Shaping Our Environmental Future
Join the collective voice of the environmental disciplines in education
Accreditation.
Learning.
Networking.
Influence.
For academic staff, professional staff, students and education partners
About us
The Community for Environmental Disciplines in Higher Education (CEDHE) provides representation and leadership for environmental education.
We are an active networking organisation enhancing the quality of outcomes for education institutions teaching environmental disciplines.
We facilitate connections between members and develop new avenues of international co-operation within the environmental science community.
CEDHE is part of the IES family.
CEDHE oversees the largest accreditation scheme of environmental degree programmes in the world.
degree programmes
member institutions
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student members
Shaping our environmental future.
Understanding
We undertake research in areas of concern and interest for our members. Recent publications include A Collaborative approach to improving graduate outcomes and the use of Living Labs.
Inspiring
CEDHE and the IES work to ensure young people from all backgrounds are inspired to begin and sustain an environmental education – from primary to postgraduate – boosting your student recruitment.
Enabling
We support our members by delivering employability services, promoting diversity and inclusion and provide pathways for their graduates into the environmental profession.
Join Today
How to add your institution to our network
Membership is for any Further or Higher Education institutions delivering environmental programmes. Our annual membership runs concurrently with the UK academic year (1st September – 31st August).
All academic staff within the environment department can become part of the CEDHE network, whether they are involved in teaching, learning or research.
CEDHE membership costs per annum
1st year membership – £250
Accredited Membership – £500
Non-accredited Membership – £250
CEDHE accreditation costs
First programme accreditation UK – £550
First programme accreditation International – £650
Each additional programme or reaccreditation – £250
Accreditation normally last for 5 years, unless substantive changes are made to the programme.
Programme Accreditation
Join the largest environmental programme accreditation scheme in the world.
Upcoming submission deadlines
8th November 2024 | 26th January 2025 | 18th April 2024
Please note that our accreditation documentation has recently been updated to reflect the criteria of the new ES3 Benchmark. Please also see our guidance on the Key Changes to the ES3 Benchmark.
Benefits of Accreditation
FOR THE DEPARTMENT
FOR STAFF
FOR STUDENTS
FOR THE DEPARTMENT
- Quality assurance: receive expert input into programme design and independent validation of alignment of course content with externally recognised benchmark standard (QAA ES3).
- Marketing: signal to potential students and employers that your department’s teaching, learning and research are aligned with recognised high-quality standards.
- Reputation: meets expectation that UG and PG programmes are accredited, including recommendations of the Wakeham Review. In the UK accreditation status is reported in a dedicated column in the Key Information Sheets on the unistats website.
- Employability: promotes and supports the employability agenda. Provides opportunity to access tailor-built employability services and a network of key employers and professionals within the environment and sustainability sectors.
FOR STAFF
- Networking, learning and development opportunities: both nationally and internationally through the CHES annual conference and other events.
- Influence: Eligibility to sit on the Executive Committee and influence policy on a wide range of educational issues, including TEF, REF, degree apprenticeships.
- Learning: Access resources which can be used to support curriculum, in addition to a bi-monthly update including funding opportunities and events.
FOR STUDENTS
- Free IES student membership for the duration of your studies.
- Supporting your first steps on an environmental career path which could take you to Chartered Status and beyond.
- Free and early access to electronic copies of the latest edition of our journal, environmental SCIENTIST and a monthly e-newsletter.
- Free or reduced entry to IES events, including frequent webinars.
- Access to exclusive members-only content through the IES’ online portal; including resources and materials to support your studies.
- Upon graduation, free upgrade to Graduate Membership, and then half price Associate membership the following year.
- Increase your desirability to prospective employers.
“Accreditation continues to be a positive driver in development of academic and professional course outcomes through relevant Benchmark Statements and the CEDHE ethos... accreditation offers our students’ membership of a professional body, with access to great online resources. Furthermore, it is good to know that the continued professional development of our graduates is in good hands beyond the time they spend with us.”
Dr Charlotte Braungardt
Programme Manager, BSc Environmental Science Plymouth University
