- UCAS course code
- F905
- UCAS institution code
- M20
MEnvSci Environmental Science with a Research Placement
Year of entry: 2024
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Overview
- Degree awarded
- Master of Environmental Sci
- Duration
- 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
AAA, including specific subjects .
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
AAB including specific subjects .
Find 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
-
36 points overall with 6,6,6 at Higher Level, including at least one science subject.
We will accept Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS .
- Sustainable Development Goals
Find out how this course aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:
- Goal 13: Climate action
- Goal 14: Life below water
- Goal 15: Life on land
- UCAS course code
- F905
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Study humanity's effect on nature as well as how physical, chemical and biological processes maintain and interact with all life on Earth on this 4 year integrated master's (MEnvSci) degree.
- Tackle pressing issues such as ensuring that human has access to clean water and air, and the resources required for agriculture and industrial activity.
- Head to geologically and environmentally fascinating locations in the UK and abroad on cv-enhancing field trips that will equip you with transferable skills.
- Spend Year 3 of your degree working full-time in one of the world's leading research labs.
- Study at a UK top 10 university for Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences. (THE World Rankings 2023)
Open days
For details of the next University Undergraduate Open Days, please visit the main University website to register online.
You can now watch Virtual Open Day sessions on demand . The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences have hosted virtual subject sessions which you can stream to learn more about our undergraduate degree programmes.
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2024 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £33,500 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
The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.
For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our undergraduate student finance pages and the Department funding pages .
![](https://assets.manchester.ac.uk/corporate/images/design/sdg/logo-transparent.png)
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 courses address.
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
- Admissions Office
- Telephone
- +44 161 306 0888
- ug-earth-sci@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.ees.manchester.ac.uk/
- School/Faculty overview
-
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 .
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
AAA, including at least one science subject.
Subjects considered to be science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Geology, Environmental Science, and Geography.
If Geography is the only science subject being taken, applicants may first be required to attend an interview online or in person to assess their suitability for the course.
If you miss the MEarthSci/MEnvSci grades, but meet the BSc grades (ABB), you will automatically be considered for the BSc option.
If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year .
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.
Contextual offer
AAB including specific subjects.
If Geography is the only science subject being taken, the offer will typically specify an A in Geography and applicants may first be required to attend an interview online or in person to assess their suitability for the course.
If you miss the MEarthSci/MEnvSci grades, but meet the BSc grades (BBB), you will automatically be considered for the BSc option.
Find out more about contextual admissions .
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.
Duration of A-level study
Your application will be considered against the standard selection process of your chosen course if you either:
a) sat your examinations early;
or
b) followed an accelerated curriculum and spent three years studying A-levels where the examinations were taken over two years.
If you are 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 for that subject.
AS-level
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, typically a minimum of five GCSEs/iGCSEs, including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least grade 4/C in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and grade 6/B in GCSE/iGCSE Mathematics.
GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
Including grade 1 or 2 in the Oral exam component, if applicable.
International Baccalaureate
36 points overall with 6,6,6 at Higher Level, including at least one science subject.
We will accept Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
Other international entry requirements
Scottish requirements
Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:
Three Advanced Highers with grades AAB, including at least one science subject.
Or
Two Advanced Highers with grades AB, including at least one science subject, and two Highers with grades AA in additional subjects.
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 Department Admissions Team.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and would consider this qualification at grade A when taken with two A-levels at grades AA, including at least one science subject.
European Baccalaureate
AQA Baccalaureate
The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A-levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate.
The A-level requirements for the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences are AAA, including at least one science subject.
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
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme.
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester International Foundation Programme in are required to achieve grades AAA, including least one science subject, and grade B in English for Academic Purposes (EAP).
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation Programme are required to achieve AAA, including least one science subject, and grade B in English for Academic Purposes (EAP).
Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the Department Admissions Team 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 Applied Science National Extended Diploma with grades DDD which must include distinctions in all mandatory science units.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma
We consider the National Diploma with grades DD when taken with one science A-level with grade A.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma
We consider the National Foundation Diploma with grade D when taken with two A-levels with grades AA, including at least one science subject.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate
We consider the National Extended Certificate with grade D when taken with two A-levels with grades AA, including at least one science subject.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate
We do not consider the National Certificate for entry to this course.
Legacy BTEC qualifications
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (with grade D or above) and two A-levels with grades AA, including at least one science subject.
