One Planet Governance (PGCert)

Within Wales, and beyond, governments are waking up to the limits placed upon them, both by the natural resources within their boundaries and the biocapacity of the planet, in providing for the essential needs of their citizens and absorbing the impact of their activities, while leaving space for nature to thrive.

The current, and legacy, systems of governance do not provide for this, and so new skills and tools are required.

This course will examine the nature of the long-term, strategic, ecological and social challenges facing the planet, and the fundamentally different new strategies and tools currently available and being developed to meet these challenges. 

The programme endeavours to train the next generation of governmental, civic and civil leaders in the ways of thinking and tools required to take long-term strategic and holistic decisions in relation to governance.

As a special feature of the course, students will undertake an in-depth study of the implementation and efficacy of the groundbreaking Welsh legislation, the Well-being of Future Generations Act. They will come to understand the interrelated challenges facing humanity, and life in general, on Earth, in relation to the planetary boundaries. They will then critically examine the tools, standards and methodologies  implemented by different administrations around the world, across different sectors, in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals and ecological footprinting. They will focus on a chosen area as a practical case study.

The programme is delivered through our online Virtual Learning Environment, where students will get access to all key learning activities, resources and their learning group using the latest interactive communications tools and applications. Our University support services are on hand to guide you through your studies.

The programme consists of two, 30-credit taught modules.

Planetary Boundaries, Indicators and Policy Approaches (30 credits; compulsory)

In this module, students explore the environmental and social issues and the challenges that are addressed by 'one planet' governance, and develop a critical attitude to the relevant standards, metrics, and indicators. 

Sector-based Solutions (30 credits; compulsory)

This second module engages students in critical thinking about measures, strategies, infrastructure, finance, and procurement, addressing the issues of climate change, biodiversity, energy, housing, transport, food, industry, neighbourhood planning, well-being and planning policy.

All assessments will be submitted online and will build and reflect on the collaborative activity within the modules.

The tutor will provide formative and summative feedback and will be available by email, telephone and/ or Skype for further clarification of feedback, if requested by the student.

Progression and award will comply with the standard University regulations for Master's programmes.

Arrangement for re-sit work will be provided through the University VLE.

• Dr Alex Bell (Programme Director)
• David Thorpe (Author of The 'One Planet' Life: A Blueprint for Low Impact Development)
• Dr Louise Emanuel

All applicants will be individually considered for admission using the following criteria:

• Normally, the possession of a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, or an appropriate equivalent, ie a professional qualification, from a recognised British or overseas institution.
• Demonstrably appropriate motivation and ambition for studying One Planet Governance.
• Fulfilling the essential criteria for the admission to a postgraduate programme.
• Applicants who do not fully satisfy the general criteria will be considered, and may be admitted, if they are able to demonstrate that they are capable of successfully undertaking and completing the programme at the required standard, and are able to contribute fully to, and benefit from, the learning experiences delivered within the programme.
• There is no requirement for attendance in the UK for the online PGCert One Planet Governance online/distance learning programme.
• Applicants who have been taught and assessed in languages other than English should have demonstrable confidence to study through the English language equivalent to IELTS 6.0.
• Applicants must have suitable access to computer equipment so that they can access the University VLE.

Admission criteria and entry qualifications for the Postgraduate Programme may also include the applicant having equivalent of:

• A non-honours bachelor's degree in a related or cognate subject from a UK university and relevant evidenced experience (normally equivalent to or comparable with two years).
• An honours degree from a UK University in a non-related or cognate subject where the applicant has evidenced relevant experience (normally equivalent to, or comparable with, two years).
• An equivalent certificated degree from a non-UK institution to those specified in (i) and (ii) above.
• Non-degree qualifications such as the Higher National Diploma in related subjects (eg EdExel), or equivalent overseas qualifications, where the applicant has appropriate employment experience (normally equivalent to, or comparable with, a minimum of three years).
• Qualifications from relevant professional bodies, which are at a level below UK Honours Degree but demonstrate relevant professional experience,(normally equivalent to or comparable with a minimum of three years) 

Candidates with related employment fields, or related area/discipline/subject experience, or defined voluntary experience, or similar related employment field experience, may be admitted to the programme without degree, or degree equivalent, qualifications if they can demonstrate their potential to meet the learning requirements of the programme. 

Advanced Entry with RPCL

Entrants with relevant and acceptable professional accreditation will be considered for exemptions. Note: accreditation already received in qualifications is not admissible.

Interviews

Normally, all applicants at postgraduate level are interviewed. An offer of a place may be made based on the application form alone, including academic history, a personal statement and a reference. 

International students, for whom English is not a first language, are subject to additional requirements and will be requested to provide evidence of sufficient command of spoken and written English to meet the demands of postgraduate programmes. Normally an IELTs test score of 6.0 or 232 for the computer test or evidence or supplied references to working for a period of more than one year through the medium of English.

The PGCert One Planet Governance programme has been designed to provide a continual professional development opportunity for sustainable political, civic and public governance, administration and policymaking.

Within the programme, students study ethical and sustainable approaches to political leadership and administration, which will prepare them for the changing nature and role of politics and governance in the 21st century.  

Students on the programme will develop knowledge and understanding of One Planet Governance through critical engagement with their own practice.

Key potential roles include:

• Sustainability manager;
• Project manager;
• Consultant;
• Sustainability activist or change agent in business, industry, development;
• The Arts;
• social enterprises;
• government;
• NGOs;
• charities, health or education.

It is possible to complete this programme of study without any additional costs.

Students may wish to purchase materials for modules, such as the dissertation, but this is not a requirement and will have no bearing on the final grade.

MBA Sustainability Leadership (Online)

Scholarships and Bursaries

Please visit our Accommodation pages for more information.

Please get in touch with us if you have any questions related to the University or to this course in particular.