The assessment philosophy of MSc Environmental Management conforms to the recommendations of the aspects of QAA statements for Earth Sciences Environmental Sciences and Environmental Studies and also takes elements from the QAA statements for Biosciences. The methods used for the assessment of students' achievements will correspond with the knowledge abilities and skills that are to be developed through their degree programme. Both formative and summative modes of assessment will be used.

The course assessment strategy is compliant with the University of Bedfordshire's Regulations. All assessed work will be marked using the Universitys percentage based marking scheme. Evidence on which assessment of student achievement is based will include: - Formal written examinations; - Written reports including scientific and consultancy-style reports; - Oral presentations; - Poster presentations; - Individual planning conduct and reporting of project work; and Essay assignments. The commitment to field and lab-based practical skills and the ability to communicate and interpret data through scientific and professional report writing is emphasised at throughout the course. As such written reports based on field or laboratory work form an important element of student assessment.

The importance of oral communication skills is also acknowledged and four units require oral or poster presentations as a part of the unit assessments. Students that fail to successfully complete the initial taught units may not be eligible to progress to the laboratory based research project stage of the course; this is determined by the Universitys regulations. Students who do not initially progress will be expected to undertake either referral assessments or if necessary retake failed units (no student can retake a unit more than once). When students pass the number of other units prescribed by the regulations they will be able to undertake their laboratory based research project.