We do not consider the BTEC Certificate for entry to this course.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Department Admissions Team.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDD, plus one science A-level with grade A.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DD, plus one science A-level at grade A.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC).
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grade D, plus two A-levels with grades AA, including at least one science subject.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D, plus two A-levels with grades AA, including at least one science subject.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate (CTEC)
We do not consider the Technical Certificate for entry to this course.
Legacy CTEC qualifications
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma and CTEC Subsidiary Diploma. The grades required are likely to be the same or very similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Department Admissions Team
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 distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.
The specific course requirements are 45 graded credits at Level 3 with a minimum of 39 credits at Distinction, 15 of which must be in a science, and remaining 6 credits at Merit. We may request a copy of your modules.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, D3 in Principal subjects, including at least one science subject.
We also consider applicants offering a mix of Pre-U Principal Subjects and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall are taken.
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions.
If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year .
T Level
We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this course. The University does accept specific T Level qualifications on a number of courses please review to our T Level information page for a full list.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies).
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 made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.
We advise students to contact the academic Department, who will clarify whether their specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to their chosen course.
Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A-level.
Home-schooled applicants
If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course.
We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. Please refer to UCAS for further information.
If you are a home-schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the Department Admissions Team.
Non-standard educational routes
Mature applicants who are returning to studies after a break from formal education will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the Department Admissions Team directly. Further information for mature students can be found on our website.
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 4/C
-
IELTS 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each sub-skill
-
TOEFL iBT 90 with no less than 20 in all other subscores
-
An acceptable equivalent qualification
Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above.
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Our common first year provides a solid foundation for both our Earth and Planetary Sciences and Environmental Sciences degrees. Should your interests shift in your first year of study, you have the flexibility to transfer to other degrees in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences in first year, subject to academic achievement.
Eligibility for continuation onto the fourth year of the MEarthSci/MEnvSci programmes is based on your marks at the end of second year and/or third year. If you are not eligible you will be transferred to the BSc programme.
Factors contributing to a successful application include:
-
past academic performance;
-
predicted academic performance;
-
enthusiasm for, and realistic grasp of, chosen degree programme;
-
evidence of interpersonal skills and non-academic interests/achievements.
Further guidance on how to apply can be found on our How to apply webpage .
Your referee should give realistic grade predications for all qualifications that you are currently studying at the top of their reference. If you attend a non-UK school or college that does not provide predicted grades your referee should explain this policy within their reference.
Where you have mitigating circumstances these should be reported to your education provider and relevant exam board. We cannot make further allowances.
We would normally only consider applicants who obtained the relevant qualification within the three years prior to entry. Applicants who have left education for more than three years should contact the Department Admissions Team to discuss their particular circumstances.
You should not normally apply for more than one course offered by the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at The University of Manchester. Applicants who miss the MEarthSci/MEnvSci grades at confirmation, but who meet the BSc grades, will automatically be considered for the BSc option. Please contact the Department Admissions Team for advice if you are planning to apply for more than one course.
How your application is considered
All applications are considered on an individual basis once we receive a formal application through UCAS which includes details of the subjects taken and grades achieved, a personal statement, academic reference and your predicted grades (if you have not yet taken your final examinations). Candidates may also be interviewed online or in person.
All applicants should be aware that information provided in the personal statement may be used as the basis for further discussion during an interview.
Further information and advice on writing your personal statement and the UCAS application process can be found on the UCAS website .
Deferrals
Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation.
Deferred entry is granted at the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and two years at the maximum in exceptional circumstances.
Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.
We normally guarantee a place in the current year should an applicant's gap year plans change. However, this is subject to availability of places.
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Policy for applicants who take their examinations in more than one sitting
Re-applications
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again.
Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. 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
We are one of the largest Earth and Environmental Sciences departments in the UK, with global reach.
This creates excellent learning, research and employment opportunities for our students.
Mike Burton / Head of Department, Professor of Volcanology
Our MEnvSci Environmental Science with Research Placement course is a 4 year degree programme that will give you significant research experience by allowing you to spend a year outside Manchester working full-time in one of the world's leading research labs. During your research placement you will become a scientist by producing original results at the forefront of your chosen field. After your year of research, you will return to Manchester and take Year 4 courses, including an independent research project.
