- UCAS course code
- F852
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
BSc Environmental Management
Duration: 3 years
Year of entry: 2026
UCAS course code: F852 / Institution code: M20
- Typical A-level offer: ABB
- Typical contextual A-level offer: BBC
- UK refugee/care-experienced offer: BBC
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 34 points overall with 6,5,5 at HL
Overview
Course overview
- Channel your passion for the environment and sustainability into learning about environmental systems, the human impacts on them, and how to manage their interactions.
- Have the option to expand on your skills by undertaking a two or four week professional work placement in your second year and learn from industry professionals.
- Gain real-world practical experience on local and international fieldtrips.
- The degree is anticipating accreditation from the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), which if received will provide professional support for your studies and future career in Environmental Management.
A study experience that makes a difference
We place social responsibility at the heart of your learning which means you can take advantage of unique ways to make a difference while studying with us, through your course or through extra-curricular activities.
- Complete our Ethical Grand Challenges to learn how you can create a better world and become more socially responsible.
- Work with an external organisation to tackle real-world sustainability problems through our University Living Lab.
- Discover subjects that broaden your horizon with our interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
Explore how you'll make your mark
Every course at Manchester contributes towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, so no matter what you're studying you'll be playing an active role in the protection of people and planet.
You will explore the following goals in your course:
- Goal 1: No poverty
Open days
On-campus open days will be available in the summer and autumn for you to come and find out more about the degree, the institution and the city.
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.
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Environment, Education and Development
- Contact name
- Recruitment & Admissions Office
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 529 4700
- ugadmissions.seed@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.seed.manchester.ac.uk/planning/
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: The School .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Entry requirements
A-level
ABB
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore 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 offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
A-level contextual offer
BBC
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore 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 offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
Contextual offers are available for applicants who:
- live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course; and
- live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education; and
- have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years.
See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
UK refugee/care-experienced offer
BBC
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore 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 offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
UK refugee/care-experienced offers are available for applicants who:
- have been looked after in care for more than three months; or
- have been granted refugee status by the UK government or have been issued a UK visa under one of the Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme).
See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
International Baccalaureate
34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects
Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.
GCSE/IGCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.
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 English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.
Other entry requirements
Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Country-specific entry requirements
English language requirements
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.
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 English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
If you need to improve your English language skills to meet the entry requirements for your academic course, the University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) summer pre-sessional courses can help. Check if your academic course offers the option of taking a pre-sessional course on the UCAE page .
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above 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
Fees and funding
Fees
Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.
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
Application and selection
How to apply
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences. Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.
The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates. If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to. Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )
How your application is considered
Skills, knowledge, abilities, interests
Returning to education
Return-to-learn students are those who have had a substantial period away from any formal learning. Often such learners have pursued careers or raised a family.
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 judgment on your application.
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.
Course details
Course description
Understanding both scientific principles and relevant policy frameworks is essential if we are to address global environmental challenges including the climate and biodiversity crises and sustainable development.
The course has a strong focus on practice and applied skills, 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, the policies and practices involved in their management and the challenges and opportunities of addressing global, national and local environmental challenges. You will be prepared for employment across different industry sectors, whether you hope to work in the private, public or charitable sectors.
You will also have gained a wide range of practice-based skills, which enhance your employability including measuring a wide range of environmental impacts in the field, conducting ecological surveys and contemporary approaches to enhancing biodiversity, undertaking environmental impact assessments (EIA), and using important digital skills such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS). During the degree you will also acquire a wide range of transferable skills including project management, presenting complex information in a range of formats and styles, professional report writing and team-working.
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 being within easy reach of three spectacular National Parks, areas of intensive and sustainable agriculture, and impressive coastlines. We are also part of a Living Lab - harnessing the power and capacity of students to affect change through applied research with external organisations on campus, in Manchester and beyond.
The city of Manchester and its surrounding environments are important resources for field teaching across your three years of study.
Special features
Gain real-world experience on work placements
In your second year, you will have the opportunity to spend time outside the University on placement with an organisation in the environmental management sector - equipping you with hands-on experience and wide-ranging environmental, sustainability or ecological skills.
International fieldwork
This course has normally included a residential field trip during your second year, usually to a European country, where you can put what you have learnt into practice in a different context. Past locations have included Porto and the Douro valley in northern Portugal where students learnt about diverse topics including renewable energy production, sustainable approaches to port wine production and wildfire risk.
