Environmental Governance MSc: Student Opinions

Matthew Gray (MSc EG 2008-09)

Both theoretically and practically, the MSc in Environmental Governance equipped me with a diverse skill set that allowed me to establish myself in a variety of sectors.

I was since offered a PhD scholarship by the Sustainable Consumption Institute at the University of Manchester. I completed a summertime placement at the Department of Energy and Climate Change as a policy advisor. I recently accepted a position at a leading brokerage firm trading carbon credits and investing in renewable energy projects in developing countries.

Without the MSc these opportunities would have evaded me.

Alexia Rogers-Wright (MSc EG 2007-08)

I did my undergraduate degree in Geography at Manchester and loved the city and the department so wanted to stay on afterwards. I have always been interested in the interactions between the human and physical world, issues like climate change, conservation, sustainable development and flood risk. I have also always been interested in international development and global environmental governance issues.

I chose this particular course because it allowed a large amount of freedom for students to choose their own modules from almost anywhere (within reason) in the university (which is huge). This meant that this flexibility would allow me to follow my interests in both of these fields, rather than being forced to choose one over the other.

The course has definitely lived up to my expectations: I received a good grounding in the basics theories upon which environmental governance is based, as well as being able to explore the subjects I enjoyed in more detail.

The core modules were assessed in a variety of ways (presentations, seminar contribution, teamwork, problem-based learning) to help students build on all their communication skills, rather than just essay writing. This forced me to think about information and problems in a different way, which kept me on my toes!

I have just started an ESRC CASE PhD at the University of Hull, looking at the flood risk in the city and the flood event that took place in summer 2007, in which Hull was the worst hit area in the country.

The core modules I followed as part of the course covered all the major theories and schools of thought in Environmental Governance and prepared me very well for this - I frequently find myself referring back to my notes now!

I would recommend the course because of the flexibility it offers students to pursue their own interests over the course of the year. The standard of all teaching was excellent and so was the atmosphere amongst the students.

Judith Rutnam (MSc EG 2007-08)

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.

Alex Miltiadou (MSc EG 2007-08)

The core modules provided a broad but at the same time in depth understanding of theories related to environmental governance and policy, and they served as foundations for the optional modules. The fact that we were able to choose 5 optional modules allowed us to concentrate on issues that were of greater interest for us.

The teaching style in small groups allowed for the exchange of ideas and discussions. and the level of teaching was generally of very good standard. The staff was approachable and helpful at all times.

The variety of assessment styles and methods allowed for the development of new skills which will surely be necessary for the future.