Our course applies a broad interdisciplinary perspective to understanding how the world works. This approach enables us to tackle pressing problems, such as ensuring that human needs are met in a sustainable way, so that everyone has access to clean water and air, and the resources required for agriculture and industrial activity.
Environmental Science is focussed on a holistic understanding of Earth systems in order to learn from the past, comprehend the present and influence the future. It is the study of how physical, chemical and biological processes maintain and interact with life, and includes the study of how humans affect nature. As Environmental Science is at the cross-roads of the natural sciences, it provides an enriching alternative to a single-subject honours degree, and can open the door to an exciting range of career options.
During your time with us you will be a part of a dynamic community trying to answer some of the most pressing global issues that we all face. Your work could make a contribution to solving some of the world's greatest challenges.
Course structure
Our MEnvSci in Environmental Science with a Research Placement is a four year degree which offers you the flexibility to tailor your interest in environmental science to one of three pathways:
- Pollution and environmental processes;
- Atmospheric and climate science;
- Ecology, evolution and conservation biology.
The department
We are a Department of environmental scientists, geologists, chemists, mathematicians, biologists, physicists and computer scientists, who work together to study the Earth and planets. Our degrees cover the full breadth of earth and environmental sciences, reflecting the main research themes that are fundamental to the work we do in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
The reputation of Earth and Planetary Science at The University of Manchester's Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences rests on our world-leading interdisciplinary research into processes operating on, within and beyond the Earth. This research incorporates biological, chemical, physical and environmental aspects of the world and solar system we live in. The close alignment between our teaching and research ensures that units are delivered by scholars who are at the forefront of their disciplines.
Skills
Our course will equip you with an armoury of skills to take into the world of work, including the ability to analyse problems, to work collaboratively as part of a team, and to develop field, laboratory, numeracy and communication skills.
Special features
- Work full-time in one of the world's leading labs alongside world-leading scientists and produce original results at the forefront of your chosen field in the third year of your degree;
- An integrated natural science first year, tailored to the Earth, planets and their environments, allows you to discover where your interests lie;
- Develop knowledge and practical skills to address matters of significance to the economic and environmental wellbeing of society;
- Our flexible course structure allows you to customise your studies to your interests, following one of three pathways after Year 1, providing an ideal gateway to your career;
- Field trips are a key component of our undergraduate degrees, providing you the opportunity to travel to fascinating locations in the UK and abroad in every year. Fees include all compulsory, taught field courses. Previous locations include: Spain; France; Guatemala; Italy; Montserrat; Nicaragua; Scotland; USA and Wales;
- Undertake a final-year research project of your choice working alongside world-leading scientists using state-of-the-art research facilities.
Teaching and learning
How will you learn?
We take pride in our excellent teaching standards, our distinguished lecturers and research staff ensure that you have all the support available to develop your learning, skills and employability prospects.
You will benefit from a wide range of teaching and learning methods that suit the content and aims of each course unit, including:
- Formal lectures;
- Laboratory classes;
- Field classes;
- Small-group tutorials.
Two-thirds of your contact time will be focussed on the development of practical skills. Teamwork, problem-solving and field work play a key role in integrating all the elements of your subject, and will also develop transferable skills across areas of specialisation, enabling you to succeed in your future career.
Field work
Field work is a key component of our undergraduate degrees and is an essential part of all our courses and provides a unique learning experience:
- Field work gives you the chance to apply knowledge learned in lectures and practical classes to real settings, allowing you to develop the skills of a professional earth and environmental scientist, such as observing, collecting, recording and interpreting a range of data;
- Venues vary from classic areas of the British Isles to locations across the globe. Field courses are tailored to meet the needs of each pathway;
- Most field courses are residential and provide a great chance to form friendships with staff and your fellow students in an informal setting, and to travel and experience different cultures.
Lecturers and World-Leading Researchers
Our department has a diverse mix of respected lecturers and research staff who are at the forefront of their fields. Find out more about our lecturers, researchers and support staff in the department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, including information about their specific areas of interest and research, qualifications and publications.
Personal Academic Advisor
Throughout your degree course, you'll be assigned an Academic Advisor, who is there to support you and give advice about any academic issues throughout the duration of your course. Your advisor will be able to help you with the transition from school or college to university, and can help you get to grips with studying and learning more independently. They'll also be able to help you develop your skills in academic writing or research, making presentations, or any other skills that are specific to your degree programme.
