Michael Maunsell

“a valuable, enjoyable and enriching experience”

I completed the MSc Sustainable Mountain Development programme in 2014; it was a valuable, enjoyable and enriching experience.  It was invaluable for developing a deeper understanding of the social, environmental and economic issues mountain places and communities contend with.

Living in Ireland, the online distance-learning model suited me.  I felt part of the Centre for Mountain Studies' community, through active on-line engagement, sharing knowledge with staff and other students form a variety of backgrounds and countries.

Since graduation I have been become a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and have been appointed to the Board of Directors of Ireland’s National Governing Body for Mountaineering (Mountaineering Ireland), and appointed as Chair of Mountaineering Ireland’s Access and Conservation Committee.

I have also been appointed to the UIAA (The International Governing Body for Mountaineering and Climbing), serving on the UIAA’s Mountain Protection Commission.

I believe my MSc in Sustainable Mountain Development was instrumental in gaining these prestigious appointments and it continues to inform my work in each role. The MSc has also been of immense value in my day job as a Lecturer on a BSc (Hons) programme in Environmental & Geographical Science, and for my research in mountain ecosystems.

I highly recommend this Masters programme.

Michael Maunsell MSc FRGS, UIAA Mountain Protection Commission Member