We are widely recognised as the Centre of Excellence for Wastes Management education in the UK and this course has been developed in collaboration with the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) and is the most widely recognised qualification in the wastes industry.

All courses are accredited by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management.

The University of Northampton are also proud to work in partnership with RECOUP.

RECOUP works in collaboration with all stakeholders to promote, develop, stimulate and increase the levels of plastics recycling within the UK.

Course content

This course provides a broad based introduction to the management of wastes and an excellent opportunity to obtain an internationally recognised qualification in wastes management whilst working, studying at a pace which suits your circumstances.

This course is particularly useful if you want to develop and progress in your career in the wastes management industry or if you want to gain a higher qualification and adapt to changes in the workplace.

Course aims

When you complete the HNC Wastes Management you will have developed:

• an understanding and appreciation of the legal, ethical and social aspects of wastes management resources and operations
• the skills required to handle, treat and dispose of waste and monitor both aquatic and atmospheric pollutants
• the skills necessary for the effective management of financial and human resources

Professional Membership

As a CIWM Accredited Course, while you are studying this course you will be entitled to 12 months free student membership of CIWM.  

Benefits of membership include:

• free copy of CIWM Journal delivered on your doorstep each month
• free weekly email news service, News Online, delivered to your inbox
• discounted rates on annual conference, training courses and seminars
• networking opportunities through CIWM Regional Centres
• access to CIWM NGG (New Generation Group) events
• free technical advice and use of CIWM Library Services
• professional and career development

Module information is quoted for 17/18 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.

Methods of Learning

Each module addresses a set of specific themes, which you are then assessed on. This course is delivered through our virtual learning environment NILE. This is where your tutors will provide course materials and further resources, where activities will be housed and where you will be able to meet and work with other students in forums. You can expect one to one support from your tutor via NILE, email, phone, Skype or face to face if necessary.

Schedule

Each module is worth 20 credits and involves 200 learning hours, including teaching, learning and assessment. We normally send the modules out in January, April and September.

Assessments

Our teaching staff have used their expertise to create interesting and varied assessments, designed to not only test knowledge and skills but also consolidate and provide a platform for the acquisition of new skills. Assessments can take the form of essays, reports, short answer questions and time constrained assignments. You can expect between three and five items of assessment per module.

Career Opportunities

On completing this course you should have acquired the skills and understanding to become a competent wastes manager who is able to meet the present needs and challenges of work in various wastes management organisations, agencies and industries.

You will be provided with an authoritative understanding of environmental law, the complex nature of waste and pollution generation, treatment, disposal (removal) and monitoring. You will be able to advise and implement appropriate management policies, strategies and procedures.

As well as providing opportunities for career development for those already working in the field, the qualification can be used as a route to study for degrees in both wastes management and environmental management.

For application information please see our how to apply page.

You can apply directly to the University for this course and will need to submit the following documents with your application:

• a personal statement
• scans of your qualifications and transcripts
• scans of Photo ID, either a Passport or Driving licence
• change of name document, if your qualifications or photo ID is in a different name to the one your applying in

Applications can be made throughout the year, with a September, January and April start available.

For further application information, please see our how to apply page.

Due to the vocational nature of the study programme, entry requirements are flexible, but typically will include five GCSEs/O levels and one A-Level or equivalent and satisfactory evidence of suitability gained through prior work based or experiential learning. You will need to demonstrate that you meet the minimum English language requirement of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

If you opt to pay your tuition fees with a part time tuition fee loan, you should apply for 50% (£2,740) in 17/18  and will be required to apply for the remaining 50% in 18/19

Scholarships

• TD Lewis Scholarship

  The T D Lewis Scholarship provides both undergraduate and postgraduate students with financial awards of up to £1,500.  This scholarship is awarded on educational excellence…

• The Chancellor’s Fund

  The Chancellor’s Fund is a bi-annual fund providing students with awards of between £100 and £1,000. You must be a current student to apply. The…

• The Reid Science and Engineering Bursary

  The Reid Science and Engineering Bursary supports a small number of undergraduate students who are studying a full-time three year BSc or BEng in Environmental…

• Wilson Endowment Scholarship

  The Wilson Endowment Scholarship provides a £1,500 scholarship to undergraduate students from the Northamptonshire area. The endowed scholarship was donated in memory of Mr Lynn Wilson,…