MSc ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

​Our MSc Environmental Pollution will give you a thorough understanding of the principles of environmental science and develop skills applicable to a career in environmental consultancy, contaminated land and waste management.

Participate in world-leading fieldwork and research projects and take core options dedicated to providing a solid understanding of the science behind the environment and the impact of pollution.

You will benefit from our custom-designed building with specialised research facilities, including laboratories and instrumentation for work in molecular ecology and biochemistry, environmental chemistry, physics and stable and radioisotopes. You will have access to superb controlled environment facilities, a large area of experimental polytunnels and glasshouses and extensive opportunities for fieldwork at our experimental farms.

Coursework assessments are designed to reflect the outputs of industry, ensuring you develop skills which are desired by employers and are well-prepared for your career. These skills include:

• those required in the lab, including sample analysis, such as analysis of organic and inorganic pollutants in soil and water, analysis of environmental microorganisms and their activities
• those required for field work, such as sampling strategy, sample collection, how to design, monitor and statistically analyse an experiment/campaign/project
• drafting policy briefings and tenders
• producing and presenting consultancy reports
• oral presentations
• using GIS to represent spatial data
• implementing and interpreting models

The course includes a dedicated, free-of-charge residential field class that provides the opportunity to put your theoretical knowledge into practice. You will have the opportunity to gain practical experience of contaminated site investigation and present your findings to an expert panel, made up of a mixture of clients from industry and academics.

Accreditation

This programme is accredited by the Committee of Heads of Environmental Sciences (CHES), the education committee of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES). CHES is the collective voice of the environmental sciences academic community and serves to enhance the quality of environmental education worldwide. A programme accredited by CHES is assured to meet high standards, contain a strong component of practical, field and theoretical activities, and has excellent opportunities for training, work experience, and links to the professional environmental sector.

Students enrolled on CHES-accredited programmes can apply for free Student Membership of the IES and for a fast-track route to membership once they graduate, starting them on a route towards becoming a Chartered Environmentalist or Chartered Scientist.