
- UCAS course code
- F853
- UCAS institution code
- M20
BSc Environmental Management with Professional Placement
Year of entry: 2023
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Overview
- Degree awarded
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Duration
- 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
ABB
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
BBBFind out more about contextual admissions.
- Refugee/care-experienced offer
-
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.Find out more about contextual admissions.
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
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34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects.
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021.
We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the academic School prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS
- UCAS course code
- F853
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Channel your passion for the environment into learning about environmental systems, the human impacts on them, and how to manage these interactions sustainably.
- Gain real-world practical experience on local and international fieldtrips.
- Experience environmental management, ecological surveys, conservation management, environmental impact assessment, and sustainable development in action through a year-long placement.
- The degree is currently applying for accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM), which if received will provide professional support for your career in environmental management.
Open days
We are pleased to announce that we are returning to hosting on-campus open days in the summer and autumn.
Please see open days for the dates, registration, and other information.
If you're a prospective student, you can also find out more about student life by chatting with our student ambassadors at a time that suits you, and ask any questions you may have about life at Manchester.
Please check our Coronavirus FAQs for the most up to date information regarding events.
You can also look at our virtual open day content to help you learn more about the University.
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2023 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £25,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
We are committed to attracting and supporting the very best students from all backgrounds to study this course.
You could be eligible for cash bursaries of up to £2,500 to support your studies.
Find out about our funding opportunities
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Environment, Education and Development
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 543 4709
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: The School .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
ABB.
We do not require a pass in the Science Practical Assessment.
Contextual offer
Duration of A-level study
For those studying an advanced curriculum where the examinations are spread over three years, consideration for an offer will be at the discretion of the admissions tutor.
AS-level
Subjects welcomed but not normally included as part of the standard offer
Unit grade information
The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
GCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE English Language.
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects.
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021.
We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the academic School prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
Other international entry requirements
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see the accepted entry qualifications from your country .
Scottish requirements
Applicants presenting a combination of Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers are welcomed and should contact the academic school directly to discuss their portfolio of qualifications.
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.Welsh Baccalaureate
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
European Baccalaureate
We normally require 80%.
AQA Baccalaureate
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.Foundation year
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve ABB and an EAP score of B.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve ABB and an EAP requirements score of B.
Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic School to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma
We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades DDM.
Please note that the National Diploma and the National Extended Certificate must be studied alongside A-levels. We are unable to accept combinations of the BTEC qualification.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DM plus an A Level at grade A.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D plus two A Levels at grades BB.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDM.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DM plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at grade A.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades MM plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grade BB.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)
We consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D plus additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades BB.
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
Access to HE Diploma
We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.
The specific course requirements are 60 credits overall with 45 at Level 3. Minimum of 30 credits with a distinction grade, with the remaining level 3 credits at merit. You must have GCSEs in English and Mathematics at grade C or 4.
Cambridge Pre-U
Candidates are expected to achieve D3, M2, M2.
T Level
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
The University recognises the value of Level 3 Core Mathematics qualifications. Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer we make. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider a student's application, particularly for courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element that does not require A Level Mathematics. Academic Schools may also choose to take a student's performance in Core Mathematics into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
Where a course requires applicants to have at least grade 6/B or higher in GCSE Mathematics we would be likely to consider a pass in Core Mathematics at a minimum grade C or B as an alternative way to fulfil this requirement. Where an A Level in Mathematics is required then Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A Level.
A Level and GCSE Mathematics requirements for our courses vary according to subject so we advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether a student's portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry onto the chosen course.
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C/4 , or;
- IELTS 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and no other sub-section below 6.0, or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
We do not offer Pre-sessional English Language courses for entry onto our undergraduate programmes within the School of Environment, Education and Development.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'. Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.
Please note that if you have obtained several English Language qualifications, we will only be able to recognise your most recent English Language qualification.
Application and selection
How to apply
How your application is considered
Skills, knowledge, abilities, interests
Returning to education
We understand that students come from many different backgrounds, with varying qualifications, careers and skills, but they often bring to their studies a high degree of motivation and experience.
