MSc by Research Environmental Science / Overview

Year of entry: 2025

Degree awarded
Master of Science (Research)
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)
  • Your supervisor's name
  • If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the available funding
  • Details of your previous study
  • Names and contact details of your two referees

Before applying we also 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 N N N

Attend an open day

Discover more about postgraduate research

Programme description

We use innovative scientific approaches, at a macro scale down to a molecular scale, to study the environment, to understand natural processes, and to understand how human activities are changing the world and environment we live in. We study how human activity changes the climate, and how in turn the climate and weather affects human society and life on our planet. We can also use environmental science research to examine air and water quality, and examine the causes, consequences, management and mitigation of pollution events. This can include the management of our nuclear legacy through investigating nuclear decommissioning and nuclear waste management and disposal. Research within the Department also investigates the sources, utilisation and exploitation of energy, water, food and mineral resources. Many aspects of research into environmental function require an understanding of chemical interactions in environmental systems, such as the characterisation of mineral-water-organic matter reactions in surface and subsurface environments.

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

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

http://www.sees.manchester.ac.uk/

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.