Sustainable Urban Environments

PgCert

The Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Urban Environments (SUE) introduces theory, concepts and contemporary examples of issues raised when implementing the principles of sustainable development in the built environment. This course explores current and proposed solutions for meeting the needs of present and future populations whilst protecting and using
natural resources wisely and adapting to climate change.

Overview
Content
How to apply
Fees and funding
International

Course level

Postgraduate

Modes of study

Part time

Attendance

This course is delivered across two schools within The University of Northampton. The course provides a stimulating environment and community in which students can develop their learning. The core principle of the delivery is to provide flexibility through blended learning. Each module has a taught element but these sessions will be delivered in blocks of two to five days within a trimester. The remainder of the learning will be delivered through a virtual online learning environment, NILE. In addition, this learning approach will enable you to develop your professional practice either within your existing workplace or through voluntary work experience.

Locations

Park Campus, Avenue Campus

Entry requirements

Applicants will normally hold a recognised first or second class honours degree from a UK university or international equivalent in a relevant subject area. Students with lower level qualifications but who have relevant experience will also be considered on an individual basis. Applicants for whom English is not their first language will need to demonstrate that they meet the minimum English language requirements of IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent).

Length of study

Less than one year part-time

Start date

31 January

School

School of Science and Technology

Course content

This course is designed for people from a wide variety of practical, professional and academic backgrounds and aims to help you to refine your knowledge and understanding of international and national policies and regulations related to urban environments, the consultation process and stakeholder participation. Particular focus will be given to multidisciplinary approaches and the potential barriers to implementing polices. We will critically evaluate current best practices and examine future directions for decision makers, practitioners and the general public. In addition, the course aims to help develop your problem solving skills and your potential to stimulate innovation and practical solutions for sustainable development in an urban context.

Educational aims of the course are to:

Improve professional and community understanding of complex issues relating to development in urban environments
Develop an ability to contribute to multidisciplinary approaches to problem solving
Offer training for students in multidisciplinary skills associated with postgraduate learning, particularly the approaches, methods and techniques required for research, such that students develop their abilities of independent thinking, analytical rigour and critical evaluation.
Provide knowledge and understanding of the principles and policies which underpin strategic sustainable development in urban environments in the UK and elsewhere
Create opportunities for students to pursue their particular interests by studying multidisciplinary aspects of Sustainable Urban Environments
Prepare students to provide leadership, communicate, empathise, and enable others to participate in decision making
Present contemporary examples of best practice in place making and community development in urban environments
Enable students to develop critical skills to stimulate problem solving innovation

Typical modules

Each module is equivalent to 20 credits and the PgCert is 60 credits in total.

Core compulsory modules for this course are:

Sustainable Urban Environments (ENVM026)
Sustainable Communities (SOCM050)
Ecosystem Services (ENVM027)

Application notes

The procedure for registration is as follows:

Application forms are available from The University of Northampton
All applications will be acknowledged
Successful applicants will be sent enrolment forms
The University of Northampton will register the applicant
The University will invoice the applicants, or his/her employer, the course/module fees
Study commences

Fees quoted are for home and EU students commencing their course in the academic year 2012/13. Tuition fees are payable for each year of the course. The fees are subject to annual increases in subsequent academic years.