There are no entry requirements for this qualification.

However, some option modules do have entry requirements. We’ll ask you to prove you meet them when you register for any of these modules:

Advance your independent learning (YXM830)
Although this qualification has no entry requirements, we recommend you have:

A UK honours degree (or equivalent) in a science or engineering discipline.

Minimum IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores of:

Reading: 5.5
Writing: 5.5
Speaking: 5.5
Listening: 5.5
Overall: 6.0.

Our free course, Succeeding in postgraduate study, helps you develop the skills and confidence to manage the requirements and demands of postgraduate study.

You’ll also need the skills and knowledge to:

Write technical essays and reports at a high level.
Carry out calculations using logarithms and the exponential function.
Analyse numerical data.
Understand and apply scientific principles in relation to chemical reactions, biological processes and energy conversion.

While Environmental monitoring and protection (T868) may not be the module you study first, the T868 diagnostic will help you assess if you’re ready for this qualification.

See Course Web Page link for next start date.

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Career relevance
Our environmental management programme is for people who are interested in designing, managing and participating in more effective environmental decision-making processes. For example, if you are involved in setting up or responding to environmental or integrated management systems, planning new development projects or are trying to understand or manage sustainability. Students are drawn from industry, commerce, local and national governments, consultancies, non-governmental organisations and communities. They include people already involved in environmental management and those who wish to be – both personally and professionally.

The professional route, where you take the MSc professional project as your final module, is particularly suitable if you want to develop your career in industry, commerce, the public sector or the third sector. The research route is more applicable if you intend to develop a career in research or go on to undertake study leading to a PhD or other research degree.

Whichever route you follow, this qualification will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to work in this expanding sector.

Careers and Employability Services have more information on how OU study can improve your employability.

Accreditation
CIWEM is a global community of professionals, industry organisations, universities, governments, and NGOs united to improve the practice of water and environmental management in ways that benefit society and our environment. This programme’s CIWEM accreditation means you can be confident you’ll be well-prepared for a career in water and environmental management. Becoming a CIWEM member gives you a globally recognised demonstration of your professionalism and technical abilities; you can join at any stage in your career.

IEMA accreditation demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and offers valuable benefits that equip you for success in the sustainability profession. You’ll also gain networking opportunities with IEMA’s professionals and employers, fostering connections and career insights. This accredited course provides free IEMA student membership, granting access to essential resources and tools that enhance learning. You can upgrade to practitioner membership upon graduation, fast-tracking your professional recognition.