There is also a distance learning version of this course
In a world facing global pressures due to human activity, understanding how we pollute our environment is more important than ever.
Experts and academics are needed to study the impact of industry on our aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as mitigate our damage to our planet.
This course is the longest-established environment and pollution related MSc in the UK. You will gain knowledge and understanding in this subject area as well as a strong grounding in the quantitative and qualitative skills required to manage pollution and address environmental questions.
There is a focus on real-world case studies, addressing the challenges of industry and policy-makers trying to manage pollution.
Hands on learning is also key to the course, with field trips to diverse locations allowing students to gather and interpret their own data.
Combined with a research project at the end of the course, this provides practical experience that bridges theory and application to create real impact.
Course duration 12 months (full-time)
Accreditation This course is accredited by the IES.
Total study time Approximately 25 hours per week of self-guided study during taught terms, growing for the research project
Teaching time Approximately 15 hours per week (inc. pre-recorded and live lectures, and practical exercises) in taught terms.
WHAT CAREER PATHWAYS ARE AVAILABLE TO ME?
Governments, industry and society, in all countries, are increasingly aware of the importance of securing sustainable development through cost-effective pollution controls and resource conservation.
The resulting legal requirements on the part of governments and industry to conform to national and international agreements and regulations mean that such demand will remain even during periods of economic austerity and retrenchment.
Employers require environmental science graduates to have a strong grounding in the quantitative and qualitative skills required to address environmental questions in addition to subject-specific knowledge and understanding. Our courses address these requirements through a core of skills-based modules with the emphasis on synthesis.
These skills also prepare our students for further study and academia, and many of our graduates go on to become PhD students.
WHAT ROLES HAVE GRADUATES SECURED?
Our recent graduates have gone to work for companies including:
- United Utilities
- Jacobs
- AECOM
- Mott MacDonald
- Arcades
- Arup
- Stantec
- Siemens Energy
- The Environment Agency
- Ricardo Energy and Environment
- JBA Consulting
- HS2
and have gone into roles such as:
- PhDs and further study
- Water resource planner and modellers
- Flood risk analyst
- Hydrologist
- Air pollution analyst
- Environmental consultant
- Research Fellows
- GIS specialist
- Hydraulic modeller
- Waste water modeller
- and many more!
CORE MODULES
There are a range of compulsory and optional units available on the course, here are some of the core topics you will focus on before you complete your research project.
Measuring and Predicting 1:
Provides a comprehensive approach to independent research on pollutant mobility and transformation.
A foundation in key physical and chemical concepts for environmental analysis.
Measuring and Predicting 2:
Apply models for predictions and interpretation of measurements in Environmental Sciences.
Linking models to real-world applications (e.g. Cloud and orographic precipitation)
Human Impacts of The Biosphere:
Study of human impacts on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
How can we mitigate and manage environmental challenges arising from human activity?
Pollution Mobility and Transformation:
Use specific pollution examples to teach general concepts and skills for measuring and predicting pollutant behaviour in the environment.
Pollution Management in Practice:
Designed to prepare students for independent research projects by developing key modelling skills.
OUR STUDENTS' MSc PROJECTS
The MSc project is one of the most exciting parts of a master’s degree — you are paired with an expert supervisor and get a chance to dive deep into a topic you’re passionate about, solve real-world problems, and bring your ideas to life. It’s where everything you’ve learned comes together, showcasing your skills, creativity, and potential to stand out in your field. Here are some projects that our MSc graduates have worked on:
🔎 Carbon cycling in an upland peatland catchment
🔎 Air pollution observed using an Air Quality Supersite
🔎 Water pollution from mining operations
🔎 Soil and drinking water quality
🔎 Impacts of pollution on aquatic ecosystems.
James Allan Professor of Air Pollution Measurement
ACADEMIC'S VOICE
This course equips students to deal with modern environmental issues and pollution management through interdisciplinary fundamental knowledge, practical skills the laboratory and field, and analysis of real-world data. The skills learned are directly applicable to both professional applied environmental science and academic research.
ALUMNI'S VOICE
The course gave me a solid foundation in environmental chemistry, risk assessment, and regulatory compliance, which directly contributed to my ability to deliver technical solutions in real-world consulting projects. I’ve since held roles in top multinational consulting firms, including ERM, AECOM, and Arcadis, working across diverse sectors such as petrochemical, semiconductor, heavy manufacturing, and public infrastructure. My academic training at Manchester helped me develop a critical thinking mindset and strong technical writing skills, both of which have been essential in client communication, stakeholder reporting, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Xiang Zhou,
Class of 2019
Senior Consultant, Arcadis
The University of Manchester Oxford Rd Manchester M13 9PL UK