This MSc programme is focused on the defining challenge of our time: our rapidly shifting environment. Through this programme, you will be equipped you with the scientific understanding, analytical and transferable skills and policy insight required to contribute to tackling climate and environmental change at local, national and international scales. You will develop a comprehensive understanding of long-term and contemporary climate change, including the methods used to reconstruct past and project future climate change. Additionally, you will learn the theory and develop practical expertise in environmental management, climate policy-making and environmental hazards. After completing this programme, you will be trained to contribute within and across research, policy and commercial spheres, having developed expertise in a range of topics including climate change, flooding, environmental pollution and biodiversity. Your programme is capped by a supervised research project that enables you to build on your specific knowledge and skill interests, with the option to design a project alongside an external stakeholder or business.
The MSc in Environment and Climate Change is a multidisciplinary programme which will provide students with the knowledge, skills and tools to understand how the Earth’s environment has changed in the past, how it is changing now, and will in the future.
The programme focuses on areas within the research expertise of the School of Environmental Sciences, including climate change, coastal environments, river and lake systems, carbon stocks and fluxes, ecosystems and biodiversity, and atmospheric and environmental pollution.
The programmes emphasise training in field and laboratory-based environmental monitoring, modelling environmental systems, and in the analysis and interpretation of environmental data for research and environmental management.
Graduates of the programme will have developed technical and research expertise, including the skills to critically interpret and evaluate a range of palaeoenvironmental and contemporary environmental datasets.
In combination with an understanding of the policy and regulatory landscape, graduates will be prepared to be leaders in contributing meaningfully to addressing environmental challenges at local, regional and global scales, and within the public, commercial and industrial spheres.
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.
The programme seeks to provide a deep understanding of climate and environmental change, including paleo- and contemporary change, and projections and uncertainties for future change. Emphasis is placed on understanding patterns and processes of environmental change across spatial and temporal scales, and from diverse perspectives across the nexus of science, policy, and decision-making.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
In Semester One, you’ll learn field techniques through a series of day trips in to the field, usually visiting active research sites. You’ll also develop skills in laboratory analysis, remote sensing, and advanced data analysis skills. Alongside these practical, skills-based modules, you will develop a deep understanding of contemporary environmental challenges, and how these challenges are tackled through scientific research and how they interact with decision-makers in the political realm.
Please see below for semester one modules. Click on the next tab for semester two modules.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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 | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (ENVS490) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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.
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.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
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 Geography and Planning master’s programs provide you with specific scientific training and valuable transferable skills for employment.
Discover what it’s like to study Environmental Science MSc and Environment and Climate Change MSc at the University of Liverpool.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
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.
Previous graduates have gone on to have positions in many areas, such as:
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £14,000
Part-time place, per year - £6,250
Full-time place, per year - £30,000
Part-time place, per year - £14,150
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,858 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
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.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Are you a UK student joining a master’s course focused on sustainable energy or environmental protection? You could be eligible to apply for a Scottish Power Scholarship. This award offers full payment of your master’s fees and a monthly bursary while you study.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
If you’re a British Muslim, active within a Muslim community and dedicated to bringing positive change to society, you could apply to potentially have the full cost of your master’s tuition fees covered by an Aziz Foundation Scholarship.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in a relevant subject. Non-graduates with very extensive professional experience and/or other prior qualifications may also be considered. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 105. |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with writing at 5.5 and no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
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.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 23 February 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions