MSc Water and Environmental Management - Programme Specification
Section 1: Summary information
Awarding body
Location of Study
School of Study
Professional accreditation
Award and titles
Final award
University of Brighton
Moulsecoomb Campus
School of Environment &
Technology
Faculty of Science and
Engineering
currently being sought
Award
MSc
Intermediate award
Postgraduate Diploma
Faculty
Intermediate award
Intermediate award
Course codes
UCAS Code
QAA Subject Group
Subject Benchmark
Programme regulations
Maximum Period of Study
Mode of Study
Credit ratings
Programme Specification
approved at:
Contact:
Title
Water and Environmental
Management
Water and Environmental
Management
Geography & Geology
Geography & Geology
1 year Full Time
6 years Part Time
Full-time
Part-time
MSc
PG Dip
July 2007
Dr H Taylor
180 credits
120 credits
Section 2: Aims and objectives
Aims:
The aims of the programme are:
The course aims to develop technical and managerial skills relating to the
understanding of water resources management and related environmental
issues, recognising the complex inter-relationships inherent within the
discipline area. This aim is amplified and implemented through a number of
overarching objectives and learning outcomes (see below).
Learning
outcomes:
Objective 1 To be able to provide feasible solutions to complex technical
problems faced by water/environment managers
Learning Outcome The ability to apply known mathematical analysis
techniques to water resource problems with a range of identified input
parameters (WEM01,WEM02,WEM03,WEM04,GBM01)
Objective 2 To communicate confidently using appropriate terminology at Mlevel within water and environmental management with others from a similar
discipline background in industry
Learning Outcome The ability to discuss critically management strategies
relating to water resource issues (WEM01,GBM01)
Objective 3 To have acquired the management skills necessary in the
environmental/water industry
Learning Outcome The ability to manage own research project and appreciate
the technical, commercial and managerial aspects of technical water-related
problems (GBM01)
Objective 4 To understand and be able to design for the complex interaction
between different users of the water and natural environment, incorporating
considerations relating to water quality and water quantity issues
Learning Outcome The ability to assess critically the different constraints
faced by water managers in different water/environment scenarios and
propose solutions appropriate to the needs of all (WEM01,WEM02,WEM03)
Objective 5 To be able to undertake analysis necessary to face unfamiliar and
as yet undefined water/environmental challenges, and to appreciate the need
for research and development within the wider industry
Learning Outcome The ability to use effectively available laboratory analysis
techniques and software, including modelling and data analysis tools, to
obtain solutions to problems, and to devise new approaches to problems as
they arise (WEM01,WEM02,WEM04,WEM05)
Objective 6 To secure an understanding of the purpose and practical
implications of current water/environmental practice, including the EU water
framework directive and its effect on managing sustainability in
water/environmental issues
Learning Outcome The ability to research, interpret and work successfully
within a given legal framework and advise others accordingly
(WEM01,GBM01)
Section 3 - Teaching, Learning and Assessment
Teaching and
learning
Teaching methods for the modules will vary according to the subject.
Generally, however, there will be both theoretical and applied components.
Laboratory work, computer modelling and fieldwork will form significant
parts of the modules.
The teaching team recognises that it is unlikely that any one student will
have the academic or professional expertise necessary to provide a
foundation for every syllabus component. The individual modules have
been designed to incorporate sufficient material relating to basic concepts
and methodologies to provide an appropriate foundation for students with
limited previous experience in a particular subject area. Following the
provision of these basic concepts, the content will rapidly progress to the
understanding and evaluation which it is envisaged will be novel for all
students in most modules.
The course team anticipates that diversity of experience within the student
body will be an important strength of the M.Sc. programme. The course
participants will bring different, but complementary, expertise to the course
from various backgrounds, resulting in useful and profitable interaction
between students. Group work activities and presentations will enhance
this.
The scope of the course structure is outlined in the next section. The
content will demand a diversity of teaching and learning strategies,
dependent on the nature of the material being taught. Lecture sessions will
be employed to introduce much of the conceptual and methodological
material, but group studies and practical exercises will also play a key role.
