The global impacts of climate change are one of the biggest threats facing the world today. Develop your understanding of climate change and the processes which contribute to contemporary environmental problems and threaten to transform our environment.
Introduction
You will gain the skills and techniques to allow you to reconstruct recent environmental change, along with methods of contemporary monitoring and the context for predicted possible future consequences.
Through a mix of lectures, independent group study, coursework field work and laboratory work, you will develop your analytical research skills so you’ll be able to to conduct first-class research in the field of environment and climate change.
Facilities that you will use during your master’s have recently benefited from substantial investment, meaning you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. Studying Environment and Climate Change at master’s level will allow you to draw upon staff expertise from across the School of Environmental Sciences.
Who is this course for?
This programme is perfect for graduates with a degree in an environmental subject (or relevant experience) who want to develop climate change research and influence sustainability policy at all levels.
What you'll learn
An understanding of the principles of palaeoenvironmental reconstruction as a means of obtaining information about long-term environmental processes
The methods of construction, applications of and strengths and weaknesses of global climate models as well as manipulating climatic time-series
An understanding of the Earth’s atmospheric and oceanic systems at various temporal and spatial scales
The main drivers of environmental change during the Quaternary and the Holocene (the present interglacial period)
The impacts of long-term human activities on the terrestrial and marine environment
Training in the use of advanced laboratory techniques such as magnetic, bio-geochemical, sedimentological, environmental modelling techniques and microfossils
Independent thinking, critical insights, leadership, team work and a sound understanding of environmental issues (from global to local). Knowledge of regulations and policies at local government level.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
In semester one, you will undertake four modules that will introduce you to studying Environment and Climate Change at master’s level. Including learning how to conduct in-depth research, how to present your findings, understanding quantitative research methods, how to navigate the political response to climate change, and techniques in soil and sediment sampling.
You’ll get time in the laboratory to learn a number of techniques to support your time on the course, along with time out in the field developing your knowledge of environments such as lakes, peat-bogs, wetland, salt-marshes, and fluvial settings.
Compulsory modules
Introduction to Environment and Climate Change (ENVS425)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
One week of equivalent field days in the northwest British Isles with good access to lakes, peat-bogs, coastal systems, rivers, etc. The field days can comprise either a residential week or the equivalent of local/laboratory days. The module comprises a series of introductory days training in field skills using state-of-the-art research locations. Each comprises the field skills and follow on laboratory analysis. Following the training, in small groups the students develop a project with their own questions applied at one of the field locations reconstructing evidence for environmental changes, e.g., how sea level has changed over 10,000 years, how lakes record evidence of floods, how peat bogs record changes in climate.
Research in Anthropocene Environments (ENVS485)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Research in Anthropocene Environments provides an opportunity for students to be introduced to, and focus on a wide range of potential topics at an early stage in their MSc studies, providing insight into how research spanning this broad theme is undertaken. The only condition for the topic that students select is that it addresses an aspect of an Anthropocene environment (defined here as one which is directly or indirectly human influenced). It is delivered by staff from across the School of Environmental Sciences whose research is intimately linked to the module title, also allowing students to gain a better insight into the wide range of topics that fall under this theme and what research is done in the school. Staff also talk briefly about their own paths into academia to highlight how research ideas and interests evolve. It is assessed by an abstract and a combined large poster/short oral presentation. The latter occurs during a day of presentations, which is designed to mimic an academic conference.
Politics of the Environment (ENVS525)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Over the last decade the environment, and perhaps more importantly the concept of sustainable development, is claimed to have become a critical dimension that underpins decision making at a variety of different spatial scales, more particularly international, European, national, regional and local arenas. In this module we explore the extent to which environmental concerns are taken into account in various decision-making processes within the public, private and third sectors. The module will be assessed by an essay (50%) and an open book exam (50%) which provides students with significant choice to explore those parts of the module they find most interesting.
Physical Properties of Environmental Archives and Modelling Approach (ENVS433)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module introduces the theory and practice of a number of advanced analytical methods which are commonly applied to a wide range of sedimentary archives. It will also teach how to use laboratory techniques in combination in order to produce environmental reconstructions from core sediments usually collected during the Field Class (ENVS425). The module will focus on two aspects: 1) the physical properties of sediment archives in view of establishing records of environmental changes; 2) the modelling approaches for assessing impact of environmental changes.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Semester two
In semester two, you’ll get more chances to work in the field, in the lab, in the classroom, and with your peers as you learn about modes of operation, micropalaeontology, urban air pollution, and timescales of variation and drivers of the global climate system.
You’ll also get the opportunity to work with us to develop the skills you will need to undertake your dissertation: project management, developing a research hypothesis, conducting a literature review, and more.
Compulsory modules
Research in Anthropocene Environments (ENVS485)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Research in Anthropocene Environments provides an opportunity for students to be introduced to, and focus on a wide range of potential topics at an early stage in their MSc studies, providing insight into how research spanning this broad theme is undertaken. The only condition for the topic that students select is that it addresses an aspect of an Anthropocene environment (defined here as one which is directly or indirectly human influenced). It is delivered by staff from across the School of Environmental Sciences whose research is intimately linked to the module title, also allowing students to gain a better insight into the wide range of topics that fall under this theme and what research is done in the school. Staff also talk briefly about their own paths into academia to highlight how research ideas and interests evolve. It is assessed by an abstract and a combined large poster/short oral presentation. The latter occurs during a day of presentations, which is designed to mimic an academic conference.
