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Environmental Sciences

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What you'll need

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

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  • 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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Master of Science

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

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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.

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.

Please see below for semester one modules. Click on the next tab for semester two modules.

Compulsory modules

Field Skills in Environmental Science (ENVS425)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

The module is focused on training in field-based methods, centred around three pairs of days, either two field-days or a field-day and analysis day (laboratory or data analytics). Initially, a series of sessions will introduce the environmental context of the field locations, provide an overview of useful data sources and materials (e.g. Digimap) and provide training on how to frame research questions about our environment. The skills training will then comprise three pairs of days, providing training in the field skills and follow-on analysis to tackle an environmental challenge, including how such data is used to inform management and monitor and evaluate its effectiveness. Each of the three field sessions is assessed, where in small groups the students will develop and apply field skills to address an environmental question and/or management solution. These questions will vary from year to year, and examples include assessing the role of green spaces in mitigating urban pollution, testing how saltmarshes are resilient to sea level change, exploring lowland sedimentary records for evidence of past sea level and coastal change, and evaluating the success of nature-based solutions in regulating flooding (e.g. slow-the-flow initiatives). The module will be assessed via three short white paper reports for specific stakeholders (e.g. Woodland Trust, Environment Agency) focused on the three environments and research questions.

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 how coastal zones behave and evolve in response to external processes, including marine, terrestrial, meteorological and riverine processes. 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 given how long-term monitoring data can be applied to characterise coastal zones, and applied to inform coastal management and climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. Topics will be investigated through a combination of lectures, field trips and development of a project aimed at identifying optimum coastal protection schemes for real case studies based on regional monitoring data.

Quantitative Research Methods in Environmental Sciences (ENVS433)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module introduces the theory and practice of a number of advanced analytical methods used across environmental sciences. The module will have two focus areas: first, the physical properties of sediment archives in view of establishing records of environmental changes; second, modern ecological techniques and their application in carbon stocks. The module includes lectures, lab work and computer practicals and is assessed through two practical reports.

Politics of the Environment (ENVS525)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

Increasingly recognition of the environmental threats that we all face means that responding to this crisis affects the decisions we all make at a variety of different scales. This module explores the extent to which environmental concerns are taken into account in various decision-making processes involving the public (government), private and third sectors at a variety of different scales, global, European, national and local. The module is assessed by an essay and an open-book exam, 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: semester 1

Environmental Assessment is applied throughout the world in the preparation of policies, plans, programmes and projects several 10s of 1,000s of times each year. Whilst specific requirements differ between different countries, underlying conceptual and procedural ideas are similar in all contexts. This module introduces the environmental assessment process and applied methods and techniques as practiced both, nationally and internationally.

Applied 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 lectures supplemented by practical labs that develop familiarity and skills in the application of GIS.

Conserving the Marine Environment (ENVS361)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

Conservation of the marine environment is an important but complex issue. In this module we will explore how ecological data are used to monitor, assess and manage marine ecosystems and how this information is then used to underpin marine conservation. Using a series of real-world examples and expert guests from outside of the University you will learn skills used in conservation careers and how conservation really works. The module is delivered through a mix of video lectures, in-person lectures and computer practicals and assessed through a group presentation and an examination.

Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.

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 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.

Virtual tour

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 £12,500
Part-time place, per year £6,250
International fees
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.

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 fees and funding.

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 that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

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Kaplan Digital Pathways Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

Completed a Kaplan Digital Pathways Pre-Master’s? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of master’s study for a maximum of two high achieving students joining one of our non-clinical master’s courses from an online Kaplan Pre-Master’s programme.

Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship – Achievement

  • International students

If you’re an international student joining a master’s course with us, you could be eligible to receive a tuition fee discount of £2,500, based on your prior academic achievement, choice of course, and you not having studied with us before.

Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship – Country

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

If you’re an international student joining a master’s course with us, you could be eligible to receive a tuition fee discount of £2,500, based on your nationality, choice of course, and you not having studied with us before.

FUNED Scholarship for Women in STEM Subjects

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a female Mexican student joining an eligible master’s course in a science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) subject and you’re in receipt of a FUNED loan, you can apply to be considered for a 25% tuition fee discount. Up to five awards are available in each academic year.

