M.Sc. in Management of Clean Technologies

Course details

The programme's main philosophy is that for business to be successful and competitive in the long-term, the whole of the business' resources, including environmental, economic and social resources, must be managed from a perspective that integrates the growing importance of clean technologies and the contribution they have to make to economic competitiveness.

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

About You:

This programme is aimed primarily at science or engineering graduates who wish to develop their professional skills in the clean technology sector through part time study and at a distance. The programme is quite mathematical in content, particularly in year 2. Those who would prefer a less technical programme or those who are involved in a non-manufacturing organisation, should consider the MSc in Sustainable Development.

Students will require regular access to a computer (with Microsoft Office, in particular Word and Excel), a broadband internet connection, a printer, a basic headset and a webcam.

How the Course is Taught:

Open Education's postgraduate programmes are provided through distance learning, which means that students 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 that students undertake, they are given access to specially written course materials. As DCU students they also have access to the vast range of academic journals and other resources provided by DCU Library which are increasingly used as resources on the course.

Tutorial support on this programme is provided online through the use of discussion forums in a virtual learning environment. 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 is no end of year examination. In general each module consists of three elements, with one assignment per element, submitted at pre-defined points during the academic year. Assignments consist of approximately 5,000 words. There is a group element to some assignments, with peer- to- peer discussion groups common to all modules.

The dissertation is a major piece of independent work of 20,000 words in length and gives students the opportunity to apply the techniques and perspectives covered in the taught modules upon a specific issue of interest. An independent and critical appraisal of an issue is essential in order to successfully complete the dissertation. The dissertation is completed with the guidance of a research supervisor but is largely self directed.

Aims and Objectives:

The overall aim of this programme is to provide the learner with an understanding of the challenges involved in the management of companies in the clean technology sector (Cleantech) specifically; Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Water Treatment and Management and Waste Management and Resource Efficiency. The specific aims are to enable learners to:

• Develop a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges involved in the development and management of waste and resources, tailored to specific sectoral needs.
• Obtain an in-depth knowledge of the key challenges in the management of renewable energy and energy efficiency. This will cover strategies and technology for resource management, technological trends and challenges, security of supply and quantitative analysis of resource economics.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of water treatment and management and to apply this knowledge to their organisations.
• Evaluate the broader link between the exploitation of waste, water and energy resources and the environment.

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 Management of Clean Technologies programme. This module should be completed by the end of December of year 2. You will also be required to complete a research proposal on a topic of relevance to the Management of Clean Technologies 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 May of year 2. This module is a combination of common research methods sub module, a Management of Clean Technologies specific case study and a Clean Technologies specific elective.

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 of Clean Technologies 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.

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

MCT Management of Clean Technologies (15 credits) OSC15

• Waste Management and Resource Efficiency
• Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
• Water Treatment and Management

Research Methods and Case Study (15 credits) OSC3

• Research Methods II
• Strategic Management
• Case Study

DISSERTATION (30 credits) OSC20