Program Overview

Environmental Science and Society

Key Information

• Start date: 28 September 2026
• Attendance dates: 28 September - 2 October 2026
• Location: Thomas Telford Building, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH
• Level: 7 (postgraduate)
• Credits: 15
• Module code: ENGM060

Introduction

This module can be taken as a standalone or as part of building up to a certificate, diploma, or master's degree. It is possible to take up to three standalone modules before deciding whether to work towards any of these qualifications. To build up to a qualification, one must complete and pass a specified number of modules within a five-year period:

• Four modules for a certificate
• Eight modules for a diploma
• Eight modules and a dissertation for a degree Certain modules will be compulsory depending on the chosen degree.

Module Overview

This module introduces key theoretical concepts in the physical and natural sciences and their importance for sustainable development. It explores the complex interactions between scientific knowledge, uncertainty, and public policy, outlining the underlying science behind specific environmental problems such as climate change, ozone depletion, and biodiversity loss. The module provides an overview of scientific approaches to diagnosing, analyzing, and solving environmental problems.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, participants will be able to:

• Recognize the importance of science to debates on sustainable development
• Articulate the scientific dimensions of policy responses to environmental problems
• Identify the complexities of sustainable development inherent in the science/policy interface
• Carry out a basic environmental risk assessment

Course Content

The content includes:

• Ecology and biodiversity
• Thermodynamics of ecosystems and human systems
• Pollution science
• The science of climate change
• The science of ozone depletion
• Environmental risk assessment
• Scientific uncertainty and the development processes for environmental policy

Learning and Teaching Methods

The learning and teaching methods include:

• Lectures and class discussions
• In-class assessed group work
• Independent study

Assessment

The assessment consists of:

• A ten-page group report completed during the module
• A 3,000-word post-module coursework consisting of short-answer questions, to be completed over a four-week period following the module Note: Participants taking this as a standalone module are not required to complete the post-module coursework. However, this means they will not gain credits for completing the module and thus cannot work towards a qualification if they later decide to do so.

Course Leader

Dr. Jonathan Chenoweth

Associate Professor, MSc Programme Director

Reading List

Participants are required to do some reading prior to the module starting, using the module number ENGM060 in the search field to access the reading list.

Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements for taking this module as a standalone. For those wanting to build up to a qualification, please refer to the MSc course pages for entry requirements:

• Corporate Environmental Management MSc
• Environmental Strategy MSc
• Sustainable Development MSc

Fees and Funding

• Price per person: £1,450 (Home students), £2,900 (Overseas)
• What these fees include: The fees exclude all travel, accommodation, and expenses. Note that VAT is not charged as the University is an educational establishment.

Terms and Conditions

When accepting an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, participants agree to comply with the University's policies, regulations, and terms and conditions. They also confirm having read and understood the University's prospective student privacy notice. Further details of the terms and conditions will follow.

Disclaimer

The University of Surrey has used reasonable efforts to ensure the information is accurate at the time of publishing. However, changes may occur between publishing and the commencement of the course. It is important to check the University's website for any updates before applying for a course. Read the full disclaimer for more information.