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Environmental Sciences

My qualifications are from: United Kingdom.

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What you'll need

As part of the application process, you'll need to submit:

  • School or college transcripts/certificates
  • University transcripts and certified translations if applicable
  • Degree certificates
  • Personal statement outlining your learning ambitions

Our application process

  • Sign into our online portal, Apply Yourself, and start your application
  • Submit your application
  • We'll email you to let you know we're processing your application
  • Track the progress of your application using the Postgraduate Application Tracker (we'll send you a link to the tracker)
  • We'll email you when a decision has been made
  • If you've been made an offer, you can then accept or decline it using the Postgraduate Application Tracker.

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There are six courses related to Environmental Sciences that you might be interested in.

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Master of Science

A Master of Science (MSc) is a master’s degree awarded for a postgraduate programme in the sciences.

Course overview

You will develop a high-level understanding of the physical environment and how society interacts with it, building on what you learned during your undergraduate degree. This master’s programme will help you improve your critical analysis and team working skills and your written and oral presentation skills.

Introduction

You’ll have the flexibility to design your own postgraduate degree by drawing on the expertise of many experts in the School of Environmental Sciences.

With optional modules, you can choose to focus on areas like:

  • Understanding how the environment has changed over time and how to measure it
  • Studying the latest methods of monitoring things like air pollution and sea level rise
  • Learning about conservation biology and how to apply it
  • Gaining skills in Geographical Information Science with hands-on training from our Data Science Lab
  • Examining the connection between the environment, politics, and business.

To earn your MSc qualification you will work on a dissertation based on your research project or placement with an organisation.

What you'll learn

  • The reciprocal relationship between the environment and anthropogenic activities
  • An overview of the processes that govern the physical environment (past, present and future)
  • Independent thinking, critical insights, leadership, team work and a sound understanding of environmental issues (from global to local)
  • How to acquire knowledge of regulations and policies from local government to international level
  • Acquiring data through field work, laboratory work, literature searches and analysis to assess environmental conditions in the past and present.

Accreditation

If you choose Environmental Assessment of Policies, Plans, Programmes and Projects ENVS529 in your first semester and Environmental Planning and Management Project ENVS560 in your second semester, you have the chance for accreditation from the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).

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’ll learn lab techniques, environmental history and field examples of sedimentary deposits. You’ll also choose three optional modules where you can explore how geographical information science can be used to create digital representations of the world; how to influence policy on sustainability and the environment; or how the evolution and response of marine environments relates to climate change.

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.

Optional 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.

Coastal Environments: Spatial and Temporal Change (ENVS576)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module considers the evolution and response of coastal environments to marine and riverine processes and their variations in relation to past, present and future climate change. Attention is given to physical processes and inter-relationships acting along coastlines and coastal changes in response to sea level rise, variations in storms activity, wave climate and sediment supply. Consideration is also given to coastal management and climate change adaptation & mitigation measures. Topics will be investigated through a combination of lectures and field trips aimed at identifying optimum coastal protection schemes for real case studies.

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.

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.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF POLICIES, PLANS, PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS (ENVS529)

Credits: 15 / Semester:

​This is an introduction to environmental assessment theory and practice.

Geographic Information Science (ENVS609)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module introduces how the tools of GIS can be used to create digital representations of the world, and through a framework of Geographic Information Science, reviews the potential problems and pitfalls of doing so. The module is delivered through both lectures and supplemented by practical labs that develop familiarity and skills in the application of GIS.​

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

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:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Your experience

At Liverpool’s Department of Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences, we prioritise hands-on learning in advanced labs and through fieldwork. You’ll have access to top-notch resources and receive specialized training to become a confident, employable earth scientist with transferable skills valued by employers.

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Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

What students say...

The best elements of this master’s course are the breath of the subjects covered by the various modules and the variety of teaching techniques used, which contribute in making the learning process very stimulating. Indeed, you can learn about paleoenvironmental and paleoclimate analysis, modelling, environmental assessment and management, conservation and so much more, and classes can take place in an ordinary laboratory or lecture theatre or on a raft in the middle of a lake!

, MSc Environmental Sciences 2019

Careers and employability

There are a wide range of career options for you in the field of Environmental Science.

Career planning

Three career coaches standing outside the Careers Studio

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.

From education to employment

Two graduates in postgraduate robes.

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.

Networking events

Postgraduate students hold a discussion while sat round a table in in the Liverpool Guild of Students.

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 future

Previous graduates of the this programmes have gone on to work in positions ranging from Environmental Scientist at CSA Group to Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator at Inghams Group Limited.

