Master of Science - Environmental Management for Agriculture

University of Hertfordshire

Agriculture faces many challenges, not least coping with the rising demand for food, biofuel and other products by an increasing population combined with the demands for a more sustainable industry. Food security is key and requires the reconciliation of efficient production of food with reducing agriculture’s environmental footprint.

The MSc Environmental Management for Agriculture course examines agriculture activities and their potential to impact both positively and negatively on the environment. It explains how environmental management systems, environmental auditing, life cycle assessment and environmental impact assessment can be used in the farm situation.

This course aims to use environmental management to deliver sustainable agricultural management. Students will gain a holistic understanding and the interdisciplinary training to identify on-farm environmental risks and the knowledge and skills needed to develop answers.

The specialist core modules have been designed to ensure understanding of the issues, where the science is balanced with the practical demands of the farm/producer/grower. Students will develop the expertise required for a career in research, development, policy, or within the advisory sector relating to sustainability in farming systems, the food supply chain, environmental management and rural development, or to apply their skills in agriculture.

This programme includes professional accreditation by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), and the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM), and so offers genuine career development opportunities to all students. Successful graduate have gone ahead to join environmental agencies as environmental managers, agricultural consultants. Others work for food and agriculture organizations, in crop protection roles across the UK and overseas.