The level 7 Certificate of Credit in International Environmental Policy and Law is a 20 credit module providing you with a critical understanding of the principles of international environmental policy and law. The course, which takes an international outlook, covers key topics including history, sources and major international environmental policy and law. A critical comparative approach is taken in discussing specific UK legislation in relation to other national laws, which will benefit both UK based and international students. You will also study environmental compliance mechanisms within organisations using a series of interactive case studies.
The module, which has been developed with input from the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), is suitable for individuals with compliance responsibilities within organisations or those seeking to improve their knowledge and understanding of international environmental policy and law. Whilst this module is an opportunity to enhance your CPD and add to your professional portfolio, it is also an excellent opportunity to experience our IEMA accredited online Sustainability and Environmental Management MSc before making a commitment to study the full programme.
By completing this course, you’ll have a greater understanding of how policy and legislation are being used to mitigate current environmental issues and approaches that can be taken to achieve compliance within organisations.
Accredited by CIWEM, giving you free student membership
Whilst enrolled on this module you can enjoy free student membership to the CIWEM that allows you to:
Keep up to date with the latest best-practice knowledge through their member’s magazine, policy documents and technical journals
Build your professional network through free events and local branches
Enhance your career prospects through professional recognition of your qualification
The CIWEM will support the development of the skills and qualities that employers are looking for, providing you with opportunities to showcase your talents.
Upon completion of this course, you will be eligible to register for graduate membership of CIWEM.
Delivery from experienced academics
We have many years’ experience in the delivery of environmental courses online which means you can expect the highest standards of teaching and education. Our team of tutors, made up of research-active academics and practising sustainability professionals will guide you through the module, providing regular feedback to ensure you stay on track.
You will also have access to a dedicated online learning advisor who will be on hand to support you with pastoral and non-academic matters throughout your studies.
What you will study
We will advise you of your study plan when you are invited to enrol.
You must complete one 20 credit module which covers environmental policy and environmental law.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Discovering Online Learning webinar: February 2025
Thursday, 13 February 2025 12.00 - 13.00
During this hour long webinar, we'll take you through how online learning works and what you can expect as an online student with the University of Derby.
The module is delivered 100% online over 10 weeks using a range of interactive learning materials and some live classroom sessions. Provision is made for discussion and interaction with tutors and fellow students through live virtual classroom sessions and online discussion forums.
You will study alongside students who are on the full online MSc Sustainability and Environmental Management, giving you a wider perspective of sustainability from your global student community.
Pace of study
The academic year is made up of three 10-week terms, known as trimesters. We recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester.
If you opt to undertake the accelerated study plan whereby you will study two modules in one trimester, we recommend 40 hours of study per week.
Should you decide to study on the accelerated rate you should ensure that you have the capacity to fully engage with your studies and achieve the best grades and final award. If you choose to study on the accelerated rate, you will need to balance approximately 40 hours of study per week alongside your professional and personal life and commitments.
It may be useful to consider studying one module at the standard rate of study before deciding whether to then increase to the accelerated rate of study.
There will be 1/2 virtual classrooms over the 10 week trimester and if you are unable to attend you will be able to download the session to view in your own time.
Assessment method
This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work and practical reports.
Student support and guidance
Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals. There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:
Develop@Derby for study, personal and employability skills
All these services, and more, are available to you as an online student at the University of Derby.
Who will teach you
Dr Uchechukwu Okere
Programme Leader
Dr Uchechukwu Okere
Academic Lead for Environmental Management, Dr Uchechukwu Okere, has previously worked with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) to deliver professional training courses to environmental professiona...
Senior Lecturer in Sustainability and Environmental Management
Dr Becky Rawson
Lecturer in Sustainability and Environmental Management, Becky Rawson, has taught environmental management and geography at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate levels for over ten years. She has also worked with organisatio...
This Certificate of Credit can act as an ideal form of CPD for those working in sustainability and environmental management. It will provide you with an understanding of international environmental policy and law and the principles, mechanisms advantages and disadvantages of environmental compliance within organisations.
Options for further CPD
It is important for environmental professionals and practitioners to stay up to date with the latest trends and developments within the industry through continued professional development.
Those looking to further enhance their CPD within sustainability and environmental management can continue their learning with another one of our Sustainability and Environmental Certificate of Credit standalone modules:
The 20 credits at Level 7 gained from this Certificate of Credit can be transferred as RPL (recognition of prior learning) onto a relevant Master’s degree subject to meeting all other admission criteria.
Whilst you are a student at the University of Derby, and for 3 years after you graduate, our Careers and Employment Service can assist you with job search advice, CV creation, workshops and events, as well as one-to-one appointments with employment advisers to help with career planning and interview preparation.
Entry requirements
You will require a good first degree in a related subject. Applicants with professional qualifications or relevant experience can also apply.
English language qualifications
If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need an English language qualification. For this course you will need at least one of the following:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 6.0
Our undergraduate and postgraduate course pages will show the intakes that are available and open to applications. It's best to apply early so you can secure your place and beat the rush.
Once we have received your application and supporting documents (such as qualifications or references), we will review it and contact you within 4 weeks to let you know if you have been successful or not.
Our aim is to support all students to have the best possible opportunities to succeed and so our application and enrolment deadlines are in place to ensure you stand the best chance of doing so.
Joining the programme later may harm your chances of success on your course. It is therefore vital that you take note of the dates and ensure you submit your completed application and subsequent enrolment in time.
Undergraduate and postgraduate taught deadlines
Please note some courses may have an earlier induction, teaching and enrolment deadline date.
If your course operates a gathered field or pooled admissions process there may be an earlier application date. Please check your individual course page for further details.
In order for your application to be assessed, you will need to provide the following documents when you apply:
Official photo identification such as a passport or driving licence
Current CV
Copies of certificates and transcripts or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications*
*Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator/translation company. Each translation must contain:
Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
The date of the translation
The full name and signature of the translator, or an authorised official of the company
Please note: failure to submit any documentation when requested, may result in your application being withdrawn.
Application deadlines
All of our online courses have set start dates throughout the year. We require time to review your application and get back to you with a response before your course starts. Take a look at information regarding applying for an online course to see full details of deadlines and term dates.