You can influence policy through further research at PhD or post-doctoral level or even get hands on with roles such as:

  • Policy Officer
  • Clean Water Scientist
  • Technologist Environmental Advisor
  • Environmental Risk Assessor
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Waste Strategy Consultant.

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 £25,200
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.

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 tuition fees, funding and Postgraduate Loans.

Additional costs

Field trip costs which include, travel, accommodation and the majority of subsistence costs as well as all meals are covered by school through tuition fees.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

Field trip costs which include, travel, accommodation and the majority of subsistence costs as well as all meals are covered by school through tuition fees.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to help cover tuition fees and help with living expenses while at university.


ANID CHILE Awards

  • International students
  • Chile

Postgraduate taught and research students from Chile are eligible for this scholarship.

Chevening Scholarships

  • International students

The University, in partnership with Chevening, is delighted to offer this generous scholarship to students who are studying a master’s programme and who have future leadership potential. Please note that there is a fee cap applied to MBA programmes that requires applicants to cover any additional tuition costs over £18,000. You will still receive all additional allowances.

CONACYT Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

The University of Liverpool has an agreement with CONACYT to support postgraduate taught and research students from Mexico.

FIDERH Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

20% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate taught and research programmes. Must be Mexico national.

Fulbright Commission Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US and another is available for a postgraduate research student to undertake a three to six month research stay from the US

FUNED Awards

  • International students
  • Mexico

Up to ten awards are available for Masters or Research students from Mexico in receipt of FUNED loans. The award gives students a 20% reduction in fees for all applications received.

HRM Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)

  • International students
  • Thailand

The University is able to offer one award to a new postgraduate taught master’s student from Thailand.

The scholarship is open to all subjects offered as a one-year taught master’s programme.  However, priority will be given to those students who wish to study in a subject area associated with HRH Princess Sirindhorn such as science, IT, medicine, the arts, geography, history and languages.

John Lennon Memorial Scholarship

  • Home students

The John Lennon Memorial Scholarships were set up by a trust fund endowed in the University for the provision of scholarships in the memory of John Lennon. The award is intended to support students from Merseyside who might be in financial need and enhance, among other things, awareness of global problems and environmental issues.

Current or prospective UK (taught and research) students, either born in or with very strong family connections to Merseyside can apply for these awards.

JuventudEsGto Scholarship

  • International students
  • Mexico

Residents of State of Guanajuato, Mexico, wishing to study at postgraduate taught and research levels are eligible for this scholarship.

Marshall Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US to cover the cost of tuition fees. Another, to the value of £20,000, is available for Doctoral study visit: https://www.marshallscholarship.org/

Postgraduate Opportunity Bursary

  • Home students
  • University of Liverpool current students and alumni only

Recipients must have been in receipt of one of the University’s Widening Access Awards as an undergraduate.

UK University of Liverpool graduates who have graduated in the last two years and are progressing to a standard master’s course, including MRes programmes, in 2023.

Graduates must have been in receipt of the University’s Widening Access Award during their undergraduate studies i.e.

Liverpool Bursary
Mature Students’ Bursary
Liverpool Scholars’ Award
Realising Opportunities Award
North Liverpool Academy Scholarship
Estranged Students’ Bursary
Young Adult Carers’ Bursary
Care Leaver’s Opportunity Bursary
The Liverpool Life Sciences UTC Scholarship
Recipients of the Asylum Seekers Bursary who now have a ‘home’ fee status classification.

Postgraduate Progression Award – International Students

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool current students and alumni only

Current international University of Liverpool students and alumni are eligible for a £2,500 fee reduction when progressing to a master’s course.

If you’re a current international University of Liverpool undergraduate or alumni, including Study Abroad and Exchange students and students from Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, progressing to either a full or part-time new postgraduate taught programme you’re eligible to receive our Postgraduate Progression Award.

Postgraduate Progression Award – UK students

  • Home students
  • University of Liverpool current students and alumni only

The Postgraduate Progression Award is available to all UK University of Liverpool undergraduate students or alumni considering a postgraduate taught/master’s course, including MRes qualifications, at our Liverpool campus.

Eligible applicants MUST have completed their undergraduate degree at the Liverpool campus.

Scottish Power Scholarship

  • Home students
  • University of Liverpool current students and alumni only

The Scholarships Programme is designed to train top-calibre professionals in the energy sector, who are capable of contributing to the development of a sustainable energy model that meets the energy needs of society and promotes environmental protection. The scholarships are for graduates and final-year students who have a permanent right to work in the UK after graduation.

The scholarships are for graduates and final-year students who have a permanent right to work in the UK after graduation.