Applications to practical situations, and case studies, will be included,
particularly those relating to research being undertaken by the School.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) relating to water and
environmental management will be used extensively throughout the course
by reference to internal (University of Brighton) and external web sites.
The students’ individual projects will play a key part in developing and
testing the students’ abilities in the area of broad project management and
primary research. Other key skills, including research techniques, data
handling and critical analysis of source material, will also be developed
and assessed in the project dissertation.
Assessment
A variety of forms of assessment are used in the programme to
demonstrate ability in a range of skills.
Examination/Test (including open book, seen and unseen
examinations): a demonstration of knowledge, understanding, analytical
skill and ability to apply knowledge.
Essay: a demonstration of understanding and analytical and written
communication skills .
Project (including individual, group work and Level 3 project): a
demonstration of independent research skills and written communication
skills.
Report (including laboratory reports and field reports): a
demonstration of reporting and written communication skills. Laboratory
reports additionally demonstrate laboratory skills whilst field reports
demonstrate field and group research skills.
A number of transferable skills, such as self-motivation and
communication, are embedded within the primary modes of delivery of
learning and are not necessarily separately assessed. However,
satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes requires that such skills
are developed to an appropriate level.
Assessment
criteria
Indicative criteria used for the assessment are given here, mapped against
award classification (as identified within the University of Brighton General
Examination and Assessment Regulations). More information can be
found in the Course Handbook.
In order to be eligible for the award of Master of Science in Water and
Environmental Management the candidate must attain a minimum of 180
CATS points with a minimum of 150 CATS points at M level, including 60
CATS points for the dissertation.
A distinction will be awarded if the student has achieved an average mark
of 70% or above.
A Merit pass will be awarded if the student has achieved an average mark
of between 60-69%
A Pass will be awarded if the student has achieved an average mark of
between 50-59%
The award of Postgraduate Certificate Water and Environmental
Management (PGCert)
In order to be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate in
Environmental Assessment and Management, the candidate must obtain a
minimum of 60 CATs points and have successfully completed 3 Core
modules.
The award of Postgraduate Diploma in Water and Environmental
Management (PGDip)
In order to be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Water and
Environmental Management, the candidate must obtain a minimum of 120
CATs points, having successfully completed 4 Core modules (80 CATS)
and 2 option modules (40 CATS).
The award of Master of Science in Water and Environmental
Management (MSc)
In order to be eligible for the award of Master of Science in Environmental
Assessment and Management, the candidate must attain a minimum of
180 CATs points (150 CATS points at M level) including 60 CATs points
for the project and having successfully completed the 4 Core modules (80
CATS) and appropriate option modules (40 CATS).
Regulations
The course regulations are in accordance with the University's General
Examination and Assessment Regulations (available from the school office
or the Registry).
The pass mark for MSc modules is 50% with an assessment component
threshold of 40%.
Specific course regulations allow a referral ofGBM01, the dissertation
module, however, a fail and repeat decision will not be allowed.
Section 4 - Programme structure, level, modules, and credit and award
This section summarises the structure of the award, and gives a brief indication of the
course structure.
The content and structure of the course is based around core modules relating to water
resource management, supported by additional, optional modules supporting this. Modules
within the M.Sc. programme are classified into 6 core modules (5 plus the M.Sc. project) and
2 option modules taken from existing Master’s level programmes from within the School of
Environment & Technology. The proposed structure of the course, including definitive listings
of core and option modules, is shown in Table 2. While the optional modules listed in Table 2
are those that are intended to be taken as part of the course, it may be possible for students
to take other optional modules from elsewhere within the School, subject to approval by the
course leader. Taken together, the core modules are worth 80 M-level CATS points, with the
project worth 60 M-level CATS points. The optional modules are worth a total of 40 CATS
points, making up a grand total of 180 CATS points for the course.
