In 2014, The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) published “Skills for a Sustainable Economy: Preparing for the Perfect Storm” identifying the key environmental risks and challenges affecting businesses and the role of skilled environmental management and sustainability professionals in helping organisations adapt to the sustainability challenge. This report was updated in a 2016 publication which identified leadership, value chain, collaboration, innovation, systems thinking, long-term view, strategy, influence, procurement and review among others as ingredients needed by organisations to successfully transform to sustainability.
Organisations therefore now seek environmental management professionals who, in addition to possessing traditional environmental management skills of assessing and providing suitable solutions to biophysical environmental problems, can also contribute to the attainment of wider sustainability goals. These “future fit” environmental management professionals will possess the knowledge and skills required by IEMA to successfully take on the corporate sustainability challenge of dealing with environmental issues in a balanced manner that duly considers prevailing social norms and attitudes as well as an organisation’s financial realities.
In response to the need created by this shift in the profession, the University of Derby is positioning itself to develop environmental management and sustainability professionals with the relevant skills and knowledge to embed sustainability principles throughout an organisation’s value chain, through creating a sustainability culture while also providing suitable solutions to biophysical environmental problems facing organisations.
An MSc in Sustainability and Environmental Management, accredited by IEMA and other leading professional bodies, is the main programme through which this aim will be achieved. The programme which commences in September 2018 will be delivered 100% online through a series of innovative interactive learning materials and live sessions hosted by research active academics and practicing professionals, making it accessible to intending and existing professionals globally. Students on the programme will study modules such as Sustainable Business Management, International Environmental Policy and Law, Ecology and Conservation, Tools for Delivering Sustainable Solutions to Environmental Problems among others. Continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities are also available through individual credit bearing modules delivered as university professional certificates for those who do not wish to complete a full MSc. Exemptions for some modules are available for IEMA practitioner members, or existing professionals with demonstrable knowledge, skills and experience.
In a comment about the new programme, Dr Uche Okere, the Academic Lead for environmental management at the University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) said, “the Sustainability and Environmental Management MSc presents both existing and intending environmental management and sustainability professionals an excellent opportunity to acquire relevant skills and knowledge sought by employers for driving the sustainability agenda within organisations. Graduates of the programme will be well positioned to advance their careers in sustainability and environmental management”.
Candidates interested in studying the programme can visit the programme web page for more information or contact us on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; +44 (0)1332 594000.