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.
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.
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.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
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.
Please see below for semester one modules. Select the next tab to view 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.
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.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
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.
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 - £12,500
Full-time place, per year - £28,300
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 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.
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 £12,167 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.
If you’re a University of Liverpool graduate starting this master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off your master’s tuition fees.
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.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
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 | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. 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 no component below 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 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 27 March 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions