OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Environmental and Sustainability Management
The Level 7 Diploma in Environmental and Sustainability Management is an Ofqual-regulated postgraduate qualification designed to provide advanced knowledge and practical skills in environmental management and sustainable development. This course is ideal for professionals and graduates who want to understand how organisations can reduce environmental impact, improve sustainability performance, and meet global environmental standards. It focuses on developing strategic thinking and leadership skills required to manage environmental challenges in modern industries.
The programme covers important topics such as environmental policies, climate change strategies, sustainable resource management, and environmental impact assessment. Learners gain the ability to analyse environmental issues, implement effective management systems, and support organisations in achieving long-term sustainability goals. The course also helps build awareness of corporate responsibility and the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
On completion, learners are prepared for senior roles in environmental and sustainability management or can continue their education with a master’s degree in a related field. This qualification offers strong career opportunities in a growing global sector focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The Level 7 Diploma in Environmental and Sustainability Management provides a structured pathway for developing advanced skills in managing environmental responsibilities within organisations. It focuses on strategic planning, sustainable resource use, and improving environmental performance across different sectors. Learners gain the ability to analyse complex environmental issues and apply effective solutions that support long-term sustainability goals.
This qualification is placed on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) at the same level as a master’s degree, offering 120 credits. While it is shorter than a full master’s programme, learners can progress to the final dissertation stage (60 credits) with a university to achieve a complete master’s qualification. This flexible progression route makes it a valuable option for those seeking both academic advancement and professional development in environmental and sustainability management.
Mandatory Unit
- Fundamentals of Sustainability
- Environmental Science and Energy Transition
- Environmental Management in Organisations
- Research Methods
Optional Units
- Delivering Transformational Change
- Advanced Principles of Net Zero
- Environmental Politics and Policies
- Sustainable Finance
- Sustainability as a Business Strategy
Mandatory units
Fundamentals of Sustainability
- Understand the key concepts of sustainability and their relation to economic growth and development.
- Understand the context of sustainability and the reasons for urgent action, with a special focus on climate change and biodiversity.
- Understand the role of private enterprises and innovation in the transition to sustainability.
- Understand the need for global initiatives and treaties on sustainability and climate change.
- Understand the principles and perspectives of business ethics and its use in discussions regarding climate change and sustainability.
Environmental Science and Energy Transition
- Understand the physics of the energy related carbon cycle and its impact on temperature.
- Understand the physical principles of harvesting renewable alternatives to fossil fuels and the technological and market developments within this area.
- Understand the physical principles of non-renewable alternatives to fossil fuels, the political sensitivities of nonrenewables and the technological, and market developments related to these sources of energy.
- Understand the dependence of alternative energy sources on storage and grid management.
- Understand the trilemma of energy transformation and the need for national policies and international cooperation.
Environmental Management in Organisations
- Understand topics relevant for environmental management and the reasons why organisations should choose to manage them.
- Understand environmental assessment and management tools and their advantages and disadvantages.
- Understand how to develop and deliver environmental performance improvement.
- Understand approaches collection, analysis, reporting and communication of environmental data.
Research Methods
Be able to develop research approaches in a suitable context.
Be able to critically review literature on a business research topic.
Be able to design business research methodologies.
Be able to develop a research proposal.
Optional Units
Delivering Transformational Change
- Understand how to conduct a materiality assessment to understand priorities for change and change readiness.
- Understand key techniques, practices, behaviours, and knowledge of change management.
- Understand the behaviour of complex systems and how to change them.
- Understand how a leader’s style and approach has a major impact on both team and individual performance, values, and motivations.
- Understand the meaning and purpose of ESG Governance Structure and how to develop it.
Advanced Principles of Net Zero
- Understand the meaning and importance of “net zero” at a conceptual level.
- Understand the application of the fundamentals of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Accounting.
- Understand science-based targets and their facilitating role to deliver net zero
- Understand how to communicate an organisation’s response to climate change, net zero pledges and green claims.
- Understand how and to which extent organisations and society can adapt to climate change.
Environmental Politics and Policies
- Understand principles and examples of environmental policy and legislation.
- Understand the role of ethics in international climate agreements and governance.
- Understand economic instruments available to effect change related to environmental and social issues.
- Understand suasive instruments available to effect change related to environmental and social issues.
- Understand key international agreements related to environmental governance and climate change politics.
- Understand the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the importance of the sustainability agenda.
Sustainable Finance
- Understand the relevance of the Financial Industry to sustainability across different financial instruments and asset classes.
- Understand how physical and transition risks, particularly those related to climate change, translate to financial risks and how this is managed by financial organisations and central banks
- Understand sustainable / ESG financing strategies and products that facilitate sustainable transition and development.
- Understand the value and use of ESG ratings and labels.
Sustainability as a Business Strategy
- Understand the role of marketing and stakeholder engagement in the transition to sustainability and the risks of poor marketing practices.
- Understand the relationship between Economics and Sustainability and the four rationales of why sustainability is in businesses’ interest.
- Understand how sustainability impacts businesses’ value chain and how companies can capitalise on being sustainable.
- Understand the limitations of “traditional” accounting and the need to approach the concept of value holistically.
- Understand the concept of the circular economy, circular business models and the challenges related to operating and financing circular businesses.
The Level 7 Diploma in Environmental and Sustainability Management helps learners build strong knowledge and practical skills to manage environmental issues and support sustainable development. This course is designed for those who want to improve their understanding of sustainability, reduce environmental impact, and take on higher-level roles in organisations. It also supports career growth in a fast-growing global sector.
- Progress towards a full master’s degree by completing a dissertation
- Learn advanced environmental and sustainability management skills
- Understand how to reduce environmental risks and impacts
- Develop knowledge of climate change and sustainability practices
- Gain skills to create and manage environmental policies
- Improve ability to follow international environmental standards
- Build leadership and decision-making skills
- Increase job opportunities in environmental and sustainability fields
- Learn how to improve organisational environmental performance
- Prepare for senior roles in sustainability management
The Level 7 Diploma in Environmental and Sustainability Management is designed for individuals who want to build advanced expertise in sustainability, environmental strategy, and organisational leadership. This course is suitable for learners who aim to manage environmental responsibilities, improve sustainability performance, and contribute to long-term environmental solutions in a professional setting.
- Learners planning to progress to a master’s degree or higher qualification
- Professionals working in environmental management or sustainability roles
- Managers responsible for environmental policies and compliance
- Individuals aiming to move into senior or strategic sustainability positions
- Graduates seeking a postgraduate qualification in environmental management
- Consultants looking to expand their knowledge in sustainability practices
- Professionals in industries such as energy, construction, and manufacturing
- Individuals interested in climate change and sustainable development
Course Overview
Course Level
Level 7
Course Units
6 mandatory Units
TQT
1200 hours
GLH
600 hours
Duration
6 to 12 Months