Study abroad
You will normally have the opportunity to apply to spend one semester studying abroad at one of our exchange partners in Europe, the US, South East Asia and Australia.
IEMA Accreditation
The degree is currently applying for accreditation by IEMA, and once secured this will ensure you graduate with the professionally recognised GradIEMA suffix, signifying that you are part of the next generation of sustainability leaders and enabling you to fast track an application to practitioner status once you have gained sufficient employment experience.
Teaching and learning
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.
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, and project demonstrations (sometimes to practising professionals). We also incorporate lots of opportunities for feedback on non-assessed work so that you can be confident about your progress.
Your dissertation, which takes place in the third 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 focused on providing a broad introduction to the diverse field of environmental management, and ensuring a baseline knowledge in the science of Earth's systems and human impacts on them.
As well as studying introductory topics in environmental management, many course units will normally incorporate field work where you learn practical skills in measuring the baseline conditions or human impacts in different environments.
You will learn from leaders in their field as Manchester's world-class academics teach their areas of specific expertise.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEOG10401 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN10031 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN10092 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN10101 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN10352 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN10502 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN10601 | 20 | Mandatory |
Course content for year 2
In Year 2, you will begin to focus on developing an understanding of the wide range of different societal responses to environmental challenges, and developing practical skills in undertaking your own environmental research.
This year also provides you with an opportunity to start tailoring your degree to your specific interests with optional course units. You can also normally apply to spend one semester studying abroad at one of our exchange partners in Europe, North America, South East Asia and Australia.
This year also starts to develop your skills in collecting and analysing environmental data ready for conducting independent research in your third year. As part of this, the course normally includes a residential field visit to a European country where you can apply your learning in a different context.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLAN20062 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN20521 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN26011 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN26022 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN26032 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| GEOG20091 | 20 | Optional | |
| PLAN20090 | 20 | Optional | |
| PLAN20190 | 10 | Optional | |
| UCIL33201 | 10 | Optional | |
| UCIL33501 | 20 | Optional |
Course content for year 3
In Year 3, you will undertake a piece of independent research on a topic of your choice - your dissertation. To help you through this process, you will be guided by one of our internationally recognised academics specialising in environmental management. Your research may be field-based, undertaking desk studies or making use of our specialist School laboratory facilities.
Alongside your dissertation, you will learn more advanced knowledge and skills in managing the environment. You will have even more chance to shape this learning in your final year to your particular area of interest, by choosing from a range of optional course units.
Course units for year 3
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLAN30000 | 40 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN30402 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| PLAN30671 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| GEOG30702 | 20 | Optional | |
| GEOG31042 | 20 | Optional | |
| PLAN30631 | 20 | Optional | |
| PLAN30852 | 20 | Optional | |
| PLAN36051 | 20 | Optional | |
| PLAN36061 | 20 | Optional |
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
Facilities
You can develop your practical skills in a wide range of field study locations, specialist laboratories for fieldwork analysis, and computer suites with specialist spatial analysis software.
See facilities for more information.
Disability support
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service.
For more information, email dass@manchester.ac.uk
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 Environmental Management graduates are sought by a wide range of employers.
A popular graduate route is employment in environmental consultancies, where students work to meet client needs on a wide range of areas from conducting sustainability appraisals and environmental impact assessments, designing and delivering renewable energy projects through to conducting ecological surveys.
Many students help to deliver bespoke projects or analyse, propose or develop policies or implement strategies as part of their day-to-day work.
Additionally, many of our graduates go on to work in the public sector, including national and local government, implementing and shaping policies in a wide range of different environmental sectors.
A significant proportion of our graduates also gain employment in the third sector, including working for national and international organisations working in nature conservation, waste management and reduction, sustainable food production or green energy schemes. Some of the specific careers
After London, Manchester hosts the largest number of planning and environmental consultancies in the UK.
Top employers of our graduates include AECOM, ARUP, , Atkins, BP, EDF Energy, the Environment Agency, Groundwork, HM Government, Jacobs, National Trust, Rolls-Royce, and the Wildlife Trusts.
If you decide not to follow a career in the environmental sector, 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 .
Accrediting organisations
The degree is currently applying for accreditation from the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), which if received will provide professional support for your career in Environmental Management.
Associated organisations
Regulated by the Office for Students
The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.
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.