Postgraduate Certificate in Sustrainable Development

One Planet Leaders Pathway

MSc Sustainable Development - University of Exeter

You will have the opportunity to use the One Planet Leaders programme to complete the 'One Planet Leaders pathway' with University of Exeter in the UK.  This pathway is dedicated to the study of leadership and sustainability within an organisational setting focusing specifically on the needs and challenges facing contemporary business.

This pathway is an option within the MSc Sustainable Development. Completion of the One Planet Leaders pathway will achieve 60 credits, providing a Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainble Development (1/3 of a Masters). 

Your time commitment to the first module (Professional Practice: Managing and Creating Knowledge) is in the region of 600 hours, although much of this time includes the work you will have already done on WWF’s One Planet Leaders Programme and the work in your company. On line and blended learning enables this to occur in a very flexible manner.

You receive credit for how you use and develop your learning from the One Planet Leaders programme. This will be incorporated in three assignments on 'Managing and Creating Knowledge', which are summatively assessed. The tutor will advise delegates on how to best approach this process.

You will then have the option to receive your Postgraduate Certificate or continue on for a Diploma and/or Masters in Sustainable Development.

Aims of the MSc One Planet Leaders Pathway

• Provide students with a holistic perspective on sustainable development;
• Linking across disciplinary boundaries and professional sectors - discover the cross-cutting nature of sustainability;
• Develop a rigorous theoretical grounding in the principles of sustainable development;
• Debate concerning both the definition and measurement of sustainable development;
• Vibrant learning environment, which combines traditional forms of delivery with practice-based and on line multi media learning;
• Make professional contacts through networking opportunities;
• Development and review of career trajectory.

Benefits of the MSc One Planet Leaders Pathway

• Join a growing community of scholars and practitioners of sustainable development.
• Deepen theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding of key issues and developments
• Experience customised learning, tutoring and guidance using a variety of methods e.g. enquiry based learning.
• Develop capacity in action research and reflective practice
• Explore in depth and in detail sustainability skills and practices
• Engage in peer and inter-professional dialogue and learning
• Access to university library resources and other facilities
• Access to university based networks and research centres
• Enhance professional standing and career opportunities.

Q & A

Can I take this pathway as a part time student?
Delegates who register for the MSc Sustainable Development as a part time student will have up to five years to complete the required 180 credits although most part time students, virtually all of whom are in work, aim to finish within two years from the time of starting.

Do I need minimum yearly credits?
For those undertaking the OPLeaders pathway there is a clear route map moving from PG Cert, PG Dip and then MSc.
°Delegates would typically complete the PG Certificate in 4 to 6 months.
°Delegates who aim to study for the MSc over two years should complete 90 credits per year/twelve months.
 

May I registering in stages?
Delegates may wish to register for the PG Cert and then decide to progress onto the Diploma or Masters. There is no disadvantage to you in registering in stages.

How much does it cost?
Part time costs are pro rata and may be paid on a module by module basis although it should be noted that the University does increase course and module fees from time to time.
°The approximative cost for the full masters in the academic year 2008-2009 is £ 4000.
°The approximative cost for the Post Grad Certificate by distance learning in the academic year 2008-2009 is £ 1333.

For full information on Fees starting on the One Planet Leaders pathway by distant learning, consult
http://www.education.exeter.ac.uk/projects.php?id=76

Dr John Blewitt - Sustainability and Knowledge Transfer Co-ordinator

Personal Profile

John established and co-directs the highly successful MSc Sustainable Development at Exeter which focuses on developing the knowledge, skills and capabilities that professionals require to help create sustainable modes of living and working. John's research and development interests focus on sustainable communities and everyday life, media ecology and the development of a new visual language for sustainability.

As Associate Dean, John is largely responsible for Programme Quality and Approval, Academic Systems and Project Co-ordination.

John was a member of the United Nations Advisory Panel on Sustainability Communications which produced the Sustainability Communications toolkit, is a member of the IUCN Commission on Communication and Education, an advisor to WWF International on the One Planet Leaders programme, a member of the UK Sustainable Development Panel and Sustainability South West and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. John has published widely on adult learning, professional development and sustainability. He is editor of The Converging World book series to be published by Green Books. John's latest publications include:

Blewitt, J. (2006) The Ecology of Learning: sustainability, lifelong learning and everyday life. London, Earthscan.

Blewitt, J. (forthcoming 2008) Understanding Sustainable Development. London, Earthscan.