Overview

TITLE: MASTER OF ARTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

COURSE DURATION – Two (2) years

SCHEDULE OF INTAKE :  (Once a year) SEPTEMBER

PHILOSOPHY

The philosophy of the programme is the inculcation of a multidisciplinary approach to environmental studies law inspires learners to take a leading role in environmental decision making and policy initiatives.

RATIONALE

Environmental degradation is one of the biggest challenges in the 21st century. In response, individuals, civil societies, corporate organisations, academia and governments around the world have been pursuing environmental sustainability as a policy goal. This has been supported by an array of new policies ranging from international agreements, national strategies, environmental laws and local plans. These have culminated with the adoption of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. Despite these efforts, decades of scientific monitoring indicate that the world is no closer to environmental sustainability.

There is therefore an increased need for innovation in the design and implementation of environmental policies. However, there is insufficient expertise to meet these needs, especially in the African continent. The programme is therefore expected to ground learners in multidisciplinary research and development of innovative solutions in response to environmental challenges.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this programme, the learner should be able to:

  1. Synthesize multidisciplinary approaches, concepts, underlying principles, fundamental methods, theories and practices in environmental policy practice and research.
  2. Apply knowledge and skills in environmental decision making for sustainable development.
  3. Develop key professional environmental policy tools for sustainable environmental management.
  4. Design and implement environment management policies at the local, national, regional and global arena.
  5. Critique approaches the politics of policymaking to enhance capacity and influence in environmental policy.
  6. Formulate and conduct empirical research to assess and generate policies for the protection of the environment and natural resources.
  7. Develop expertise to promote efficacy in environmental governance.

MODE OF DELIVERY

Face to Face Mode

Lectures, lecture discussions, class presentations, seminars, tutorials, case studies, fieldwork, role plays, simulations, students–teacher consultation, supervised independent studies, group projects, guest speakers.

Open, Distance Learning and e-learning Mode

Application of written self-instruction study modules, mediated technical learning materials, for example, audiovisual, video conferencing and e-learning platforms and online learning that utilizes video-conferencing, e-learning portals and other technological innovations

Blended Mode

Application of a combination of both face-to-face and online delivery of courses, integrating both formal and informal modes of delivery.

 

How to Apply: Click Here to Apply

 

Contacts of Support persons

assistantdeanstudents-fol@uonbi.ac.ke

4.1       The programme covers a minimum of four and a maximum of twelve semesters of fifteen weeks each.

4.2       The degree programme shall consist of either:

            i) Coursework, examination and a research project which is equivalent to four course units; or

            ii) Coursework, examination and thesis.

4.3       Each course unit shall comprise of 45 lecture hours.

4.4       Each candidate undertaking the programme by coursework, examination and research project shall:

i) Take sixteen taught course units comprising ten Core, four Specialization and two Electives; 

            ii) Undertake a Research Project in the chosen area of specialization.

4.5       Each candidate undertaking the programme by coursework, examination and thesis shall:

            i) Take twelve taught course units comprising ten Core, and two from either the Specialization or Electives;

            ii) On successful completion of the coursework, undertake research and write a thesis.

4.6       All students shall notify the Director of CASELAP, in writing, whether they will opt for a project paper or thesis, on the last day of classes of the second semester in the first academic year.

4.6.1        The candidates opting for research project shall, under the guidance of assigned supervisors, prepare a proposal during the third semester.

4.6.2        The candidates opting for thesis shall, under the guidance of assigned supervisors, prepare a research proposal at the start of the second academic year.

4.7              The research and writing of the thesis must be of such depth and scope as to show reasonable understanding of theory and methods in environmental studies.  To that effect, the student shall maintain such contact with the supervisor as will be prescribed by the Director, CASELAP.

 

4.8              WHERE A STUDENT FAILS TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAMME OR TAKE EXAMINATIONS WITHIN THE SCHEDULED TIME AND VALID REASONS ARE FURNISHED, AN INCOMPLETE REMARK WILL BE ENTERED ON THE STUDENT’S RECORD AT THE END OF THE SEMESTER.

(a)              Candidates are expected to take a special examination or complete the programme within twenty-four months of the entry of an incomplete remark, whichever is applicable.

(b)               If a student is unable to take examinations or complete the programme within twenty-four months of the entry of an incomplete remark, the student will be required to reapply for admission.

(c)                Candidates shall be allowed to continue their course of study beyond the stipulated duration and for a specified duration upon furnishing CASELAP with valid reasons for exemption.

(d)               Exemptions and extensions will only be granted in the most deserving of cases as determined by the CASELAP Board.

(e)                In the case of sponsored/funded students, decisions to extend the duration of the programme shall be made in consultation with the funders/sponsors.

 

4.9           A student wishing to defer admission shall write to the Director, Board of Postgraduate Studies, through the Director of CASELAP, stating the reasons for deferral and when admission will be taken up.

4.10       Deferrals shall not be granted beyond a period of twelve months unless with approval of the Board of Postgraduate Studies. 

4.11       Students may withdraw from the programme by notifying the Academic Registrar through the Directors of CASELAP and Board of Postgraduate Studies, in writing.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Admission requirements

The following shall be eligible for admission:

  1. Holders of a Bachelor’s degree, at least Upper Second Class Honours, or equivalent in the environment, law, physical, biological or natural resource management and/or social science-related fields.
  2. Holders of Bachelor’s degree, at least Lower Second Class, or equivalent in the areas specified in (i) above with additional relevant training or evidence of research or work experience.
  3. Holders of a Postgraduate Diploma in the areas specified in (a) above provided that the applicant satisfies the minimum requirements for admission to a Bachelor’s degree qualification level.

Credit Transfer and Exemptions

A student may be allowed credit transfer for up to one-third of the course units provided that such courses were completed in institutions recognized by the Senate, subject to the following conditions:

  1. Having passed in similar course units at Master’s or equivalent level; and
  2. Payment of prescribed non-refundable fees.

A student shall be allowed exemptions from units of which credit transfers have been approved.

  • Environmental policy analyst. 
  • Ocean and coastal resource manager
  • Conservation scientist.
  • Environmental engineer
  • Sustainability consultant 

    Attachment Opportunities:

  • Law firms
  • Judiciary
  • Organizations as legal secretaries interns
MASTER OF ARTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY - Z50 - GEP6      
TUITION             21,000.00    
EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000)               1,000.00    
MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR)               6,500.00    
ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR)               7,000.00    
CAUTION - (ONCE)               5,000.00    
LIBRARY (PER YEAR)                5,000.00    
ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR)               2,000.00    
REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250)               2,250.00    
ID CARD ( PER YEAR)               1,000.00    
STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR)               1,000.00    
THESIS EXAMINATION             30,000.00    
   Year 1-semester 1   Year 1-semester 2   Year 2 
   5 units   5 units   Theis-Equiv to 8 units 
TUITION           126,000.00           126,000.00               252,000.00
EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000)               5,000.00               5,000.00                    8,000.00
MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR)               6,500.00                           -                      6,500.00
ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR)               7,000.00                           -                      7,000.00
CAUTION - (ONCE)               5,000.00                           -                                  -  
LIBRARY (PER YEAR)                5,000.00                           -                      5,000.00
ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR)               2,000.00                           -                      2,000.00
REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250)               2,250.00               2,250.00                    4,500.00
ID CARD ( PER YEAR)               1,000.00                           -                      1,000.00
STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR)               1,000.00                           -                      1,000.00
THESIS EXAMINATION                           -                             -                    30,000.00
Totals           160,750.00           133,250.00               317,000.00
       
Grand Total            611,000.00