MSc Environmental Impact Assessment & Management

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Please submit the following documents with your completed application form:

• copies of English Language Certification, such as IELTS, TOEFL or Pearson test score report. Applications without an English language qualification are placed on a waiting list and are assessed only when an acceptable English language qualification is provided;
• copies of official degree certificates and transcripts of your previous study, showing the subjects taken and grades obtained. If these documents are in languages other than English, please provide official translations;
• your CV.

Ensure that you enclose all the necessary documents to avoid any delays.

MSc Environmental Impact Assessment and Management equips you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to shape more sustainable decisions in planning, development and policy-making.

Designed for those looking to make a tangible impact on the environment, this course prepares you for professional practice at both a project and strategic level through the use of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) tools.

You will gain a solid foundation in environmental assessment frameworks, legislation, and methodologies, while also being introduced to the expanding field of environmental management, a critical area for organisations striving to meet global sustainability goals.

What sets this course apart is its emphasis on real-world application. Through immersive, hands-on workshops that mirror the challenges professionals face in the field, you will develop practical skills in critical analysis, reporting, and stakeholder engagement. Simulated consultancy tasks, group projects, and industry-informed case studies will prepare you for the fast-paced, multidisciplinary nature of environmental work.

You’ll also benefit from site visits that offer firsthand insight into how environmental assessments are conducted on the ground, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Whether you're aiming for a role in consultancy, government, NGOs, or the private sector, this MSc will prepare you to lead on environmental decision-making that balances development with long-term ecological responsibility.

• Provide you with the opportunity to pursue aspects of environmental assessment or wider environmental management.
• Develop your project management skills, including team working and writing professional reports.
• Develop your analytical and communication skills, thus graduating with expertise highly valued by employers.

• Benefit from small group teaching and guided one-to-one supervision for your dissertation.
• Opportunities to develop practical skills in spatial analysis software and design.
• Have the flexibility to mix core discipline units with a range of optional course units.
• Study in Manchester, a city where the environmental consequences of development are on our doorstep and have been researched and taught for more than 50 years.

Important notice: factors affecting fieldwork and placements

The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) recognises the value of fieldwork and placements. However, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our priority.

The School will assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any significant changes to our students at the earliest possible opportunity.

The role of SEED

• changes to the rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
• a risk assessment conducted by or on behalf of the University identifying unmanageable risk;
• changes that enhance the educational value and student experience of the activity;
• changes to the situation of a placement provider (for example, which cause them to be unable to accept students);
• the unavailability of appropriate insurance cover;
• the unavailability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs;
• where fieldwork and placements are a compulsory element of the Programme, they will be replaced with something academically similar;
• where a trip or placement is not a compulsory element of the Programme, it may not be replaced.

We will consult with affected students at the earliest possible opportunity and explore the options available to them.

The duty of students

Preparation, attendance and conduct

Attendance at preparatory classes is a compulsory pre-requisite of the fieldwork and placements to ensure safety and learning outcomes are met.

Students who do not attend the compulsory preparatory classes may be prevented from participating in the fieldwork or placement. It is the duty of students to discuss any attendance issues with the field course or placement convenor.

Students are representatives of the university during their fieldwork or placement. Behaviour deemed by the convenor to be unacceptable may result in students being sent home.

Where a student is unable to attend or complete the fieldwork or placement (e.g. due to mitigating circumstances), is prevented from attending due to absence from compulsory preparatory classes, or returned home due to poor conduct:

• a suitable alternative assessment will be offered (as appropriate) to ensure that the programme ILOs are met, and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
• the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.

Immigration, passport and visa requirements

It is the responsibility of the individual student to ensure they have:

• a valid passport to enter the destination country (including sufficient months prior to expiry);
• a valid visa (where required) and comply with its requirements.

The School cannot guarantee that visas required for fieldwork or a placement will be granted by the relevant authority. Please note that countries may change their immigration and visa regulations at short notice.

Where a student is unable to attend fieldwork or a placement because they do not have the required visa or passport:

• a suitable alternative assessment will be offered to ensure that the programme ILOs are met and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
• the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.

Assessment methods include essays, reports and other work (eg workshop assignments), both individually and in groups.

Some optional course units may involve examinations.

The taught part of the course (120 credits) is assessed by continuous assessment and formal examinations.

Continuous assessment includes essays, reports, posters, oral presentations, and a major project.

A 15,000-word dissertation is prepared on an approved topic, which is discussed and chosen at the beginning of the second semester and a suitable supervisor allocated.

Initial work focuses upon an overview of the chosen topic, a literature review and the design of the methodology to be adopted.

During the latter part of Semester 2 and the summer vacation, you undertake the necessary research and analysis, culminating in the writing of your dissertation.

Find out how our students feel about studying at The University of Manchester by visiting our student spotlights page.

For more information, see  Facilities

Environmental Management graduates are popular with employers, particularly in consultancy, where the ability to analyse and propose strategies and implement schemes is vital.

After London, Manchester hosts the largest number of environmental and planning consultancies in the UK.

Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in areas including environmental management and consultancy, energy and water, non-governmental organisations, urban planning and design, urban and regional development policy, central and local government, international development and research.

We encourage you to interact with potential employers during the course, particularly when undertaking the dissertation.

We also provide opportunities for students to engage with a range of potential employer organisations, providing targeted networking opportunities.

Top employers of our graduates include:

• AECOM;
• Arup;
• Atkins;
• BP;
• EDF Energy;
• Jacobs.

If you decide not to follow a vocational career, your wide knowledge base and transferable skills in problem-solving, strategic thinking, teamwork, creativity and communication fit what most employers are seeking.

Careers support

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.

At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability and Hear from our professional partners for Environmental Assessment and Management, Planning, Real Estate and Urban Design.

Careers support for international students

The Careers Service provide specialist resources, advice and events for international students to help with career planning and making the most of your time while studying in Manchester.

• Working in the UK after study
• Working during study
• Professional and alumni networks for international students

Global networks

The University of Manchester is proud to have the largest global alumni community of any campus-based university in the UK.

International alumni groups are a great way to keep in touch with fellow Manchester graduates in your country.

It is an opportunity to build professional and social networks.

You can view the alumni networks already operating across the globe, here .