M.Sc. in Management for Sustainable Development

Course details

The overarching aim of the programme is to provide a Masters programme for graduates who wish to develop their professional skills from a sustainable management perspective through part time study and at a distance. This programme is a Level 9 programme on the NFQ framework. The programme's main philosophy is that for business to be sustainable in the long-term, a successful manager must effectively manage the whole of the business' resources, including environmental, economic and social resources, from a sustainable, global perspective.

Individual modules may be undertaken for CPD (Continuing Professional Development).

Aims and Objectives:

To provide students with an understanding of the theoretical, practical and legal aspects of modern environmental practices.

To develop in students an understanding of the key management functions required in business, including strategic management, project management and risk assessment. To enable students carry out research on a range of focused topics, involving data collection, critical analysis, interpretation and to present them in a report format.

About You:

The programme will be of particular relevance to those working or aspiring to work as environmental/sustainable development managers in a business, industry or service in both the public and private sectors and is particularly suited to those who wish to develop and implement best practice and sustainable strategies in both the public and private sectors.

How the course is delivered:

Open Education's post graduate programmes are provided through distance learning, which means that a working professional can achieve a deeper understanding in a specialist area and provide a sound basis for their long-term career, without disruption to their career or other commitments. For each module you undertake, you are given access to a specially written module text. While some modules have none, most modules require that you acquire one (and sometimes two) textbooks. You also get access to the vast range of academic journals and other resources provided by DCU Library and increasing use is being made of these resources on the course.

Tutorial support on this programme is provided online through the use of discussion forums in a virtual learning environment called Loop. In addition, tutorials will be provided using a web-based tutorial system. Students can partake in web based tutorials at home, work or anywhere with a reasonable internet connection. Additionally, because the tutorial sessions are recorded, for those who are unable to attend the live tutorial session, they can be viewed later, at a more convenient time for you, the student.

IT Equipment and Skills required:

You should have regular access to a computer (with Microsoft Office), a broadband Internet connection, a printer and a basic headset and a webcam. Specifically, you will need access to Microsoft Word, Excel and Access.

You should also be familiar with using email, browsing the Internet, and using word processing packages like Microsoft Word.

You can find detailed information on the IT skills and equipment required for this programme under the section 'Technology Requirements'.

How the course is assessed:

All modules are assessed via continuous assessment. There are no end of year examinations. For the taught modules, the continuous assessment normally takes the form of three assignments per module which have to be submitted at pre-defined points during the academic year. For the dissertation element, you are required to submit a 20,000 word document which is largely self directed, but with the guidance of a research supervisor.

Programme Structure:

YEAR 1:
The building block of each programme is the module. Two modules (30 credits) are studied in year 1. You will register for your programme of choice at the start of year 1. However, as the first year modules are common to all programmes, you may switch to another programme at the start of year 2 if you wish.

If you wish to terminate your studies on completion of year 1, you will receive a Graduate Certificate.

YEAR 2:
In year 2, the first 15 credits are essential to the MSc in Management for Sustainable Development programme. This module should be completed by the end of December of year 2. You will also complete a research proposal on a topic of relevance to the Management for Sustainable Development for submission by the end of October of year 2. Once the research proposal is approved, a dissertation supervisor will be appointed to you. It is envisaged that you will complete the Research Methods and Case Study module by end of April of year 2. This module is a combination of common research methods sub module, a Management for Sustainable Development specific case study and one elective from a range of modules currently on offer within the specific programmes. It is anticipated that while you can choose any of the electives, it is recommended that you choose the elective that best fits with the Management for Sustainable Development programme. You will receive advice in relation to this at the appropriate time.

To conclude your studies for the MSc award, you must complete a dissertation of about 20,000 words in a topic compatible with the aims of the Management for Sustainable Development programme. The purpose of the dissertation is to enable you to develop your investigative and analytical skills and to plan, organise and carry out independent research under supervision. The dissertation is also an opportunity for you to investigate a problem or issue of importance to your organisation or of professional relevance to yourself. You will be required to demonstrate competence in the critical study of your chosen topic and lucidity in the presentation and communication of the results. You will already have completed two research methods modules as part of your Post Graduate diploma studies, which will provide you with the tools required to undertake this major piece of research. The final dissertation must be submitted for examination by the end of July of year 2. You may also postpone registration for the dissertation module until year 3 if you wish and only take the two taught modules in year 2.

If you decide not to complete the dissertation, and have already completed the taught modules (60 credits), you may elect to graduate with the award of Graduate Diploma.

Module Syllabi - Subject Outlines:

Project and Change Management (15 credits) OSC1

• Project Management
• Managing Change
• Electives

Business Support Systems (15 credits) OSC2

• Research Methods 1
• Business and the Environment
• Legal Frameworks

MSD (15 credits) OSC14

• Sustainable Procurement
• Sustainable Waste and Enviroment Management
• Sustainable Energy and Water Management

Research Methods and Case Study (15 credits) OSC3

• Research Methods II
• Strategic Management
• Case Study