Program Overview

International Environmental Policy and Law Certificate of Credit

Overview

The level 7 Certificate of Credit in International Environmental Policy and Law is a 20 credit module providing you with a critical understanding of the principles of international environmental policy and law. The course, which takes an international outlook, covers key topics including history, sources and major international environmental policy and law. A critical comparative approach is taken in discussing specific UK legislation in relation to other national laws, which will benefit both UK based and international students.

Accreditation

This programme is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).

Study Options

• Part-time: 10 weeks
• UK fee: £1,030 (2025/26)
• International fee: £1,030 (2025/26)
• Start date: September
• Location: Online

Course Description

The module aims to develop a critical knowledge and understanding of environmental policy and environmental law and regulation used for the protection of the environment. Areas covered will range from principles of environmental policy, environmental policy instruments, international agreements, EU legislation, UK laws and regulatory bodies. Environmental problems within organisations are discussed through a range of examples that show how organisations can comply with legislation for the prevention and control of environmental pollution towards sustainable development.

Module Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

1. Critically appraise the fundamental principles of international environmental law, and the legal and institutional framework in which they have developed and are implemented
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of how policy and legislation are used to mitigate current environmental issues and approaches employed to achieve compliance
3. Critically evaluate the role and effectiveness of the main institutions and frameworks for implementing appropriate interventions

Module Content

• The nature of the environment
• International environmental law: history, sources, international law and the European Union, international law and the UK, major international agreements
• UK environmental law
• Regulation of environmental law: standards and standard-setting, enforcement, mechanisms to monitor and improve regulation
• The UK Legislative Framework and the environment: sources, classification and associated judicial systems, interpretation, enforcement, environmental policy and regulatory regime, Common Law in the protection of the environment
• Major UK environmental legislation: Town and country planning, Industrial Pollution Control regimes, Air quality and climate change, waste, contaminated land, water, Nuisance, Nature Conservation
• Environmental compliance within organisations: Compliance tools, Advantages and disadvantages of compliance
• The future of environmental law and its regulation
• Employability Skills
  • Problem solving
  • Consultancy skills
  • Team work and collaboration
• Digital Skills
  • Ethical and legal requirements surrounding the use and re-use of information and identify sources of relevant advice
  • Using a comprehensive range of information sources in any medium, including specialised information such as archives, data sets, special collections, colleagues and contacts in research networks to access current and relevant information
• Research Skills
  • Research problem identification and framing
  • Research design and methodologies

Assessment Method

This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work and practical reports.

Student Support and Guidance

Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals. There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:

• Library
• Health and Wellbeing Centre
• Careers and Employability Service
• IT Support
• Union of Students
• Develop@Derby for study, personal and employability skills

Who Will Teach You

• Dr Uchechukwu Okere, Programme Leader
• Dr Becky Rawson, Senior Lecturer in Sustainability and Environmental Management

Careers

This Certificate of Credit can act as an ideal form of CPD for those working in sustainability and environmental management. It will provide you with an understanding of international environmental policy and law and the principles, mechanisms advantages and disadvantages of environmental compliance within organisations.

Options for Further CPD

It is important for environmental professionals and practitioners to stay up to date with the latest trends and developments within the industry through continued professional development.

Those looking to further enhance their CPD within sustainability and environmental management can continue their learning with another one of our Sustainability and Environmental Certificate of Credit standalone modules:

• Sustainable Business Management
• Tools for Delivering Sustainable Solutions
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Progress onto a Master's Degree

The 20 credits at Level 7 gained from this Certificate of Credit can be transferred as RPL (recognition of prior learning) onto a relevant Master’s degree subject to meeting all other admission criteria.

The 20 credits from this standalone module can be used towards module exemptions onto our MSc Sustainability and Environmental Management (Online).

Entry Requirements

You will require a good first degree in a related subject. Applicants with professional qualifications or relevant experience can also apply.

English Language Qualifications

If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need an English language qualification. For this course you will need at least one of the following:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 6.0
• TOEFL 550 (paper based) 213 (computer based) or 80 (internet based)
• Pearson Test of Academic English: 51
• Cambridge Advanced Certificate: Pass
• London Tests of English: we accept level 4 for undergraduate courses
• International GCE O-level English Language: Grade C
• International GCSE English/English as a Second Language: Grade C

Fees and Funding

• Per 20 credits: £1,030 (2025/26)
• Modules: 1
• Cost: £1,030

How to Apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.

• Official photo identification such as a passport or driving licence
• Current CV
• Copies of certificates and transcripts or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications

Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator/translation company. Each translation must contain:

• Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
• The date of the translation
• The full name and signature of the translator, or an authorised official of the company
• The translator’s contact details

A list of approved translators can be found on the UK Government website.

Please note: failure to submit any documentation when requested, may result in your application being withdrawn.