MSc by Research Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences / Overview

Year of entry: 2025

Degree awarded
MSc
Duration
12 Months. [Full-Time]
Entry requirements
The standard academic entry requirement for this MSc by Research is a lower second-class (2:2) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the MSc by Research (or international equivalent).

Full entry requirements

How to apply

Apply online

In your application you’ll need to include:

  • The name of this programme
  • Your research project title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name) or area of research
  • Your proposed supervisor’s name
  • If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the available funding
  • A supporting statement (see 'Advice to Applicants' for what to include)
  • Details of your previous university level study
  • Names and contact details of your two referees.

Before applying we recommend that you read the 'Advice to Applicants' section.

Sustainable Development Goals

Find out how this programme aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
  • Goal 13: Climate action
  • Goal 14: Life below water
  • Goal 15: Life on land

Programme options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
MSc by Research Y Y N N

Attend an open day

Discover more about postgraduate research

Programme description

Research in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences covers three main research themes ; earth and planetary science, environment and society, and life on earth.

This programme includes many areas of atmospheric science, exploring a range of physical, chemical and electrical processes. Current research projects include: Radiative transfer, precipitation and cloud electrification; boundary layer processes; aerosol properties; cloud physics and chemistry, and atmospheric pollution in the urban environment. Research carried out in these areas includes field observations, laboratory investigations, theoretical studies and numerical modelling.

Field experiments and interpretation of field observations form the largest part of this group's activities. Recent field experiments have been held in locations across the UK - including Norfolk, Essex, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and Manchester - and further afield - including many European countries, South Korea, USA Australia, Chile and Borneo.

Visit our research projects page to browse our range of currently available projects.

Open days

Visit our Events and Opportunities page to find out about upcoming open days and webinars.

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • MSc by Research (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): Band A - £5,006.00; Band B - £7,400; Band C - £10,500; Band D - £15,200; Band E - £25,700
    International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A - £29,400; Band B - £31,500; Band C - £37,300; Band D - £45,200; Band E - £59,900

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

The programme fee will vary depending on the cost of running the project. Fees quoted are fully inclusive and, therefore, you will not be required to pay any additional bench fees or administration costs.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of the course for Home students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit the postgraduate fees page .

Always contact the Admissions team if you are unsure which fees apply to your project.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

To be considered for many of our scholarships, you’ll need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor. Therefore, we’d highly recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and make sure you meet nomination deadlines.

For more information about our scholarships, visit our funding page to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.

Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.

To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our programmes address.

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

    Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

  • Goal 13: Climate action

    Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

  • Goal 14: Life below water

    Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

  • Goal 15: Life on land

    Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

Contact details

Department
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Contact name
Postgraduate Research Admissions Team
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 529 3049
Email
Website
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/ees
School/Faculty

Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality.  Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

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You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.