The PGCert One Planet Governance programme is a Level 7 award that will 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.

Course Overview

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.

Assessment

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.

Career Opportunities

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.