Environmental Auditing and Management Systems

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To be confirmed

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Introduction

This module can be taken as standalone or as part of building up to a certificate, diploma or master’s degree. You can take up to three standalone modules before deciding whether you want to work towards any of these.

    If you do decide to build up to a qualification, then you will need to complete and pass the following amount of modules within a five year period: four modules for a certificate; eight modules for a diploma; eight modules and a dissertation for a degree. Please note that certain modules will be compulsory depending on the degree you opt to take.

    If you would like to gain a qualification then you will need to register onto one of our master's courses:

    Module overview

    The dominant approach towards identifying, documenting and minimising the effects an organisation has on its specific and the wider (physical and to some extent social) environment is originated in the Total Quality Management (TQM) Movement.

    Auditing as the systematic process of performance evaluation against pre-set standards, as well as the need to embed all activities into a contrived system of managing activities are at the heart of environmental management.

    This module will introduce environmental auditing and environmental management systems in a practical, informative and useful manner and will explore the dominant, practical and topical concerns surrounding environmental auditing and environmental management systems.

    Learning outcomes

    On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

    • Understand the knowledge, process and practice of auditing in an organisation, as well as put the results of an audit into an organisational context
    • Be able to outline and articulate differences in types of audits, as well as how auditing can support broader environmental management
    • Review an organisation’s environmental performance in broad terms and develop a register of significant environmental aspects
    • Advise on the auditability of an organisation to adopt a register of significant environmental aspects.

    Course content

    Content includes the following:

    • Implementation aspects of management systems
    • ISO 14001, environmental auditing and management systems - their content, main differences and similarities
    • Details to consider when implementing ISO 14001
    • Developing and reviewing an environmental aspects register
    • Role of auditing in environmental auditing and management systems implementation.

    Learning and teaching methods

    The learning and teaching methods include:

    • Lectures and class discussions
    • Site visit
    • Independent study.

    Assessment

    • A 1,000 word individual reflective essay prior to starting the module
    • A 3,000 word post-module reflective essay or company report, to be completed over the four-week period following this module.

    Please note: If you are taking this as a standalone course, then you are not required to complete the 3,000 word post-module essay, however, this will mean that you won't gain any credits for completing the module and so won't be able to work towards a qualification if you later decide to do so.

    Course leader

    Walter Wehrmeyer profile image

    Dr Walter Wehrmeyer

    Reader in Environmental Business Management

    Reading list

    You will be required to do some reading prior to the module starting, take a look at the reading list.

    Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENGM066.

    Entry requirements

    There are no entry requirements if you are taking this as a standalone module.

    For those wanting to build up to a qualification, please refer to the MSc course pages for entry requirements.

    Fees and funding

    Fees are to be confirmed

    How to apply

    Applications are currently closed, but please register your interest with the Head of Centre for Environment and Sustainability, Professor Richard Murphy, at rj.murphy@surrey.ac.uk.

    Terms and conditions

    When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations and our terms and conditions. You are also confirming you have read and understood the University's prospective student privacy notice.

    Further details of our terms and conditions will follow.

    Disclaimer

    This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the commencement of the course. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read the full disclaimer.

    Course location and contact details

    Campus location

    Stag Hill

    Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught. 

    Professor Richard Murphy Head of Centre for Environment and Sustainability
    Address

    University of Surrey
    Guildford
    Surrey GU2 7XH