Wastes Management (Joint Honours)

Three years full-time. Part-time options available.

This unique course provides students with a realistic opportunity to develop an understanding of the complexities of wastes management and pollution control based on scientific principles. Students develop the means to apply their knowledge and skills to monitor, assess and manage wastes collection, treatment, disposal operations and pollution control strategies.

Stage one

Wastes management encompasses a wide breadth of activities from environmental legislation and geological surveying through to recycling, wastes minimisation and taking steps to reduce the environmental impact of wastes management operations. The foundations of all of these strands are laid in stage one and are developed and strengthened as the course progresses.

Stage two

Study themes are further developed, particularly in relation to the biological and thermal treatment of wastes, pollution abatement strategies and the legal framework within which the wastes industry operates.

Stage three

The emphasis is on applied aspects of wastes management with the focus on wastes minimisation, recycling, hazardous waste and wastewater treatment. Study culminates in the dissertation, where the wide range of skills students develop throughout the course are utilised in a detailed study of an applied wastes management or pollution control research project. An important aspect of the course is the development of key skills such as those needed for specialised investigative work.

• Studies develop knowledge and understanding of scientific facts, terms, methods, concepts, principles and relationships
• Legal, ethical, social and environmental aspects of the science of wastes management are considered
• Develops the skills required to handle, treat and dispose of waste
• The University is also home to the prestigious national Wastes Management Library Collection

• Contaminated land
• Hazardous wastes management
• Mechanical, biological and thermal treatment of wastes
• Landfill processes
• Air and water - processes
• Air and water - applications
• Wastes management law
• Wastes minimisation and recycling 

A wide range of assessments are used including essays, reports, oral presentations, laboratory and field reports, time constrained tests as well as end of year examinations.

Recent legislative changes have resulted in an explosion of exciting job opportunities in the industry, resulting in a strong demand for wastes management graduates. There are opportunities in industry, local authorities, as well as within the specialist wastes management industry.