Master of Science in Sustainable Resource Management: Policy and Practice

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. Graduate Profile Specific career opportunities such as Sustainability Officers, Ecological Consultants and Environmental Advisors exist within government agencies, public bodies, NGOs, environmental planning and engineering consultancies with an emphasis on sustainable design, corporate companies on a national and international scale. In addition, opportunities for further research exist. Opportunities exist within the "Green" economy as governments, NGOs and large corporations must work to meet environmental targets set within international obligations. Graduates will acquire translational and multidisciplinary skills in environmental entrepreneurship and sustainability sector enabling them to take on managerial roles within an industrial / corporate setting, or within a regulatory body or consultancy firm. Previous graduates have found relevant employment in Ireland, UK, USA and elsewhere as University researcher; PhD student; industry based environmental management, environmental analyst, environmental quality control officer; consultancy based climate change researcher; in non-governmental conservation organisations, in governmental organisations such as the National Biodiversity Data Centre. Programme Content This programme brings together theory, policy and practice to provide participants with the skills, knowledge and experience that are needed to pursue successful careers in managing environmental resources sustainably. As the course is structured around research in both NUI Galway and University of Limerick that is strongly linked to decision makers in industry and government organisations, it will develop graduates with necessary skills in identifying and evaluating solutions for real world problems.