Environmental Issues

Please note: Existing University of Cumbria students need to email absadmissons@cumbria.ac.uk in order to apply. They do not need to go through the full application process. Why study with us?

This course is part of a widely renowned postgraduate program provided by specialists at the university, in partnership with world-class lecturers from local organizations.

This is an exciting and cutting edge course designed to meet the growing concern about climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental sustainability; and to develop the potential of outdoor practices and practitioners to make a real difference to these issues.

What can this course lead to?

Suitable for outdoor education professionals working towards IOL Accredited Practitioner status and above or for general CPD for teachers, instructors, guides and environmental educators. Credit available towards postgraduate qualifications.

Postgraduate credit from this course can be used towards our Postgraduate Certificate in Greening Outdoor Practice or our Postgraduate Diploma/MA in Outdoor and Experiential Learning.

Resources and facilities Excellent location in the Lake District National Park and in the middle of the UK’s heartland for Outdoor Education. The course draws heavily on the landscape, professionals and organisations to be found in the Park and nearby.

The programme will be taught by core staff from the Outdoor Studies team, together with key visiting lecturers. Teaching will involve lectures, seminars, practicals and field trips. Entry requirements See course specific entry requirements listed below.

More about levels and credits

Selection criteria Applicants should hold a good first degree and/or relevant work experience.

Applications are encouraged from people working in or aspiring to work in any aspect of outdoor education.

Suitable for outdoor education professionals working towards IOL Accredited Practitioner status and above or for general CPD for teachers, instructors, guides and environmental educators. Additional contact information Name: Dr Kate Rawles
Title/Role: Senior Lecturer
Email/Tel: kate.rawles@cumbria.ac.uk
Visit www.cumbria.ac.uk/outdoors UCAS Link

Visit UCAS

Course summary

Climate change has become headline news. But there is a lot of confusion surrounding both the science and the politics - and it’s not the only environmental issue we face.

This course offers an overview of climate change, its main causes, what it could mean for people and other species around the world and what can still be done, at personal, professional and political levels, to mitigate its worst effects. It also puts climate change into a wider context, discussing other key global and local environmental issues such as habitat degradation and biodiversity loss, and the overarching problem of ‘three-planet living’. Most importantly, it considers a range of approaches to the million dollar question – what should we do? The course combines lectures on key topics with lively discussion and debate.

This course is taught as a 4 or 5 day block. Dates are available on request. It attracts 20 level 7 credits towards postgraduate level qualifications. Students completing the course can progress to other modules or transfer to the related postgraduate courses below. They may also be able to transfer this credit to other postgraduate courses at this or other universities.