Science

Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental and Sustainable Development

The Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental and Sustainable Development is a programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in environmental management, sustainable development and natural resource governance. Offered at Egerton University through the Faculty of Environment and Resource Development, the programme prepares professionals to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development practices.

The curriculum covers environmental science, sustainable development principles, environmental policy and governance, natural resource management, environmental impact assessment, climate change, environmental economics, biodiversity conservation, pollution control, environmental law, community participation in environmental management, research methods and a research project. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in environmental management and sustainable development.

The programme responds to the growing need for trained environmental professionals who can balance development needs with environmental protection. It provides a comprehensive foundation for those working in environmental management, conservation, policy and sustainable development.

The programme is delivered through full-time and part-time modes, with lectures, field visits, environmental assessment exercises, case studies, seminars and a supervised research project. Students gain hands-on experience through field research, environmental impact assessments and a research project.

Graduates pursue careers as environmental officers, sustainability coordinators, environmental consultants, natural resource managers, policy analysts and conservation officers in government agencies, NGOs, private sector and international organisations. They can also progress to a Master's degree in environmental science or sustainable development.

Prospective students should have a background in environmental sciences, natural resources, agriculture or a related field. The programme is suitable for professionals seeking to strengthen their environmental management and sustainable development expertise.

Duration: 1 year
Public, up to: Ksh 255,900
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 3 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Postgraduate Diploma

What you study

6 subjects

Environmental Science and Sustainable Development Principles
Environmental Policy, Governance and Environmental Law
Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity Conservation
Environmental Impact Assessment and Pollution Control
Climate Change and Environmental Economics
Research Methods and Research Project

Modules

6 in the programme

Environmental Science and Sustainable Development Principles
Year 1Semester 15 creditsCore
Covers environmental science fundamentals, ecosystems, biogeochemical cycles, sustainable development principles, SDGs, sustainability frameworks and development paradigms.
Environmental Policy, Governance and Environmental Law
Year 1Semester 15 creditsCore
Covers environmental policy, environmental governance, environmental law, Kenyan environmental legislation, international environmental conventions and environmental institutions.
Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity Conservation
Year 1Semester 15 creditsCore
Covers natural resource management, forest management, water resources, land management, biodiversity conservation, protected areas and community-based natural resource management.
Environmental Impact Assessment and Pollution Control
Year 1Semester 25 creditsCore
Covers environmental impact assessment, EIA process, environmental audits, pollution control, waste management, air and water pollution and environmental monitoring.
Climate Change and Environmental Economics
Year 1Semester 25 creditsCore
Covers climate change science, climate impacts, adaptation and mitigation, environmental economics, cost-benefit analysis, natural resource valuation and green economy.
Research Methods and Research Project
Year 1Semester 25 creditsCore
Covers research methods in environmental studies, research design, data collection and a supervised research project on an environmental or sustainable development topic.

Specialisations

Environmental Impact Assessment
Focuses on EIA and environmental auditing for careers as environmental consultants.
Natural Resource Management
Specialises in natural resource management and conservation for careers as natural resource managers.
Climate Change
Focuses on climate change adaptation and mitigation for careers in climate change programmes.
Environmental Policy
Specialises in environmental policy and governance for careers as policy analysts.

A day as a student

A typical day begins with a morning lecture on environmental policy or sustainable development principles, followed by a field visit or an environmental impact assessment exercise. Afternoon sessions may include a seminar on climate change, a biodiversity conservation case study, or work on the research project. Students also participate in environmental field trips and present their research findings.

The trade offs

In its favour

The programme integrates environmental management with sustainable development, providing versatile skills.
Graduates can progress to a Master's degree in environmental science or sustainable development.
Environmental management skills are in demand across government, NGOs, private sector and international organisations.

Against it

The programme is offered at only one university, limiting study options.
Environmental careers may require additional certifications such as NEMA-registered EIA lead expert status.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 243 science courses

Public256k to 256k

256k at Egerton University256k at Egerton University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

Egerton PGD 255.9K/yr (egerton.ac.ke PDF). Private: unverified.

Students can access HELB loans for postgraduate study. Egerton University may offer internal bursaries. Environmental organisations may sponsor professionals pursuing environmental management training.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited postgraduate programmes at recognised institutions

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: C+
Alternative entry: Bachelor's degree from a recognised university, preferably in environmental sciences, natural resources, agriculture or a related field.

How you are assessed

3 components

Continuous Assessment
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering environmental science, policy, natural resource management, EIA and climate change.
Environmental Assignments
Assignment30% of the mark
Assessment of environmental assessment reports, policy briefs, case studies, field reports and group presentations.
Research Project
Project40% of the mark
A supervised research project on an environmental or sustainable development topic, assessed through a written report and oral defence.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Egerton University, Faculty of Environment and Resource Development.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Egerton University, Faculty of Environment and Resource Development.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Environmental Officer
Moderate demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 220,000
Manages environmental compliance, conducts environmental assessments, supports environmental monitoring and advises organisations on environmental best practices.
Sustainability Coordinator
Moderate demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 230,000
Coordinates sustainability initiatives, develops sustainability strategies, monitors environmental performance and supports corporate social responsibility programmes.
Environmental Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 60,000 to Ksh 280,000
Provides environmental consultancy services, conducts EIAs, advises on environmental compliance and supports environmental management systems for organisations.
Natural Resource Manager
Moderate demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 240,000
Manages natural resource programmes, coordinates conservation initiatives, supports community-based resource management and monitors resource use in government and NGOs.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates work as environmental officers, sustainability coordinators, environmental consultants and natural resource managers in government agencies, NGOs and private sector.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

GIS
ToolPrimary
R
Code

Certifications

Commission for University Education (CUE) Accreditation

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Sustainable development is just about environmental protection.
Sustainable development integrates environmental, social and economic dimensions, balancing development needs with environmental protection and social equity.
A postgraduate diploma in environmental studies is only for scientists.
The programme is designed for professionals from diverse backgrounds including policy, management, law and community development, not just environmental scientists.
Environmental management is only for government agencies.
Environmental management skills are needed across NGOs, private sector, consulting firms, international organisations and community-based organisations.
Sustainable development is a Western concept irrelevant to Kenya.
Sustainable development is critical for Kenya, where environmental degradation, climate change and resource conflicts directly affect livelihoods and economic development.