Net Zero Science, Policy and Practice MSc

In this module, you will examine how net zero transitions are shaped through regulation and policy, with a focus on the built environment. The module explores how international climate commitments, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and outcomes of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conferences of the Parties, are translated into UK planning systems, building regulations, and policy instruments influencing urban development and construction practice.

You will develop an understanding of how planning and building control operate as mechanisms for delivering climate policy at national and local levels. Emphasis is placed on the growing regulatory focus on embodied and whole life carbon, and on challenges associated with implementation, compliance, and enforcement. You will also examine policy tools such as carbon pricing, planning conditions, and public procurement standards that support the transition towards net zero.

The module also considers how planning and regulatory systems are evolving to respond to climate adaptation and resilience, with attention given to high emission climate scenarios and climate risk.

Within these areas, you will engage with a range of topics to support your learning, including:

· Built Environment and Net Zero Regulation

· International Climate Frameworks and Agreements

· Planning and Building Codes as Policy Tools

· Embodied Carbon and Whole Life Carbon Regulation

· Policy Mechanisms for Net Zero Delivery

· Climate Adaptation and Future Regulatory Systems

By the end of the module, you will be able to critically evaluate regulatory and policy frameworks affecting the built environment and apply this understanding to support the delivery of net zero and climate resilient development.

You will learn about the foundations (research theories), advantages and limitations of a range of advanced standard social science research methodologies. You will thus be in a better position to design a research strategy and operationalise this, particularly for your research project assessment, but also for future employment in knowledge societies and research-rich or informed careers and professions. You will also be better prepared to scrutinise other people’s / organisations’ research, and evaluate to what extent it is appropriate, robust and meaningful – particularly the connection between research objectives, questions and methods and interpretation of findings.

Research methods covered will include a range of methods and techniques to explore issues in disaster and development studies, and global development from a human / societal / social processes / organisations / communities perspective. Particular attention will be devoted to evidence-based policy making and “wicked issues”. “Natural” environmental processes will be within the scope of the module as far as a social science-based exploration of “produced nature” is fruitful and necessary.

Topics can include, but are not limited to: Approaching Research Methods, Designing Your Research Process, Ethics and Risk Assessment, Fieldwork Research Issues, Stakeholder issues, Case study research or Participatory methods.

In this module you will learn about the science behind the term ‘Net Zero’. This will cover an introduction to the Earth system, anthropogenic climate change and what Net Zero means. Specific topics may include:

1) what Net Zero is and an introduction to the carbon cycle

2) why the term Net Zero exists and an introduction to anthropogenic climate change and the role of humans in the Earth system

3) what we can do to achieve Net Zero and what might happen if we do not

4) an introduction to the idea of geoengineering and why it may be required

5) an introduction to carbon accounting

This 20 credit module provides you with the opportunity to undertake a Live Consulting Project specified by industry or research in a group for one semester as part of your programme. This experience gives you the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge acquired during the taught part of your programme and to acquire new skills and knowledge in an alternative learning environment. Some skills training will be provided in semester 1, and then you will undertake your project in semester 2.

This module is designed to support you in developing and applying advanced academic and/or practice-based research skills within the context of an appropriate area of contemporary Net Zero research. This research area will be your own choice, but will be grounded in, or informed by, staff research and/or local industry links. You will ultimately conduct an extended piece of original independent research that contributes to the creation of new knowledge. You will work closely with a research supervisor who will provide you with 1:1 guidance throughout all stages of your dissertation, from the initial project design through to submission of the final extended research project. You will develop expertise in:
• Planning, developing and executing a substantial piece of independent research.
• Evaluating and applying concepts, models and theories to consolidate and extend your knowledge in your chosen field of study.
• Sourcing, reviewing and synthesising a variety of information sources.
• Gathering, analysing and presenting complex data.
• Effective written, verbal and visual communication to a variety of audiences.
• Applying creative and innovative approaches to problem solving.
• Reviewing appropriate ethical, health and safety, commercial and/or confidential data protection issues associated with your research.

You will develop your understanding of academic conventions in UK higher education aligned to your level of study, including expectations around critical analysis, structure, argumentation, evidencing, and referencing. The module focuses on developing communication strategies that will help you express your ideas clearly and coherently in written assignments and spoken activities. You will also reflect on your current academic and language skills and develop strategies for development ahead of your assessments.