Peer Support scheme
Our peer support scheme is one of the largest in Europe. Peer mentors are higher-year students on the same degree programme as you, who will help you find your feet when you arrive here and adjust to student life. As they'll have already been a student at Manchester for at least a year, they should be able to help you with anything you might be worried or unsure about.
PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions)
Led by volunteer students, PASS sessions will often be based around a specific area of study. You'll have the opportunity to consolidate and build on your existing knowledge through discussion with other students in an informal and supportive environment, where you can compare notes, analyse, ask questions and talk through ideas.
Research project
You'll also undertake an independent project in Year 4 that is tailored to your chosen pathway.
Coursework and assessment
This course is assessed by a variety of methods, including:
- Exams;
- Essays and written assignments;
- Projects;
- Oral and written presentations;
- Field assessment.
We place a strong emphasis on practical skills and project work. Around one-third of your assessment in Year 3 and half in Year 4 will be based on independent research projects.
Course content for year 1
Our first year will introduce you to the modern way we study the Earth. The emphasis in the first year is on building foundational knowledge in the natural sciences, tailored to the Earth, planets and their environments, and on developing practical and transferrable skills.
During this year you will study the principles that underlie all our pathways and will receive one-on-one advice to help you choose your preferred pathway at the end of the first year. Every first year student will be supported by our peer mentoring schemes and small group work with an academic tutor.
The first year units will develop your theoretical knowledge, your numerical, field and laboratory skills, and aid your professional development:
Course units for year 1
The first year is composed of three units which run across the academic year. Two thirds of your time will be spent in practical and field-based activities. Each unit is worth 40 out of a total of 120 credits.
Unit 1: Understanding the Earth
This unit will provide you with an understanding of evolution of the Earth within our solar system, the establishment of Earth cycles including the development of plate tectonics, the atmosphere and the oceans. You will study the history of life on Earth from first life through to the rise of humans, how we utilise energy and resources, and how Earth systems will evolve in the future.
Unit 2: The Natural Scientists Toolkit
In this unit you will study the chemistry, physics and biology of the Earth and planets as integrated systems. You will develop skills in numeracy and scientific problem solving, learn programming, and apply numerical models to analyse the chemistry and physics of the Earth and its environment.
Unit 3: Practical Skills
Practical classes fieldwork and professional skill development make up a large part of the course. This unit is composed of three parts.
Field Work
You will take part in regular field days throughout semester 1 covering the breadth of the course, for example, explore planetary science at Jodrell bank and geology in the Derbyshire Peak District that is on our door step. You will attend a residential field course in semester 2 that is focused on your preferred degree pathway
Laboratory Skill Development
You'll be introduced to the key observational, laboratory and field skills that you'll need as an Earth scientist.
The Professional Scientist and Society
Our course will equip you with an armory of skills to take into the world of work, including the ability to analyse problems, to work collaboratively as part of a team, and to communicate effectively to different audiences.
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 |
---|---|---|---|
DEES First Year PASS | EART10020 | 0 | Mandatory |
Understanding the Earth | EART11100 | 40 | Mandatory |
The Natural Scientist's Toolkit | EART11200 | 40 | Mandatory |
Practical and Professional Skills Development | EART11300 | 40 | Mandatory |
Course content for year 2
In year 2 you will tailor your studies to your own academic interests by focusing on a particular aspect of the Earth's environmental system. Each pathway consists of the series of core units and extends topics from your first year, introducing new areas in your area of specialisation.
Available Pathways are:
Pollution and Environmental Processes - On this pathway you'll study climate change, biodiversity and environmental management, pollution and control, population dynamics, ecosystems and urbanisation, tackling some of the global grand and pressing problems that will ensure human needs are met in a sustainable way.
Atmospheric and Climate Science - Understanding the atmosphere allows us to address a wide range of societal and environmental issues, including weather forecasting, urban air quality, pollutant transport and climate change. On this pathway you'll focus on the atmosphere and its relationship to the Earth system, as well as to society.
Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology - The Earth is the only known planet supporting life. The history of the Earth is intertwined with the history of life, and the world is both shaped by, and shapes, the organisms alive today. This pathway focuses on understanding those relationships .
Students on the Industrial Experience programme are responsible for finding their placement during the second year. You will be supported in this by our careers service and the industrial placement academic tutor, who will offer help in finding a placement and advice on CV preparation, the application process and interview/assessment centre preparation. Our annual careers fair involves many placement providers and you will also have the opportunity to receive advice from students who have been successful in obtaining placements in previous years.