We recognise that standard selection measures and procedures may not enable these learners to demonstrate fully their suitability for their chosen course.
Where appropriate, admissions officers will seek and consider alternative evidence in order to give such learners equivalent consideration. Where they deem this alternative evidence meets entry criteria fully, the learner will not be required to meet the standard academic entry requirements.Deferrals
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
We will consider applicants who have re-sat individual modules.
If you have re-sat your final examinations, we will consider your application but may require further information in order to make an informed academic judgement on your application.
Re-applications
In your new application, you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.
If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course.
If you are applying through clearing, you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.
Transfers
Course details
Course description
BSc Environmental Management with Professional Placement is a four-year degree studying the Earth's natural resources, the way in which human societies interact with them, and ways in which they can be sustainably managed.
Understanding both scientific principles and relevant policy frameworks is essential if we are to address global environmental challenges including climate change and sustainable development.
The course has a strong focus on practice, and you will study environmental processes and their management by combining small group, classroom-based learning with fieldwork.
By the time you graduate, you will have an advanced understanding of environmental systems and processes, and the policies and practices involved in their management.
You will also have gained a wide range of practice-based skills, which enhance your employability including the design and implementation of ecological surveys, conservation management, environmental appraisal and audit, environmental impact assessment, project management, and professional report writing.
Manchester is a great place to study environmental management; it is a major UK city undergoing rapid urban change, which provides an ideal base for experiencing the challenge of balancing urban development pressures with their environmental impacts.
Manchester is also ideally placed for you to learn about a wide variety of rural environments, including three spectacular National Parks, areas of intensive farming, and impressive coastlines.
The city and its surrounding environments are important resources for field teaching across your four years of study.
Special features
International fieldwork
This course has normally included a field trip to a European country during your second year, where you can put what you have learnt so far into practice.
Study abroad
Apply to spend one semester studying abroad at one of our exchange partners in Europe, the US, South East Asia and Australia.
Year in practice
Normally spend 12 months working within the dynamic world of environmental management, putting into practice the skills you learn on the degree helping you to gain your professional accreditation.
Teaching and learning
We combine traditional lecture-based teaching with tutorials, seminars and workshop sessions.
Practical subjects, such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Photoshop and SketchUp - as well as general computer skills - are taught in university computer suites.
This work is accompanied by group work and the occasional lecture session, giving you an overall hands-on learning experience.
Important notice
The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) recognises the value of fieldwork. 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 ability of fieldwork and travel to proceed, and whether any changes to proposed fieldwork and travel might be necessary, will remain subject to factors such as the:
- rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
- outcome of any risk assessments conducted by the University;
- educational value and student experience of the fieldwork, if significant changes to the proposed fieldwork would be necessary;
- availability of appropriate insurance cover;
- availability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs.
All fieldwork and travel will be subject to a rigorous risk assessment process and the implementation of any protective measures identified by the risk assessment to ensure the health and safety of all our students and staff.
In some circumstances, it may become necessary to make changes to fieldwork or programme related travel. The University will notify you of those changes at the earliest opportunity. If any fieldwork does not go ahead as planned, then the School's focus will be on seeking to offer a suitable alternative and ensure that the Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) of the programme are met.
Please note that Countries may change their immigration and visa regulations at short notice. The School cannot guarantee that where visas are required for fieldwork, they will be granted but we will take steps so that if a visa is refused, affected students are not academically disadvantaged.
Coursework and assessment
We place strong emphasis on coursework and continuous assessment.
Coursework takes a variety of forms - from essays and reports, to posters, oral presentations, team promotions, and project demonstrations (sometimes to practising professionals).
Your dissertation, which takes place in the fourth year, will draw together the different strands of the course and allow you to study a subject that really interests you.
You will work with an individual supervisor to conceive, plan, execute and write up an independent and novel piece of research.
Course content for year 1
Year 1 is a broad introduction to the background and problems of dealing with the environment in a variety of ways.
You will learn from leaders in their field as Manchester's world-class academics teach their areas of specific expertise.
You will study contemporary topics including pollution, sustainable cities and environments, urban and landscape ecology, climate change, environmental impact, and nuclear energy.
