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MSc Environmental Pollution

  • Year of entry
    2022/23
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Part Time: 24 months
  • Year of entry
    2022/23
  • Course duration
    Full Time:  12 months Part Time: 24 months

Start date: September 2022

​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 exciting 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.

For more information, please visit the Department of Geography and Environmental Science website.

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £10,550

New international students: £22,850

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional Costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Our students emerge well educated and skilled. Graduates go on to work in a wide variety of academic and research posts as well as in public and private sector organisations within the UK and internationally. Graduates will be highly employable in the growing market for environmental managers and consultants. Our courses also provide in-service training for those already working within the profession.