Course modules
Year 1
Theoretical Perspectives of Sustainability
This module aims to investigate and apply the complex relationship between sustainability and recreational or amenity landscape management. Students will investigate a range of global sustainability models and apply their findings to the amenity sector. Students will produce an effective model relevant to a specific situation taking into account the impact on global issues. Students will apply understanding of the importance of sustainability to critically review a range of current and potential issues when managing sportsturf and amenity environments. Students will gain important skills in presentation and critical analysis and the interpretation of sustainable models.
Urban Forestry and Green Infrastructure
In studying this module, students will gain an in-depth understanding of urban forestry and urban greening techniques and programmes and how to assess the effectiveness of green infrastructure provision in a given location. The module will provide students with primary literature that considers the challenges and opportunities facing urban forestry around the world. In addition, the module will provide students with a range of case studies that highlight the benefits that can come from innovative urban greening practices and urban forestry initiatives. Students will develop skills in arguing for better green infrastructure provision using an evidence-based approach.
Trees and Urban Planning (Option)
This module evaluates key interactions between trees and the built development which are embedded within the planning systems of local, regional and national governments. The module aims to equip students with a clear understanding of how urban planning can have both positive and negative impacts on urban forest provision by investigating the important tiers of primary legislation, planning policies, industry standards, enforcement procedures and local initiatives that make up a country’s planning system.
Landscape Management Case Studies (Option)
The aim of this module is to enable a deeper understanding of complex issues that affect the success of landscapes. Students will critically appraise a wide range of landscapes including historic, recreational and contemporary schemes in different environments. They will identify stakeholders and potential conflicts, then research management and maintenance resolutions, creating new management recommendations at both local and strategic level.
Year 2
Resource Efficiency and Management
This module will explore resource implications for managing sportsturf and amenity landscapes effectively and efficiently. It promotes a minimalist approach to sportsturf and amenity landscape management whilst recognising the need to fulfil customer needs and expectations. It will develop both depth and breadth in student understanding of management concepts and practices to plan, organise, resource and manage the resources needed for sportsturf and amenity landscape maintenance including physical, financial and human. The module will assess the impact that resource management can have on the overall success of the business. Managing physical, financial and human resources efficiently will allow responsible use of finite resources whilst maximising quality output and minimising waste.
Research Methodology and Design
This module will provide postgraduate students with the essential personal, organisational, management, theoretical and statistical skills needed to perform and report upon a detailed investigative project at Masters level. The students will critically review and discuss the theoretical principles of research philosophies, process and design; there will be supporting sessions on empirical data collection, questionnaire development / design and the identification of essential legal, ethical and practical requirements for the running of a research project.
Landscape Management Planning
Preparing management plans and maintenance schedules is a large part of the role of a Landscape Manager. This module aims to explore a range of landscape management plan formats from basic maintenance plans up to strategic plans for large-scale landscapes. Students will prepare a management plan, maintenance schedules and accompanying documentation for a landscape which will cover sustainability, planning constraints, stakeholder interests and costings for a period of time.
Year 3
Masters Dissertation
This triple module requires students to define clearly a scientific problem and how it can be successfully investigated. Students will carry out independent reviews of literature to justify their research project and design then undertake an original investigation, based on a review of relevant research papers in the chosen topic area. Module assignments assess the students’ capability to present their research findings professionally and their ability to critically analyse and interpret the results from their investigation. Students are required to present a coherent, critical account of their research project undertaken and relate it to the work of others. By undertaking this research project, students will gain important self-management skills, achieve some independence in research and develop higher level writing skills in communicating their research project.
Entry requirements & additional information
- Entry requirements
- Learning and assessment
- Progression
- Careers
- Professional accreditations
- Special requirements
Entry requirements
Applications are sought from individuals possessing a minimum of Lower Second Class (2.2) Honours Degree (or equivalent) in a related discipline. All non-standard applicants may be interviewed to assess suitability for the course.
Career experience plus evidence of study skills may also be considered. Consideration will be given to non-traditional qualifications and relevant work experience. Applicants are encouraged to produce evidence of their potential to benefit from the course. Applicants who believe they may be eligible for Accreditation of Prior Experience/Learning (APE/L) for certain modules will be considered on an individual basis.
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to have an English qualification to IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
All offers may be subject to successful interview.
Learning and assessment
The course materials will be presented using Myerscough's virtual learning environment - Canvas. On here, there will be a range of presentations, seminars, tasks, videos and reading materials to engage students with the subject matter. One-to-one support through tutorials is available and there are discussion boards and course tutorials to guide students through the programme. There is also full access to the library resources online and UCLan's student support. The course is assessed through a range of coursework including reports, essays, presentations, case studies and management plan documentation.
Progression
Students can progress onto a PhD in a related subject or continue to develop their careers.
Careers
Landscape manager
Contract manager
Head Gardener
Landscape Officer
Parks Manager
Countryside Officer
Professional accreditations
Myerscough has close links with the Landscape Institute. It is hoped that this course will become accredited in the future.
Special requirements
Additional costs for items that are essential for the course include: PC/laptop running MS Office Wifi/broadband