Student Opinions
Judith Rutnam
Degree: Environmental Governance MSc
I chose this course because of its combination of theory and policy, and the scope it offered to decide for myself which subjects to pursue. It promised choice: everything from urban regeneration to wildlife conservation to climate change economics.
I thought the course would be good given Manchester's reputation, but it's all exceeded my expectations by miles. I really feel this is top quality education: it challenges you to identify the real issues behind today's complex environmental problems, and to really evaluate the 'solutions' offered. And the resources Manchester provides are immense.
The course itself is just part of the deal- the research institutes provides a continuous programme of seminars and conferences, as well as fantastic opportunities to work with outside organisations in the city, the north-west and Europe. You can read journals all day long but you can 'get out there' too.
What I found particularly interesting was the blend of perennial questions about equality and justice plus practical, real-world, contemporary politics. The course is ideal for anyone who wants to challenge assumptions, and I feel I've learnt to think differently: that's energising - and arguably what's needed.
Now I'd like to work in environmental education with city kids, and work on protecting the green spaces on people's doorsteps. As a mature student I have to get on with things: if I had more time I'd work up a career on urban design and sustainability, or do a PhD. The course has certainly given me a really solid knowledge base to do all these, and it has inspired me. I've also been able to work with a major Manchester regeneration company, at a local school and in an outdoor education project whilst doing the course thanks to the university's links outside academia.