Wastes Management (distance learning)

Two to five years part-time, distance learning with enrolment dates in October, January and May.

The principle aims of the course are to train students as competent wastes managers who are able to use their acquired understanding and skills to meet the present needs and challenges of work in various wastes management organisations, agencies and industries. Students will be provided with an authoritative understanding of environmental law, the complex nature of waste and pollution generation, treatment, disposal (removal) and monitoring. They will be able to advise and implement appropriate management policies, strategies and procedures.

This distance learning programme provides a unique opportunity for students to study for the full Foundation Degree or transform their HNC in Wastes Management to a Foundation degree. Module Learning Material (MLM) forms the basis for study. Each MLM has a set of comprehensive self-contained study sessions. These contain the fundamentals of theory and application with respect to principles and concepts, processes and practice which are essential for a comprehensive understanding of wastes management collection, storage and disposal methodologies and of environmental monitoring and management strategies. Where appropriate the MLMs also include a variety of magazine articles and other reference materials as well as further reading lists. The work-based learning module is undertaken at the student's place of employment. This provides an opportunity for students to tailor learning to the specific requirements of their company and their own job within the constraints of the learning outcomes of the module. Students are required to find a suitable individual within the workplace to act as their managerial supervisor throughout the duration of the course.

Each student will also be allocated a personal tutor at the University who will provide help, advice and guidance throughout the Foundation Degree. In addition students will be encouraged to attend residential schools.

Stage one

The first stage provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of wastes management from human resources and financial management through to basic environmental concepts and the English legal system.

Stage two

The foundations laid in stage one are developed in stage two to provide the necessary knowledge and understanding of all aspects of wastes collection, sorting, transfer and disposal and the legal framework within which the industry operates. Students choose one of two optional modules. Study culminates in a work-based project.

• Recognised as a centre of excellence for wastes management education
• Work-based learning module undertaken at the student's place of employment
• Designed in collaboration with the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management and the Waste Management Industry Training Advisory Board

Stage one

• Environmental issues
• Wastes as an environmental issue
• Applying environmental science to the management of wastes
• Managing legal issues in the cleaning and wastes industries
• Managing activities in the cleaning and wastes industries
• Managing human resources in the cleaning and wastes industries

Stage two

• Mechanical, biological and thermal treatment of wastes
• Environmental law
• Contaminated land
• Landfill processes
• Research skills
• Work-based learning in the wastes industry

The course is assessed by tutor marked assessed written assignments and time constrained assignments.

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 for graduates in industry and local authorities as well as within the specialist wastes management industry.