Ranking
10th
in UK
Ask us a question
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please speak to our team.
Course overview
Develop your skills and knowledge to kickstart your career as an environmental health practitioner. Our MSc course equips you with the expertise to tackle global environmental challenges and promote public health sustainability.
Our MSc in Environmental Health meets the academic requirements for becoming a graduate Environmental Health Officer, empowering you to start your professional journey immediately after graduation.
My favourite parts of the course are the real-life inspections and site visits, where you get a chance to apply your classroom learning.
Course Structure
The course runs over 12 months full-time, with part-time study also available. Based on the full-time structure, students typically attend classes four to five days per week during the autumn and spring terms. The summer term is largely dedicated to independent work, including assignments, exam preparation, and the Dissertation. While content may vary slightly, this outlines the general structure you can expect.
Semester 1
Semester 1
In Semester 1, you will study:
- Environmental Protection and Climate Change (20 credits)
- Food Control and Hygiene Management (20 credits)
- Health Protection Module (20 credits)
Semester 2
Semester 2
In Semester 2, you will study:
- Housing and Law (20 credits)
- Public Health Integration (20 credits)
- Occupational Health and Safety (20 credits)
Semester 3
Semester 3
- Dissertation (60 credits)
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Course highlights
Students benefit from being taught in a research-intensive environment and are encouraged to develop their critical thinking and research skills. The course supports building the foundation of competence through the knowledge and skills required by the CIEH curriculum.
- Our students regularly win awards and recognition for their work from Environmental Health organisations
- Apply to be an Affiliate member of the CIEH
- The course supports building the foundation of competence through the knowledge and skills
- 10th
in the UK in the QS World University Rankings 2027
- 68th
in the world QS World University Rankings 2027
- Top 2
We’re consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers
High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2026’ report
Course delivery
The course is taught through a combination of formal lectures, workshops, group work, case studies, and student-centred learning, recognising the importance of both technical and practical skills alongside academic excellence.
- The course is led by experienced Environmental Health Practitioners
- It is supported by external lecturers who are recognized specialists in their fields
Module information
There are 6 compulsory modules at 20 credits each, with a final Dissertation and Research project module that equates to 60 credits, meaning an overall total of 180 credits.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Protection and Climate Change | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Food Control and Hygiene Management | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Health Protection Module | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Housing and Law | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Public Health Integration | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Occupational Health and Safety | 20 | Semester 2 |
Students must take one of the following modules:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Dissertation with Placement | 60 | |
| Dissertation/Research Paper | 60 | Semester 1 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours Degree
in a science-based subject
A relevant 2:2 degree will be considered for entry where the applicant has relevant work experience.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL iBT taken before January 2026: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking and 19 in Writing
- TOEFL iBT taken from January 2026: 4.5 Overall with no less than 4 in each skill
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill
English presessional programmes
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Fees and scholarships
- £11,790
Full-time
- £5,895
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2027 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Tuition fee deposits for international students
International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.
Postgraduate Masters loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent). If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we have put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- Applications open on 1 October
Applications for September 2026 have now closed.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
Environmental Health plays a crucial role in maintaining public well-being by ensuring that workplaces are safe and free from hazards, the air we breathe is clean and free from pollutants, the food we consume is safe and hygienic, and the housing we live in is of high quality and free from health risks,
By addressing these critical areas, Environmental Health helps to prevent illnesses and injuries, ultimately keeping people out of hospitals and promoting a healthier community overall.
- CIEH Accredited
The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)
Graduates can sign up to either the new Environmental Health registration scheme or Chartered Environmental Practitioner Programme (CPP), both of which are run by the CIEH.
Your careers toolkit
Gain skills, confidence and experiences ready for the world of work with your dedicated careers toolkit. With Careers Network, your dedicated careers service, and the variety of opportunities available at Birmingham, you can build your own toolkit of skills and experiences to get you ready for an ever-changing world after graduation.
Your careers toolkit connects you with the opportunities, support and experiences across the university, including:
- Careers support services and Careers Network
- Work experience and placements
- Enterprise and entrepreneurship
- Alumni and employer connections
- Global opportunities and life experience
- Careers in the curriculum
We are consistently one of the top universities targeted by graduate employers
We are one of the most consistently targeted UK universities by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2026). Read more about the achievements of our alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Birmingham: a city built for students
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.