Sustainable Development

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The global community faces a range of profound economic, social and environmental
challenges that are intensifying due to climate change and globalisation. Responses to those challenges are often framed within broader debates about sustainable development.

This programme focuses on the global development and environmental challenges that have been articulated in the Millennium Development Goals and in other international agreements, and it explores ways of finding solutions to those challenges through the promotion of sustainable development. The programme provides a theoretical basis for the study of sustainable development and for understanding the evolution and meanings of this fiercely contested concept.

The purpose of the programme is to enable students to acquire the skills needed to analyse and understand current globalisation and sustainability issues and debates. The aims of the programme are:

* to enhance knowledge for informed decision and policy-making on sustainable development issues
* to develop critical, analytical, and integrative skills for resolving environmental and sustainable development challenges
* to provide practical research experience and opportunities for reflection in order to promote sustainable development.

Career progression

Graduates of this programme will have a wide range of backgrounds and will typically find work in:

* government ministries and other public sector organisations concerned with policy analysis in the fields of sustainable development and environmental planning
* international and non-governmental organisations concerned with the sustainable dimensions of economic change
* public and private sector companies conducting analyses of the interface between environment and poverty
* consultancies and development projects concerned with issues of sustainability
* applied research and teaching in institutions of research and higher education.

Programme Structure

MSc: 10 modules (4 core, 4 elective plus 2 research)

Core modules

* Understanding sustainable development (C201)
* Ecological science and management (C100)
* Economics and institutions for development (C116)
* Climate change and development (C124)

Elective modules

Note: at least 3 electives from one specialism, including the compulsory module, plus 1 free choice from all specialisms. The compulsory module in each specialism is shown in bold.

Agribusiness

* Marketing for small agribusinesses (C138)
* Managing social and environmental responsibility (C167)
* Rural finance (C128) [expected 2011]
* Managing small business organisations (C129) [expected 2011]

Development management

* Managing knowledge and communication for development (C123) [expected 2011]
* Management in rural development (C131)
* NGO management (C132)
* Project planning and management (C134)

Environmental analysis

* Environmental impact assessment (C107)
* Environmental auditing (C108)
* International environmental law (C114)
* Managing social and environmental responsibility (C167)

Environmental economics

* Economic principles (C02)
* Economics of environmental policy (C121)
* Environmental valuation: theory, techniques and application (C22)
* Natural resource economics (C105)

Environmental management

* Introduction to environmental economics and policy (C170)
* Environmental impact assessment (C107)
* Ethics and environmental practice (C163)
* International environmental law (C114)

Natural resource management

* Sustainable land management (C168)
* Natural resource economics (C105)
* Sustainable forest management (C85)
* Water resources management (C126)

Rural development and change

* Rural development (C130)
* Agricultural trade and policy (C110)
* Food security and social protection (C125)
* Understanding poverty (C119)
* Either Gender and social development (C140)
* or Socioeconomics of rural livelihoods (C135)

Research modules (MSc only)

* Research methods (R106)
* Research report (RR01)

Short courses

Many modules can also be taken as short courses for professional development or as a taster of the full degree, diploma or certificate programme.

How you study

The study year commences in February and modules are examined in October. The study time required for each module is, on average, 7-8 hours per week over a period of 30 weeks (plus 4 weeks for revision). Some students may find that the study time required is longer than indicated, especially at the beginning, until they become more familiar with the subject matter and the mode of study.

Study materials

Once registered, you will be sent a comprehensive study package for each of your chosen modules. This includes:

* A detailed study guide. Composed of ten units, this incorporates exercises, assignments and other activities into the study text, which will take you through your programme of self-directed study. Most module study guides are now provided in electronic, CD-ROM format.
* An indicative study calendar. This will assist you in planning your study, as well as highlighting deadlines such as those for Tutor Marked Assignments.
* Books and other published materials. Generally textbooks, these are acquired on your behalf and should provide background as well as key extracts necessary for study of the module.
* Integrated volumes of key readings. These are drawn from a wide range of sources and are provided as required readings. Information is also supplied regarding sources of further reading as well as weblinks, for students to look into should they so wish.
* Supplementary study materials. These are included where appropriate, and include items
such as computer software.
* A student handbook. This booklet contains useful administrative information, as well as a CD with study tips and advice.

