Life Cycle Assessment

Key information

Start date:
31 March 2025
Attendance dates:
31 March - 4 April 2025
Venue:
In person
Stag Hill campus, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH

Introduction

This module can be taken as standalone or as part of building up to a certificate, diploma or master’s degree. You can take up to three standalone modules before deciding whether you want to work towards any of these.

    If you do decide to build up to a qualification, then you will need to complete and pass the following amount of modules within a five year period: four modules for a certificate; eight modules for a diploma; eight modules and a dissertation for a degree. Please note that certain modules will be compulsory depending on the degree you opt to take.

    If you would like to gain a qualification then you will need to register onto one of our master's courses:

    Module overview

    This module builds an understanding of life cycle assessment methodology developed in the Life Cycle Thinking and the Circular Economy module, by providing more in-depth training on life cycle assessment methodology, and practical experience of doing a life cycle assessment.

    You are encouraged to take the Life Cycle Thinking and the Circular Economy module before doing this module.

    Learning outcomes

    On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

    • Demonstrate understanding of the life cycle assessment methodology
    • Be aware of the resources required to do a life cycle assessment study in practice
    • Be able to provide a critical perspective on the quality of a life cycle assessment study done by others
    • Understand the key benefits and challenges of the application of life cycle assessment for a range of purposes.

    Course content

    Content includes the following:

    • Impact assessment and management of uncertainty
    • Practical experience of executing an life cycle assessment using commercial software
    • Exposure to a range of resources available to do life cycle assessment including inventory databases and life cycle impact assessment methods.

    Learning and teaching methods

    The learning and teaching methods include:

    • Preparatory reading
    • Lectures
    • Hands-on life cycle assessment study and group discussions.

    Assessment

    • An individual foundation concepts quiz, prior to starting the module
    • Group exercises during the module
    • A 3,000 word individual report, to be completed over the four-week period following this module.

    Please note: If you are taking this as a standalone module, then you are not required to complete the post-module report, however, this will mean that you won't gain any credits for completing the module and so won't be able to work towards a qualification if you later decide to do so.

    Course leader

    James Suckling profile image

    Dr James Suckling

    Research Fellow B (TAEDA Tech Project)

    Reading list

    You will be required to do some reading prior to the module starting, take a look at the reading list.

    Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENGM253.

    Entry requirements

    There are no entry requirements if you are taking this as a standalone module.

    For those wanting to build up to a qualification, please refer to the MSc course pages for entry requirements.

    Fees and funding

    Price per person:

    £1,350

    Home students

    £2,850

    Overseas students

    For group bookings or bespoke training packages please contact us.

    What these fees include

    Please note that we do not charge VAT as we are an educational establishment. 

    Price excludes all travel, accommodation, expenses.

    How to apply

    Apply via the online store.

    Apply now

    Terms and conditions

    When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations and our terms and conditions. You are also confirming you have read and understood the University's prospective student privacy notice.

    Further details of our terms and conditions will follow.

    Disclaimer

    This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the commencement of the course. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read the full disclaimer.

    Course location and contact details

    Campus location

    Stag Hill

    Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught. 

    Address

    University of Surrey
    Guildford
    Surrey GU2 7XH