Overview
- Degree awarded
- Master of Science
- Duration
- 12 - 60 months
- Entry requirements
-
We require an Upper Second (2:1) Class Honours degree in a science subject (or the overseas equivalent).
If you do not have a 2:1, but have relevant work experience, you may be considered.
If you are an international student, and are looking for a general guide on entry and language requirements for your country, please visit our country-specific information pages .
- How to apply
-
The application deadline is 7 September 2026.
Applying to the on-campus course: If you would like to study this course full-time in Manchester, you can apply to the on campus course by visiting MSc Pollution and Environmental Control course page.
Course options
| Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSc | N | N | Y | N |
Course description
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2026, the tuition fees are as follows:
-
MSc (full-time distance learning)
UK students (per annum): £13,700
International, including EU, students (per annum): £17,300
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).
Contact details
- Department
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Contact name
- Manchester Study Online
- studyonline@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.
Entry requirements
Academic entry qualification overview
We require an Upper Second (2:1) Class Honours degree in a science subject (or the overseas equivalent).
If you do not have a 2:1, but have relevant work experience, you may be considered.
If you are an international student, and are looking for a general guide on entry and language requirements for your country, please visit our country-specific information pages .
English language
If you are not from, or did not graduate from a majority English speaking country , we will also require proof of your English language ability. If you already have an English language qualification, please include your certificate with your application.
We accept:
- IELTS academic test score of 6.5 overall, with no component score below 6.0, or equivalent. Discover more about English language requirements .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
The application deadline is 7 September 2026.
Applying to the on-campus course: If you would like to study this course full-time in Manchester, you can apply to the on campus course by visiting MSc Pollution and Environmental Control course page.
Advice to applicants
To speed up the application process, please submit the following documents with your online application form:
1. Copies of official degree certificates and transcripts of your previous study, showing the subjects taken and grades obtained. If these documents are in languages other than English, please provide official translations in addition to your official certificates and transcripts.
2. English language score report (if applicable) or alternative evidence to demonstrate your English language competency.
3. A copy of your CV detailing your full work experience.
4. Personal statement of up to 500 words, addressing the following questions:
- What attracts you to this course?
- What do you hope to gain from this course and how will it help you achieve your goals?
Course details
Course description
Aims
Knowledge and understanding
- Explain the mechanisms by which pollution arises and is transmitted into the environment.
- Define pollution and general approaches to its control, and use knowledge of dispersion and diffusion in predictive models of pollution.
- Analyse and quantify the impact of pollution and resource utilisation on humans and the environment.
- Critique key research questions and examine and differentiate methodologies applied to pollution emission, mobility, transformation and damage.
- Apply mathematical models to describe simple environmental systems and investigate the problems they can help solve.
- Use a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods and tools for research and be able to appraise the research process.
- Evaluate policy instruments used to control resource use and waste generation and disposal to mitigate environmental impact.
Intellectual skills
- Understand the relationship between theory and its application to specific research environments and questions.
- Analyse and synthesise environmental model output from different data formats and present results. Describe assumptions of different modelling approaches in environmental sciences.
- Utilise a multidisciplinary approach, apply rigour to evidence-based problem solving and integrate knowledge to form a logical argument.
Practical skills
- Make measurements and critique the quality of those made by others.
- Collect and record qualitative and quantitative data.
- Select appropriate techniques for measurement and analysis of gases, aerosols, fluids, and solids by applying knowledge of how instruments work.
- Evaluate the use of field and laboratory studies in understanding and solving environmental problems arising from human activities.
Professional transferable skills and personal qualities
- Communicate effectively using a range of formats, and argue a case effectively.
- Perform laboratory and fieldwork ethically and safely, demonstrating an awareness of the importance of risk assessment.
- Demonstrate the interpersonal skills required of effective team members.
- Operate independently, direct your own learning and manage your time.
Teaching and learning
Using content and materials for the on-campus version of this course, this version is delivered entirely online through a virtual learning environment (VLE). It features a combination of delivery methods so you can work at your own pace and fit your study around existing commitments.
Online lectures, instructor-led online labs and computer practicals are supplemented with videos and reading lists that can be worked through at your own pace. Real-life connection complements this offer, with discussion forums, Q&A sessions and group tutorials.
Wherever you are in the world, you’ll benefit from field study, with virtual field trips available online, including site information, field data and online audio and video guides to help you engage with the visit.
Library services
As a student with The University of Manchester, you will have full use of our extensive library services, including access to e-books and research journals.
You’ll be assigned a dedicated study support advisor who will be your first point of contact for study-related questions and help with your virtual learning environment (VLE).
Technical requirements
Please review the technical requirements to prepare for a successful learning journey with us.
Find the answers to our frequently asked questions about studying online.
Course unit list
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Measuring and Predicting 1 | EART60061 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Measuring and Predicting 2 | EART60071 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Research Project | EART60372 | 60 | Mandatory |
| Environmental Monitoring and Modelling | EART62012 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Pollutant Mobility and Transformation | EART62022 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Human Impacts on the Biosphere | EART62051 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Environmental MSc Tutorial | EART62062 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Pollution Management in Practice 2 | EART63012 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Pollution Management in Practice 1 | EART66001 | 15 | Mandatory |
Additional fee information
Total course tuition fees for 2026 are:
- UK - £13,700
- International - £17,300
Alumni discounts:
The University of Manchester provides alumni discounts for further study:
- Manchester Alumni Loyalty Discount(10%): If you completed your undergraduate studies at The University of Manchester or Manchester Metropolitan University (Manchester Met), or you’re currently in your final year at either institution, you may be eligible.
In some cases, this discount can be combined with other course-specific discounts. Please check the eligibility criteria onour Manchester Alumni Loyalty Discount page .
- Alumni Discount for Online Courses (up to 15%):If you have successfully completed a credit-bearing qualification at The University of Manchester or UMIST, you may be eligible for an alumni discount of up to 15% on tuition fees for online courses. This discount cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.
Please note: Only one alumni discount can be applied.
Additional discounts:
- Application discount (10%): Apply on or before 30 June 2026 to receive 10% reduction on your tuition fee. To be eligible, you will need to submit your application on or before 30 June 2026 and if offered a place, you will need to accept your offer within two weeks from the date of the offer.
Please note, the Manchester Alumni Loyalty Discount can be combined with the above discount.
Discounts and scholarships policy
Discounts and scholarships are not cumulative. If you qualify for more than one, you will be awarded the one that is the highest amount.
Explore more funding options
Visit our funding pages to learn about financial support for online students, including available funding opportunities, payment plans, and answers to common questions.
The advertised fee covers your tuition. It does not cover your accommodation, travel costs or any other expenses that you may incur when attending face-to-face conferences/workshops/masterclasses/field trips.
Scholarships and bursaries
We're committed to helping students access further education.
If you're joining us from Uganda, Ethiopia, Rwanda or Tanzania, you can apply for this scholarship.