Library access

You will be issued with an Athens password to gain access to the University of London´s online library resources.

Study support

There are numerous opportunities for receiving support from tutors and CeDEP staff throughout the study year. Communication is increasingly carried out via email and the CeDEP's tailor-made Online Learning Environment (OLE).

It is now easier than ever for students to contact tutors and their peers electronically to gain help and support. Tutors are allocated to each module and are available to answer queries, promote discussion and offer feedback during the study year (February to October).

CeDEP tutors also provide a monthly update, to summarise activity on the OLE, answer any frequently asked questions and draw attention to topical events which relate to their module. These are posted on the OLE and also emailed to all students to ensure they reach those with poor internet connectivity.

An opportunity for specific tutorial feedback on students' understanding and interpretation of the subject matter is offered in the form of Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs). These are two substantial assignments which you can complete voluntarily for informal assessment. In the case of the research methods module (R106), assignments are assessed and make up the final module marks.

The Online Learning Environment (OLE)

The OLE provides you with the opportunity to extend your studies by discussing both academic and non-academic issues with tutors and fellow students through the Internet.

The OLE provides easy access to study resources, as well as to fast and efficient academic and administrative support. It also enables you to be part of a learning community in a way in which distance learners have seldom been accustomed in the past.

The OLE includes a number of learning support features:

* student-student and student-tutor interaction
* links to relevant resources
* course-specific discussion rooms where you can debate and find solutions to queries about your course
* assignment submission and tutor feedback area
* administrative and technical help areas
* electronic course documentation to download and print
* notice boards where you will be informed of any important events, deadlines and new resources
* student café where you can meet and talk to your fellow students socially
* point of contact with the Study Director.

Assessment

Each individual course for the MSc and Postgraduate Diploma, with the exception of the research report, will be examined by a two-hour unseen written paper. The research report will be assessed by submission of a 10,000-word written report.

Note: compulsory modules for this new programme will have an element of continuous assessment.

Examinations take place once a year in October. If you fail an examination at the first sitting you will be allowed one further attempt. Examinations are normally held in a student's country of residence. We have examinations centres in over 140 countries worldwide.

AcademicA good degree in an appropriate discipline acceptable to the University.English languageFor all applicants a high level of English language ability in reading, writing and study skills, equivalent to a score of 6.0 in the IELTS test or a score of 580 in the paper-based test (PBT), 237 in the computerised test (CBT), or 90 in the Internet test (IBT) is required. Applicants may be asked to provide evidence of language ability as tested by the British Council or another registered body.Computing requirementsAccess to use of a computer is considered a requirement of studying with CeDEP*. The degree of access necessary can vary with the type of qualification being taken and the study modules involved. However, computer access for email communication with the CeDEP team, tutors and supervisors is essential.Those studying for an MSc must be able to spend sufficient study time using a computer if they are to effectively complete the research methods module. This module, R106, is compulsory and requires the use of computer-based statistical software.You should have access to a PC with the following capabilities: * Internet connection and an up-to-date web browser such as Internet Explorer 6.0 or above * CD drive (at a minimum, you will need to investigate the content and interactive elements of CD-based courseware) * Access to email * Software that can read Word and PDF files * Sufficient capacity for downloading and use of any required software * In some instances, a floppy disk driveAccess to a printer is highly desirable as it will enable you to print hard copies of materials directly from the CD-based courseware.*Prospective students are requested to contact us if the prerequisites for computer and printer access are likely to cause difficulties. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6 TOEFL paper-based test score : 580 TOEFL iBT® test: 90 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.