You will also receive practical training in skills such as ecological surveys, conservation management, environmental appraisal and audit, and environmental impact assessment.
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Environmental Processes and Change: The Global System | GEOG10401 | 10 | Mandatory |
Designing Sustainable Futures | PLAN10031 | 20 | Mandatory |
Applied Project | PLAN10092 | 20 | Mandatory |
Applied Environmental Science | PLAN10101 | 10 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Urban and Environmental Economics | PLAN10352 | 20 | Mandatory |
Introduction to Ecology and Conservation | PLAN10501 | 20 | Mandatory |
Rural Planning | PLAN10362 | 10 | Optional |
Course content for year 2
In Year 2, you will begin to focus on the practicalities of environmental management.
This course has normally included a field trip to a European country during your second year and you can also apply to spend one semester studying abroad at one of our exchange partners in Europe, the US, South East Asia and Australia.
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Biogeography | GEOG20771 | 20 | Mandatory |
Landscape Ecology | PLAN20062 | 20 | Mandatory |
Sustainable Development Project | PLAN20072 | 20 | Mandatory |
Environment and Development Fieldtrip | PLAN20172 | 20 | Mandatory |
Environmental Policies and Designations | PLAN20401 | 20 | Mandatory |
Professional Placement | PLAN20090 | 20 | Optional |
Course content for year 3
In your third year of study, you will normally embark on a paid work placement with an organisation engaged with the environment to apply the conceptual, digital and communication skills you practice.
Students will research potential employers with the support of Environmental Management staff.
To facilitate securing a placement, staff will utilise our database of existing contacts in local and national organisations.
However, there will be an expectation that students will research potential placements themselves, with Environmental Management staff and the University Careers Service providing additional support to obtain their chosen placement.
Information regarding placements is currently disseminated via Programme Director emails from potential placement providers.
Placements in Year 3 can only be undertaken with UK-based organisations.
In addition, you will receive guidance via a non-credit bearing set of seminars/lectures in Year Two to outline the process of obtaining a placement.
This will be delivered in both Semester 1 and 2 with the emphasis being placed on student searches in Semester 1, and Environmental Management guidance in Semester 2.
Course content for year 4
In Year 4, you will expand on themes from previous years while developing strong practice-related skills, in areas such as environmental law, environmental impact assessment, and project appraisal and auditing.
Course units for year 4
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Dissertation (UG) | PLAN30000 | 40 | Mandatory |
Research Methods | PLAN30091 | 10 | Mandatory |
Professional Practice and Ethics | PLAN30221 | 10 | Mandatory |
Conservation Management Project | PLAN30402 | 20 | Mandatory |
Environmental Planning & Protection | PLAN30731 | 20 | Mandatory |
Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Cities | PLAN30852 | 20 | Mandatory |
What our students say

I chose my course because of the urgent need to mitigate and adapt to the crisis of climate change.
I chose to study at The University of Manchester because of the political awareness of its people, and the appreciation it has for diversity and culture.
Noor Alqaffas / BSc Environmental Management student
Read more about Noor's experience in her student profile.
Facilities
You can develop your practical skills in our project studio/class, model-making workshop, specialist laboratories for fieldwork analysis, and computer suites with specialist design and spatial analysis software.
See facilities for more information.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities

Being able to study at Manchester has allowed me to network with and learn from professionals in the field I hope to work in one day.
As part of my placement with City of Trees, an environmental non-profit group that works across Greater Manchester, I was able to work across several exciting projects.
Charles Louis Anderton / BSc Environmental Management graduate
Our graduates are popular with employers, particularly in consultancy, where the ability to analyse and propose policies and implement strategies is vital.
After London, Manchester hosts the largest number of planning and environmental consultancies in the UK. Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in areas including:
- planning and environmental consultancy;
- urban design;
- environmental management;
- local government;
- urban and regional development;
- nature conservation;
- academic and practice-based research;
- project management;
- engineering;
- entrepreneurship;
- business development.
Top employers of our graduates include AECOM, ARUP, Wildlife Trusts, Atkins, BP, EDF Energy, Groundwork, the Environment Agency, Jacobs, Rolls-Royce, and the National Trust.
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.
For more information, see careers and employability
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