Core modules represent central knowledge and skills within water and environmental
management, while option modules seek to develop the students’ interest and ability in areas
of particular interest to them. In the early stages of the programme the option modules will
depend on what is available from other programmes within the School. However, it is
envisaged that further option modules will be accepted for the M.Sc. as these become
available or as the course develops generally.
The framework of the course, including course delivery, length of modules and assessment
methods follow the guidelines as established in the University of Brighton GEAR (General
Examination and Assessment Regulations) documentation.
The course will be taught as a full time programme, but with opportunity for individual
modules to be studied in a part time mode. The minimum period of registration for the full time
mode is 12 months. The full time mode will operate from September to July, with opportunity
for examination of the project thesis in July or September.
Students may proceed through the programme at a slower pace but subject to a normally
maximum period of 72 months from initial registration to completion of the final module(s) or
submission of the project. This is also subject to the requirement that normally at least two
modules should be studied in each academic year. However, and subject to the maximum
period of 72 months, it is desirable that students aim to submit their projects within
approximately 12 months from registration for the Project Module, either at the beginning of
January or the beginning of June.
The taught modules normally follow a conventional semester framework. This pattern appears
to be that most appropriate to the needs of the market for this course. However, the possibility
of offering some course modules as week-long blocks, plus supporting work, to groups for
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) purposes and allowing MSc students to attend is
not discounted, and may be included in the future operation of the course.
Broadly an individual module will entail approximately 40 hours of class contact time, although
there will also be an emphasis on appropriate student-centred learning outside the classroom.
Normally a minimum of three hours class contact per week will be anticipated, though this
may vary depending on the particular learning objectives of each module. It is also anticipated
that part of the class contact will be visits to sites and other places of relevance. Student
workload for the MSc is estimated to be 1800 hours of which the Project comprises 600
hours.
Each module is free standing so that no order of study is specified for the majority of modules
proposed. In future some modules may however specify pre-requisites which may dictate
some ordering of modules.
The project should represent a student’s individual and independent research or analysis
effort on a selected/designated topic. The value of the project will be 60 CATS points. The
aim of the project is to extend and unify the students’ understanding and awareness of Water
and Environmental Management as developed in the course modules and to facilitate the
student in devising or recommending creative and appropriate solutions to a specific problem.
On completion of the project the student should have fulfilled a variety of objectives which will
include:
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applying experiential learning, problem solving, analytical and decision-making skills to
real situations;
applying rigorously the appropriate methods and techniques for problem analysis and
investigation;
applying appropriate techniques and interpreting the results with regard to a complex
problem within a realistic organisational context;
devising, recommending or implementing innovative solutions to the problem under
investigation, and to be able to present these solutions effectively.
Each student will be allocated an academic supervisor who will advise the student on
appropriate projects and their feasibility and aid the student in fulfilling the above objectives
through their own expertise and knowledge. An advisor may be appointed, who could be
from a relevant part of industry (e.g. student’s employer), who would then act as an industrial
mentor. Identification of project title and its scope will begin early in the year, and introductory
and literature searches will be undertaken during the first semester.
The module structure of the course is shown below.
