StudyQA — Master: Public Rights of Way and Countryside Access Management

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We developed this course in consultation with the Institute of Public Rights of Way and Access Management (IPROW) and the Countryside Agency (formerly the Countryside Commission, and now Natural England).

In 1987 the Countryside Commission recognised the rights of way network was the single most important means by which the public gain access to, and enjoy the countryside.

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act, 2000 further strengthened the focus on access.

Local highways authorities are responsible for implementing legislation and delivering countryside access. They develop initiatives to make sure the countryside is accessible to everyone and that access is conserved. Public and voluntary groups also have a role in lobbying organisations and making sure that existing legislation is carried out.

This distance learning course develops your expertise and understanding so you can work at senior management levels in organisations with an interest in countryside access.

It allows intending and practising managers in this and associated areas to focus on rights of way and access issues.

The course covers

* existing legislation and its implementation
* the sustainable management of rights of way and access
* the wider social, political and environmental context in which access managers must work

It allows you to develop your generic management skills and apply them to the subject of access. These skills are increasingly important in local authorities and other organisations, and will allow you to progress in your chosen career.

The IPROW, the industry body, is developing policies to reflect the increasing importance of access. They identified the need for professional qualifications at this level and continuing professional development for practitioners. Their officers were closely involved in developing this course. All the subject material was prepared under their guidance by respected authors in the field.

Natural England (previously the Countryside Agency) also helped develop the distance learning materials, which includes topical case studies and activities often based on real work scenarios. Distance learning allows you to study for an MSc from your home while continuing to work. You have access to our learning resources and support from tutors.

The taught part of the course consists of eight assessed modules - four specialist modules, three general management modules and one optional module.

Specialist modulesIntroduction to public rights of way and access

You examine UK access legislation and practice including definitions, rights, responsibilities and the role of the definitive map and statement.

You study o the development of public rights of way o the history of open access o local government´s role o the role of central government, advisory bodies, users´ groups and landowners´ groups.

Recording and changing rights of access

You

* learn how records are maintained
* analyse why and how an access network might need to be altered
* learn how to present proof of evidence for public inquiries into access issues
* explore the new requirements in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act to map all open country and provide rights of access.

Public rights of way and access management

This module includes

* evaluating strategies to resolve enforcement and maintenance problems
* learning how to design and implement route surveys
* looking at methods for solving management problems and selecting the best solutions
* exploring different types of route and users´ needs, and considering the implications of the new ´right to roam´ across open country.

Wider access issues

You explore

* the changing environment in which countryside access managers work and the conflicting demands on resources
* access constraints and the needs of disadvantaged groups
* tension between recreation demands and conservation policy, plus trends in farming and forestry policy
* recent and potential developments in environmental legislation, including transport policy and European legislation.

General modulesProfessional management skills

You develop your management skills in an organisational context, exploring the pressures for change, including the modernising agenda and increasing commercial pressures.

You study organisational structures and cultures, customers and service delivery and policy agendas. You also develop skills in team building, project management, leadership, decision making, mediation and conflict resolution.
Consultancy project

This module helps you make the transition between study and work. You develop a project in a professional situation, identifying the specific needs of a professional client, then complete your own research to address those needs. It allows you to develop contacts and gain valuable work experience in professional practice to strengthen your future employability.

Visitor and sustainable tourism management

You explore the needs of visitors who go to natural, heritage and cultural sites. You apply a marketing approach to ensure needs of your users can be met through developing a customer-focused service.

You also study strategic and operational management solutions that reduce any negative impacts and increase the wider benefits of visiting such areas.

Options

Not all of these modules may be available distance learning. Some may require you to attend field visits or the University. Please ask for further information.

Choose one module from

Geographical information systems (GIS)

Lectures explore fundamental environmental concepts while practical sessions improve your understanding of the principles and uses of GIS. You focus on raster based GIS packages, but also using relevant vector spatial modelling.

Smaller sessions include discussions about environmental management issues may include practical activities, data interpretation and GIS technique evaluation.
Environmental impact assessment

You examine environmental impact assessment as an internationally recognised means of controlling development and minimising environmental harm.
You

* explore the framework and process including screening, scoping, impact prediction, mitigation and consultation
* study environmental topic areas and their assessment
* prepare and review environmental statements, and reflect on the associated decision making process

Cultural landscapes and protected area management

You examine the development of cultural landscapes, and the social, economic and environmental benefits of their conservation and enhancement. You look at legal methods used in protecting landscapes in the UK and abroad.

You also learn how to propose strategic and operational management solutions, balancing the needs of indigenous communities, visitors and the public.

Social inclusion and cohesion

This module evaluates ideas and debates in social inclusion and community cohesion, and explores how exclusion and division shows itself in urban localities. Meaningful urban regeneration is sought through a more inclusive approach to policy and practice.

Landscape and wildlife management

You examine landscape scale policy development and habitat management. You look at different habitat types and management approaches for particular sites, often using field work to learn about ecological and physical site factors.

You also explore the impact of human influence on landscapes and habitats, and issues such as landscape adaptation to climate change.

Masters

To complete the MSc, you take an applied research methods module and submit a dissertation of between 15,000-20,000 words.

You will receive an induction to the programme and support for your study through induction packs, student handbooks, study guides and study school.

We also provide dissertation workshops to help you prepare for working on your dissertation.

You will either hold an honours degree or recognised equivalent qualification, or have substantial experience in the countryside access industry. We encourage applications from people with few or no formal qualifications, as long as you can demonstrate substantial management experience in the field, and we may invite you for an interview to discuss your particular background, experience and qualifications. Our aim is to ensure you can achieve success on this masters level course - but please contact us if you wish to discuss your own concerns. If your first language is not English you must produce evidence of competence in English such as TOEFL 235 or 570 or IELTS 6. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 75 (Grade B) 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.