MSc (Eng) Environmental Engineering and Project Management

Year 1

(Award available for year: Master of Science (Eng))

Learning outcomes

1. Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems (Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of Environmental Engineering and Project Management and informed by an awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering) (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M1).

2. Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. (This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles (as appropriate), and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed) (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M2).

3. Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems in Environmental Engineering and Project Management, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M3).

4. Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems relevant to Environmental Engineering (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M4).

5. Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some creativity/originality and meet a combination of societal/user/customer/business needs. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards as appropriate. (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M5).

6. Apply an integrated (systems) approach to design and the solution of complex problems (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M6).

7. Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a design or process) and to minimise adverse impacts (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M7).

8. Adopt an inclusive approach to engineering practice and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M11).

9. Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate problems (including those with complex aspects) (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M12).

10. Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M13).

11. Discuss the role of quality management systems and continuous improvement in context of a complex problem (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M14).

12. Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project management, and relevant legal matters relevant legal matters (including intellectual property rights) as appropriate (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M15).

13. Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team, as appropriate. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M16).

14. Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used) (AHEP4 Learning Outcome M17).

15. Place the global challenges of the Climate Emergency, the 17 UNSDGs and cultural change central to their material selection, design and construction thinking (and develop ability to carry out an embodied-carbon check on a design, and then to reduce this carbon footprint while retaining the key elements of the brief). (JBM design/sustainability thread)



Skills Learning Outcomes:

Technical skills (e.g. CAD/GIS):
Decision-making
Communication
Systems thinking
Anticipatory/future thinking
Integrated problem solving
Planning and Organisation/Time management
Group working and collaboration
Strategic practice
Relationship development
Ethical
Information searching

Transferable (key) skills

Masters (Taught), Postgraduate Diploma & Postgraduate Certificate students will have had the opportunity to acquire the following abilities as defined in the modules specified for the programme:

- The skills necessary to undertake a higher research degree and/or for employment in a higher capacity in industry or area of professional practice;
- Evaluating their own achievement and that of others;
- Self direction and effective decision making in complex and unpredictable situations;
- Independent learning and the ability to work in a way which ensures continuing professional development;
- Critical engagement in the development of professional/disciplinary boundaries and norms.

Assessment

Assessment

Achievement for the degree of Master (taught programme) will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year/programme and will involve the achievement of the students in:

- Evidencing an ability to conduct independent in-depth enquiry within the discipline;
- Demonstrating the ability to apply breadth and/or depth of knowledge to a complex specialist area;
- Drawing on a range of perspectives on an area of study;
- Evaluating and criticising received opinion;
- Making reasoned judgements whilst understanding the limitations on judgements made in the absence of complete data.





The assessment strategy across all modules balances:

Breadth (coverage across environmental media and project management) and depth (dissertation provides specialized expertise)

Individual accountability (minimum 70% individual assessment across programme) and collaborative skills (group projects in several modules)

Written and oral communication (developing diverse professional communication competencies)

Formative feedback throughout (supporting learning progression) and summative evaluation (measuring achievement of learning outcomes)



Assessment Methods Across Programme:

Taught Modules (120 credits): Diverse assessment including technical reports (e.g., air quality investigation report, fieldtrip report, water resource assessment), oral presentations with vivas (testing authentic understanding and preventing AI misuse), group research projects (collaborative competencies), open-book examinations (applying knowledge to novel scenarios, professional judgment), laboratory reports (practical skills), design calculations (quantitative competence), and case study analyses (critical evaluation).

Dissertation (60 credits): Substantial independent research project (typically 60-80 pages plus appendices) requiring: identification of research gap and formulation of questions, literature review and synthesis, methodology design and execution, data collection and analysis, critical evaluation of findings and limitations, evidence-based conclusions, and professional documentation. Assessed through written dissertation (typically 80-90%) and oral viva voce examination (10-20%) testing genuine understanding and research integrity.

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