Monitoring Urban Air Pollution (ENVS666)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
Liverpool’s air quality, much like many other UK’s cities, is some of the worst in Europe. Whilst we might understand how it is produced, complex urban layouts and meteorological conditions make it almost impossible to understand how it mixes, disperses and stagnates in our cities; the only way in which we can monitor this is to sense our cities. This research-based module focuses on students using statistical tools to interpret data from University of Liverpool outdoor pollution sensors, Liverpool City Council outdoor sensors, and Government sensors, as well your own sensor that students construct as part of this module. The module content will be provided in the first three weeks after which students will work on research-based projects, with intensive supervision. The module’s assessment gives students a taste of both the industry driven and academic world trhough a consultancy style group report and mimicking the process of presenting a paper at an acacemic conference.
Introduction to Quaternary Micropalaeontology (ENVS542)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module intends to give a holistic insight of a number of marine and terrestrial microfossils that are conventionally used for reconstructing past environmental conditions for the Quaternary period, including recent past. Microfossils are biological indicators that can help to either qualitatively and/or quantitatively estimate environmental conditions such as atmospheric temperature and precipitation (pollen), sea-surface conditions (foraminifera, diatoms, radiolaria, dinoflagellate cysts), salinity (ostracods, diatom), pH (diatoms), sea-ice cover (diatoms, dinoflagellate cysts), etc. These conditions are of paramount importance for modelling past climate conditions and the data derived from microfossil assemblages enable to better calibrate models, which in turn, are essential to forecast future climate. In addition, microfossil assemblages help to understand the natural evolution of our environment as well as measuring the amplitude of human activities over time.
Analysing Climate Processes and Variability (ENVS475)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module will introduce the students to a range of large climate data sets from the whole Earth-atmosphere-ocean climate system these data sets will range from satellite data sets of ocean processes, satellite rain estimation to gridded climate data sets of the ocean and atmosphere, produced from observations, reanalysis and forecasts or projections and the introduction and use of paleorecords of climate change and variation.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Final project
Your final semester is all about planning, researching and writing your dissertation. You will use all of the skills and knowledge you gained in previous modules to develop a full-scale research project that mimics the kind of content you may be producing beyond your master’s – whether it’s in the style of a consultancy report, journal article, scientific report or classic dissertation.
Compulsory modules
Dissertation - Environmental Sciences (ENVS490)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
This module aims to consolidate research skills developed during the course and, ultimately, to deliver a dissertation document demonstrating the ability to describe and interpret findings in light to the wider knowledge base and academic literature. The student will execute an individual research project building on the design developed in ENVS484; they will acquire the ability to synthesize different information sources to form coherent arguments and relate research findings to relevant applied issues. Students will also acquire an appreciation of time-management and independent thinking.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
How you'll learn
You will be taught through a mixture of lectures, practical classes, fieldwork, private study, and supervised project work. At the start of the first semester you will participate in a week-long residential field class in the UK, and in both semesters, lectures are supplemented by regular laboratory and computer practical classes.
During the course, you will develop key study skills, presentation skills, data handling and analysis skills, and group work. The combination of modules is designed to promote independent thinking, critical insight, leadership, team work and to give you a sound understanding of environmental issues (from global to local). The teaching strategy is designed to place a strong emphasis on data analysis and evidence synthesis.
How you're assessed
Assessment methods are diverse across the modules and include exams, assessed essays, laboratory and computer practicals, field assignments, group work, reports, oral presentations and dissertations. A few modules are fully assessed by a series of practical reports.
When possible, you will create assessments that simulate the sort of work you might produce when conducting research beyond master’s level such as consultancy reports, academic posters, abstracts and presentations, and dissertations which could be written as an academic paper or scientific/consultancy report.
In your third semester you will undertake your dissertation where you will be assessed on how well you demonstrate the ability to describe and interpret findings, synthesize different information sources to form coherent arguments and relate research outcomes.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
As part of the School of Environmental Sciences at Liverpool, you will learn through hands-on experience in advanced teaching labs and fieldwork programs. You will have access to research-level equipment and resources, and the Department of Earth, Ocean, and Ecological Sciences master’s programs provide you with specific scientific training and valuable transferable skills for employment.
You’ll have lots of choice when you graduate from this programme. Not only is the world of PhD, teaching and post-doctoral research open to you but previous graduates have gone on to work in a wide variety of positions in the field of Environmental Science.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Previous graduates have gone on to have positions in many areas, such as:
Environmental Consultancy
Hydrologist
Technical Chemist
County Council Waste Recycling Officer
National Parks Manager
Geotechnical Engineer
Technologist Environmental Advisor
Policy Officer
Clean Water Scientist
Waste Management Consultant
Environmental Risk Assessor
Marine Resource Manager
Trainee Weather Forecaster.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£10,950
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£24,150
Fees stated are for the 2023-24 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
You will normally need a 2:1 honours degree or above, or equivalent. This degree should be in a relevant subject.
Applications from those with significant relevant experience and professional qualifications will be assessed on an individual basis.
International qualifications
A Pre-Master's course, which prepares international students for postgraduate study with us, is offered by the University of Liverpool International College. If you hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent, but don't meet our entry requirements, successfully completing the relevant Pre-Master's pathway means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
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