module
codes
WEM01
Status*
Module Title
Credit
C
Water Resource Management
20
WEM02
C
Water Treatment Technology
20
WEM03
C
Wastewater Treatment Technology
20
WEM04
C
Water Quality Analysis
10
WEM05
C
Quantitative Techniques for Water and
Environmental Management
10
GBM01
C
Masters Project
60
GFM04
O
Hydrogeology and Hydrology
20
O
Cost and Financial Management
20
IAM27
O
Environmental Impact Assessment
20
IAM02
O
Ecological Principles
20
GYM01
O
Introduction to Geographic Information
Systems
20
varies
O
Other Approved M-level Module
20
BEM14
*M = Mandatory C = Compulsory O = Optional Choice
Award
Section 5 Learning Support
This section should summarise central and local learning support
Central support:
All students benefit from:
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University induction week programme (includes orientation and introduction to study and
library skills)
University Student Handbook (including general advice to students on regulations,
University policies, and advice and support facilities)
Extensive library facilities centred on the main Aldrich library
Six open access computer pool rooms on the Moulsecoomb site with over 200
workstations (and a further 450 network points for personal PCs in the library). All are
linked to the University network and SuperJANET services and have daily user support
help desk
External and internal E-mail and internet access, and may set up personal websites
Access to the Studentcentral intranet
Student services, including Welfare, Careers, Counselling, Legal, Financial,
Accommodation, Childcare, Medical, Sexual Health and Chaplaincy support
Course specific:
In addition, students on this course benefit from the following:
a) Handbooks and Guidance Notes
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MSc Courses handbook
Course specific guidance
MSc Skills handbook
MSc dissertation handbook
b) Academic and Administrative Support
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Course Leader who monitors academic and personal progress of students on the course
School of Environment & Technology Intranet that hosts supplementary learning
resources in support of modules as well as providing links to additional resources
School administrative support for module registration
Course Resources Officer who works with staff and students to enable access to paperbased and electronic resources
School of Environment & Technology Computing Officer who works with staff and
students to enable access to, and use of, Information Technology facilities
Open-door policy of tutors during office hours where possible
c) Computing and Laboratory Facilities
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Environment & Public Health Laboratory, seating up to 10, equipped with bench top
spectrophotometers for basic water chemistry, membrane filtration equipment, balances,
incubators and sterilisation equipment for public health microbiology procedures
Hydraulics Laboratory, with Armfield 10m x 0.4m recirculating flume for river and wave
simulation, 6m x 0.25m venturi flume, and 4m x 0.1m narrow flume with plate weir
GIS laboratory (c.60 terminals)
d) Field Visits organised by staff for students
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Local water companies (drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities)
Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve
West Sussex County Council recycling facilities
Section 6 Admissions criteria
This section shows the standard admissions criteria for the course
Typical entry requirements
Entrants to the course will normally be expected to possess a lower second class honours
degree or above in an appropriate subject or an equivalent qualification. Exceptionally,
candidates without an honours degree but with relevant knowledge and skills may be
admitted to the course.
Candidates with honours degrees in the civil and environmental engineering, geology,
physical geography and environmental science areas would represent those with the most
appropriate qualifications. A strong element of mathematical ability should be evident in the
candidate’s background. Where candidates with honours degrees do not fall into these
categories the selection process will look for evidence of a strong commitment to some part of
the programme combined with demonstrable scientific abilities. Such applicants might be
required to submit evidence of work that demonstrated these abilities.
In exceptional cases candidates without an honours degree may be considered for admission
to the course. Such candidates will be expected to possess either academic or work
experience relevant to Water and Environmental Management. Such candidates will be
required to demonstrate during the admissions process abilities broadly corresponding to
those of honours degree level.
Normally candidates will be interviewed by the Course Leader or Admissions Tutor.
Depending upon the interview and other evidence a decision will be made about the need for
the candidates to provide further evidence of ability through written work or other tests. In
relation to the pressures of part-time study the interviewing panel will need to be satisfied of
the broader suitability of the candidate for the course and counselling will play a part in the
enrolment process.
Applicants may be considered by the Course Leader to register for an award with advanced
standing by claiming prior credit by virtue of previous qualifications or experience for modules
that are required by the award. Details of accreditation follow the guidelines given in the
University of Brighton GEAR.
In relation to registration of postgraduate awards, where a candidate registers for a Masters
award, credit can be given for up to 40 M-level CATS points. No credit can be claimed for
any Level M dissertation/projects required by the award.
Section 7 Quality indicators
This section details external indicators of the quality of the provision
ISR
November 2005
Professional accreditation:
ICE and IStructE Joint Board of Moderators
none
National student awards:
Section 8 Additional information
This specification summarises the key elements of the provision, and the learning outcomes
achieved by the typical student. More detailed information can be found in a range of
documents, including:
University General Examination and
Assessment Regulations for Taught Courses
University Teaching and Learning Policy