Eligibility for continuation on this MEnvSci programme is at our discretion, based on your general performance and your second year mark. If you are not eligible you will be transferred to the BSc programme.
Course content for year 3
Your third year will be spent undertaking a year-long placement. Students who take this degree will find themselves working full-time in one of the world's leading research labs. You will gain experience in a professional research setting and make connections with world-leading researchers. You will report your results in a scientific paper which will be marked at Manchester. You will also complete 20 credit units by distance learning.
Course content for year 4
Scholarships and bursaries
The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.
For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our undergraduate student finance pages and our the Department funding pages .
Facilities
We teach our practical sessions in custom-designed, well-equipped laboratories with enough space for you to have your own microscope and work comfortably on your own or in a group.
All our courses are driven and inspired by the latest research in the department, so we also give you access to our most advanced and sophisticated research facilities:
Teaching resources
- Innovative, research-led, eLearning tools to enhance your understanding;
- A well-equipped, dedicated undergraduate study area providing a place for relaxation and somewhere to work with your fellow students within the Department;
- Close supervision and pastoral care by an academic staff member during the whole degree course.
World-leading research facilities
- Analytical geochemistry unit, for analysing water and solid geological matter;
- Scanning Electron Microscope - for imaging a wide range of samples, from polished rock sections to bacteria to Egyptian mummies;
- Cameca electron probe - used for the quantitative analysis of a wide variety of geological samples In-situ and remote sensing instrumentation for the study of clouds, aerosols, radiation and dynamics;
- Advanced isotope geochemistry and cosmochemistry suite.
The Manchester Museum
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences has close links with the Manchester Museum and its extensive geological collections.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
I feel incredibly proud to have studied here.
The University has helped me to gain contacts from an industry that I never thought I'd be remotely interested in and have truly provided a platform on which I can succeed. Without their help and support, the opportunities I have been fortunate enough to experience would never have happened.
Matt Petinaud / Environmental Science Graduate, Carbon and Energy Consultant at Envantage
Study at one of the most targeted Universities in the UK for top graduate employers* and enrich your employability with a degree in Environmental Science.
We work closely together with employers to ensure that the training our undergraduates receive during their Environmental Science degree equips them for getting a great graduate job and excelling in it.
Our contacts in industry highlight the key skills they desire in our graduates. Key amongst these is an enthusiasm for learning. Your grounding in maths, physics, chemistry and biology will provide you with opportunities to work in a range of fields. Typical professions our graduates go on to include:
- Scientific research;
- Atmospheric science;
- Public policy;
- Environmental consultancy and earth resources;
- Teaching;
And our graduates have secured roles with prestigious employers including:
- Atkins;
- KPMG;
- RSK;
- the Met Office;
- United Utilities
- the Environment Agency.
In the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences we are passionate about our work on climate science, ecosystem conservation, micro-plastic pollution, dinosaur evolution, volcanoes, Earth's formation and the distribution of resources within it. This passion is shared with our students, producing an enthusiasm and capacity for learning which serves them throughout their careers and lives.
Research Placement
Undertake a final-year research project of your choice working alongside world-leading scientists using state-of-the-art research facilities.
Nurturing dynamic skill sets
Further key skills sought by graduate employers are flexible problem-solving using a variety of approaches, teamwork, communication skills, numeracy and computer programming. Our graduates are trained in these skills from day one of their degrees.
Internships
With our support, Manchester undergraduates successfully apply each year for highly competitive summer internships across the globe. Prestigious destinations include the Juneau Icefield Research Programme: Mass Balance. Many students also gain prestigious industrial placements such as working in Group Manufacturing Sustainability at UniLever.
Accrediting organisations
This programme is accredited by the Committee of Heads of Environmental Sciences (CHES), the education committee of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES). CHES is the collective voice of the environmental sciences academic community and serves to enhance the quality of environmental education worldwide.
A programme accredited by CHES is assured to meet high standards, contain a strong component of practical, field and theoretical activities, and has excellent opportunities for training, work experience and links to the professional environmental sector. Students enrolled on CHES accredited programmes can apply for free Student Membership of the IES and for a fast-track route to membership once they graduate, starting you on a route towards becoming a Chartered Environmentalist or Chartered Scientist.