PGDip in Sustainable Development
Distance Learning Programme
Overview
Mode of Attendance: Distance Learning
The rationale for this innovative programme of study lies in the global development and sustainability challenges for this millennium that have been articulated in the Millennium Development Goals; Agenda 21 of the Rio Summit on Environment and Development; and the Declaration of the Johannesburg Summit on Sustainable Development. These challenges have been endorsed by the International Association of Universities and the International Council for Science.
Solutions to local and global problems identified in the Millennium Development Goals require:
- scientific research and technological innovations, access to key knowledge and technology, and appropriate application of this knowledge and technology
- partnerships between science and society, and between universities and society, especially in shifting the nature of scientific enterprise towards contributing to sustainable development
Structure
For the Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Development students will take:
- 4 core modules
- 4 elective modules
Specialisms
If you are taking an MSc or a Postgraduate Diploma you choose elective modules within a particular specialism. This creates the opportunity for a clear focus in your studies, whereby you can develop understanding and skills relevant to specific professional interests. The name of the specialism will appear on the certificate awarded.
Core Modules
- Understanding Sustainable Development (C201) [compulsory]
- Economics and Institutions for Development (C116)
- Climate Change and Development (C124)
- Environmental Science and Management (C200)
- Ethics for Environment and Development (C263)
Elective modules
(the compulsory module in each specialism appears in bold)
Specialisms
Development Management
- Managing Knowledge and Communication for Development (C123)
- NGO Management (C132)
- Project Planning and Management (C134)
- Management in Rural Development (C231)
Environmental Economics
- Economic Principles (C02) [advised]
- Economics of Environmental Policy (C121)
- Environmental Valuation: Theory, Techniques and Application (C122)
- Natural Resource Economics (C205)
Environmental Management
- Introduction to Environmental Economics & Policy(C170)
- Environmental Assessment (C207)
- Environmental Auditing and Environmental Management Systems (C208)
- International Environmental Law (C214)
Natural Resource Management
- Water Resource Management (C126)
- Sustainable Land Management (C168)
- Sustainable Forest Management (C185)
- Natural Resource Economics (C205)
Rural Development and Change
- Agricultural Trade and Policy (C110)
- Understanding Poverty (C119)
- Food Security and Social Protection (C225)
- Rural Development (C230)
- either Gender & Social Development (C140) or Socioeconomics of Rural Livelihoods (C135)
A Student's Perspective
Caroline Makasa, ZambiaWhen I discovered the MSc course in Sustainable Development on the internet I was thrilled because I could study part-time and work, all at the same time. The fact that the degree can be studied over a five year period is excellent especially as I have a very busy schedule.