Chilean National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) Scholarship

  • International students
  • Chile

If you’re a Chilean student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a Chilean National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) Scholarship.

Chevening Scholarships

  • International students
  • Albania
  • Algeria
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Bangladesh
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Bolivia
  • Brazil
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Brunei
  • Canada
  • Cayman Islands
  • Chile
  • China
  • Columbia
  • Costa Rica
  • Cuba
  • Dominica
  • Ecuador
  • Egypt
  • El Salvador
  • Ghana
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong
  • Iceland
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Iraq
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Jordan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Libya
  • Malaysia
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Moldova
  • Mongolia
  • Montserrat
  • Morocco
  • Nepal
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Russia
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and The Grenadines
  • Serbia
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • South Sudan
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sudan
  • Taiwan
  • Tanzania
  • Thailand
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turkey
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • Uganda
  • Ukraine
  • Uruguay
  • Venezuela
  • Vietnam
  • Zimbabwe

If you’re an international student from an eligible country, joining a one-year master’s course, you could be eligible to apply for a Chevening Scholarship. If your application is successful, you could expect to have your master’s fees paid, up to a maximum of £18,000, and receive additional help with living costs.

Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia (CONACyT) Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 30% discount on your tuition fees with a CONACyT Award.

Fund for the Development of Human Resources (FIDERH) Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree and you’re in receipt of a FIDERH graduate loan, you could be eligible to benefit from a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a FIDERH Award.

FUNED Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a Mexican student joining a master’s degree and you’re in receipt of a FUNED loan, you can apply to be considered for a 20% tuition fee discount. A total of up to 50 awards will be available to master’s and PhD students per academic year.

Hong Kong Graduate Association & Tung Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • China
  • Hong Kong

If you’re a master’s student from Hong Kong or the People’s Republic of China who can demonstrate academic excellence, you may be eligible to apply for a scholarship worth up to £10,000 in partnership with the Tung Foundation.

HRH Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)

  • International students
  • Thailand

If you’re a student from Thailand joining a one-year master’s degree, you might be eligible to apply to have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with living costs. One award is available and only students who are new to the University will be considered.

Humanitarian Scholarships for Master’s Programmes

  • International students

Do you have recognised status as a refugee or person with humanitarian protection outside the UK? Or are you a Ukrainian who’s sought temporary protection in the EU? You could be eligible to apply for the full payment of your master’s fees and additional financial support.

John Lennon Memorial Scholarship

  • Home students

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.

JuventudEsGto Scholarship

  • International students
  • Mexico

If you’re a resident of the state of Guanajuato in Mexico joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees with a JuventudEsGto Scholarship.

Marshall Scholarship

  • International students
  • United States

If you’re a USA student joining an eligible master’s with us, you could be eligible to apply for a Marshall Scholarship. If your application is successful, your master’s tuition fees will be paid in full. One Marshall Scholarship for master’s study is available in each academic year.

Postgraduate Opportunity Bursary

  • Home students

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.

Scottish Power Scholarships

  • Home students

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.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

  • Home and international students

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.

Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship

  • International students
  • Turkey

If you’re a Turkish student joining a master’s degree, you could be eligible to apply for a 20% discount on your tuition fees with a Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship.

Graduate Loyalty Advancement Scholarship

  • Home and international students

If you’re a University of Liverpool graduate starting a 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.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

Completed a Pre-Master’s at University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC)? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of master’s study to some of the highest achieving students joining one of our non-clinical master’s courses from UoLIC.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

  • International students

If you’re a University of Liverpool International College student awarded a Kaplan Impact Scholarship, we’ll also consider you for an Impact Progression Scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive a fee discount worth £3,000 off the first year of your master’s course.

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for Mainland China

  • International students
  • China

Are you a high-achieving graduate from the People’s Republic of China with a degree from a Chinese university? You could be eligible to apply for a £5,000 fee discount if you’re joining an eligible master’s course. Up to 15 eligible students will receive this scholarship.

Entry requirements

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

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Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

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

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, 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.

English language qualification Requirements
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 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

PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH

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.

Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.

Pre-sessional English

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, with no component below 6.0, for further details.

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.

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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.

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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.