Program Overview

This novel course is a multidisciplinary approach to environmental sustainability devised by UL and NUIG 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.

Students who undertake this course will:

• develop a technical and scientific understanding of sustainability issues and problems associated with management of resource use and management in relation to (a) urban form and function and (b) landscape evaluation and management for conservation.
• comprehend a range of policy responses in relation to enhancement of sustainability in Irish urban and rural settings, and selected international case studies.
• synthesise an understanding of the complexity of both natural and socio-economic-natural systems, together with an understanding of existing and innovatory sustainability policy options, to develop a competency in identifying and evaluating optimal policy options.