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.
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:
To earn your MSc qualification you will work on a dissertation based on your research project or placement with an organisation.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
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.
Please see below for semester one modules. Click on the next tab for semester two modules.
If you’ve taken ENVS325, ENVS329, or ENVS376 as part of a previous degree at the University of Liverpool, you can’t take ENVS525, ENVS529, or ENVS576.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| FIELD SKILLS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (ENVS425) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Semester two’s compulsory module is all about research: how to generate research ideas, plan a research project and create your proposal. You’ll develop important research design skills, as well as time management and independent thinking.
Through your choice of three optional modules, you could get the opportunity to dig into large climate data sets from ocean, atmosphere and paleoclimate records; how environmental issues intersect with businesses; or the connections between ecological theory and management of marine communities and ecosystems.
If you’ve taken ENVS360 as part of a previous degree at the University of Liverpool, you can’t take ENVS560.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| PROJECT DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT (ENVS484) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
In this semeseter, you’ll focus solely on your dissertation, using the skills and knowledge you have built over the previous semesters to deliver a dissertation that demonstrates the ability to describe and interpret findings in light to the wider knowledge base and academic literature.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DISSERTATION - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (ENVS490) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You’ll get to experience a diverse range of learning methods, from engaging lectures to hands-on practical classes, fieldwork, workshops, self-study, and even supervised projects.
To kick off your first semester, you’ll join us for a week-long residential field class in the UK, where you’ll get to put your skills into practice. Throughout both semesters, you’ll also have access to laboratory and computer practicals, seminars, and workshops, tailored to your specific module choices.
Not only will you deepen your understanding of environmental issues, from a global to local perspective, but you’ll also develop key skills like study skills, presentation skills, data handling, analysis skills, and group work. This combination of modules is carefully designed to foster independent thinking, critical insight, leadership, teamwork, and much more.
You’ll be assessed through a variety of methods, tailored to the modules you choose. This might include exams, essays, practicals, field assignments, group work, reports, oral presentations, and dissertations.
Some modules will be fully assessed through practical reports, and when possible, you’ll get to demonstrate your skills in real-world situations, like writing consultancy reports, academic posters, abstracts, and presentations. Plus, for your dissertation, you’ll have the option of writing an academic paper or scientific/consultancy report.
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.
At Liverpool’s Department of Geography and Planning, 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 environmental scientist with transferable skills valued by employers.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
You can learn about paleoenvironmental and paleoclimate analysis, modelling, environmental assessment and management, conservation and so much more. Classes can take place in an ordinary laboratory or lecture theatre or on a raft in the middle of a lake!
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
There are a wide range of career options for you in the field of Environmental Science.
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:
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
Part-time place, per year - £6,250
Full-time place, per year - £28,300
Part-time place, per year - £14,150
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.
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.
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.
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 | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110 |
| 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