The following subjects are eligible:

-Energy and Power Systems MSc (Eng)
-Advanced Mechanical Engineering MSc
-Environmental Assessment and Management MSc
-Environmental Sciences MSc
-Microelectronic Systems MSc (Eng)
-Telecommunications and Wireless Systems MSc (Eng)
-Big Data and High Performance Computing MSc
-Geographic Data Science MSc
-Sustainable Civil and Structural Engineering MSc

Scottish Power have confirmed that they will consider MSc degrees within the themes they have specified and may consider applications from applicants to other programmes if they have relevant undergraduate experience linked to the themes.

Sport Liverpool Scholarships

  • Home and international students

The University is pleased to be able to offer scholarships to talented athletes competing at national and regional levels. See https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/sports/team-sport-liverpool/performance-programme/  for more information.

The Aziz Foundation Scholarship

  • Home students

The University of Liverpool together with the Aziz Foundation are offering master’s scholarships to support British Muslims who are dedicated to bringing positive change to society and have career aspirations in media and journalism, technology, sustainability and the environment, law, policy (excluding health policy) and creative content.

Successful applicants will receive a full scholarship for their tuition fees and access to a programme of training days and career mentors via Aziz Scholarships Plus and the Aziz Scholars Association.

Students in receipt of one of the Aziz Scholarships are not eligible for other University of Liverpool bursaries or scholarships.

Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship

  • International students
  • Turkey

Postgraduate taught and research students from Turkey are eligible for this scholarship, see the Turkish Ministry of Education website https://meb.gov.tr/ for more information.

University of Liverpool Commonwealth Postgraduate Bursary

  • International students
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • Bangladesh
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Brunei
  • Canada
  • Cyprus
  • Dominica
  • Ghana
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • India
  • Jamaica
  • Kenya
  • Malaysia
  • Mauritius
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • Sri Lanka
  • Tanzania
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Uganda

The University of Liverpool Commonwealth Postgraduate Bursary fee reduction for students from Commonwealth countries new to studying at the University of Liverpool on master’s programmes.

University of Liverpool Graduate Association Hong Kong & Tung Postgraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • China
  • Hong Kong

The University is able to offer competitive scholarships for both postgraduate taught master’s and research programmes.

University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Masters Programmes

  • International students

The three awards available cover full tuition fees, visas and support for accommodation and living expenses.

This scholarship is open to support people who have recognised status as either refugees or are under humanitarian protection under the 1951 Refugee Convention. This status must be held outside of the UK.

The scholarship is open for all postgraduate-taught programmes, excluding medicine, dentistry, veterinary and nursing.

University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC) Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

The University of Liverpool will award five University of Liverpool International College students, who achieve the highest academic excellence (minimum 75%) in their UoLIC Pre-Master’s programme, the prestigious UoLIC Excellence scholarship.

University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC) Impact Progression Scholarship

  • International students

University of Liverpool International College recipients of the Kaplan awards will receive the £3,000 Progression Impact Scholarship, deducted from first-year tuition fees, on successful progression to their UoL degree programme.

To be eligible for our Impact Progression Scholarships, students must apply for one of the Kaplan Impact Scholarships demonstrating their commitment to making an impact across issues of importance to the University and Kaplan. Themes include:

Sustainability
Women in STEM
Community
Career Focus (Employability)

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship

  • International students

Open to all new international students starting a one-year full-time postgraduate master’s programme in September 2023 who:

  • Achieve a UK first-class undergraduate degree award or equivalent qualification as defined by the University of Liverpool (click here for a list of equivalent qualifications) are studying at the Liverpool campus.

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for China

  • International students
  • China

Details are:
1 (one) Full scholarship
2 (two) £10,000 scholarships
5 (five) £5,000 scholarships
10 (ten) £1,000 scholarships
All scholarships will be awarded after the formal registration at the University and will take the form of a fee waiver.

Please note: This scholarship cannot be combined with any other scholarships or bursaries provided by the University.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

My qualifications are from: United Kingdom.

Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

Postgraduate entry requirements

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

If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language. 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.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS C
View our IELTS academic requirements key.
International Baccalaureate

Standard Level 5

TOEFL iBT 88 or above with minimum scores in components as follows: Listening and Writing 19, Reading 19, Speaking 20.
INDIA Standard XII 70% or above from Central and Metro State Boards
WAEC C4-6
Hong Kong use of English AS level C

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new application cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted on the website.

More about life in Liverpool

Discover more about the city and University.

Why study at Liverpool? Victoria Gallery & Museum

Why Liverpool?

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.

Accommodation Postgraduate students walking through the campus.

Accommodation

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.

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Fees and Finance

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.

Changes to Environmental Sciences MSc

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

23 March 2023: New postgraduate taught course pages

New course pages launched.