module evaluates the latest techniques for assessing and monitoring biodiversity, natural capital and ecosystem services. 

In response to the threats facing biodiversity, governments and corporations increasingly link biodiversity conservation, natural capital, ecosystem services markets, and nature-based solutions. Within this context, and drawing on examples from around the world, you'll critically evaluate governance mechanisms for conserving and enhancing natural capital and biodiversity. Policy, management, and implementation are covered at international, national, local, and corporate levels. 

Limiting human-caused climate change in line with the Paris Agreement temperature goals requires deep and immediate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, achieving (or potentially exceeding) net zero CO2 by around mid-century. This module focuses on best and emerging practice in carbon management, examining target setting, accounting methodologies, and implementation plans to deliver transformational change in a range of contexts. 

Ensuring that cities and human settlements are resilient is increasingly important in the context of global environmental sustainability challenges. This module examines urban resilience, drawing upon global examples to provide knowledge, methodologies and tools that can support cities in reducing risks, adapting to change and building resilience to environmental hazards whilst considering social justice. 

You’ll develop your knowledge of the fundamentals of project management and the management of projects through the Body of Knowledge (APM) and Book of Knowledge (PMI). 

You’ll develop advanced knowledge and skills with the opportunity to develop specialist knowledge, by completing a masters dissertation in areas relating to a suitable research topic.