Discover our courses in this area

Applied Meteorology and Climatology MSc

The University of Birmingham is proud to be a member of the Met Office Academic Partnership. Find out more.

Weather and climate are integral parts of the Earth system. The monitoring of meteorological variables, together with the knowledge and modelling of underlying processes, are key to understanding our interaction with the natural environment.

This programme provides comprehensive training in understanding, modelling and prediction of atmospheric processes; as well as the collection, management, supply and application of atmospheric data for the needs of a variety of public and private sectors. The course also demonstrates how these create opportunities or pose problems for the successful operation of natural and human systems. Our aim is that upon graduation you will be able to compete for careers in Meteorology and Climatology.

Environmental Science MSci

Our Environmental Science MSci, built around our impressive research record, will allow you to develop an in-depth understanding of the Earth’s most complex environmental problems.

We will give you the knowledge and skills you need to help resolve the world’s most pressing problems in a sustainable way.

There is a growing need for graduates with a strong scientific background but who are also able to apply their knowledge to environmental management and protection globally.

The Environmental Science MSci degree is designed around three key themes – understanding environmental processes and systems; investigating changes and impacts; and enabling their prediction and mitigation.

This programme has been designed to provide choice and flexibility whilst ensuring that you develop appropriate skills with a sound scientific foundation. The course includes both core modules taken by all Environmental Science students, and selected optional modules which allow you to concentrate on themes which are of particular interest to you.

Our MSci Environmental Science programme offers the opportunity for you to follow your interest in the area more fully, and to develop key skills for career development. The MSci uses the same modules as the BSc degree for the first three years, followed by an additional specialist fourth year.


IES logo thumbnailOur programmes in Environmental Science are accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES).

Environmental and Engineering Geoscience BSc

The programme prepares environmentally aware students for graduate employment within the rapidly expanding field of applied geoscience, in areas including engineering geology, resource geology and environmental assessment. Graduates will have a broad-based geoscience knowledge and will be in strong positions to contribute to addressing the global and societal challenges that we face in the coming decades.

The programme has close links with the current Earth Sciences programme portfolio, providing a foundation in the understanding of Earth's composition, history and processes.  It incorporates its own engineering and environmentally-based modules, and content from the School of Engineering, as well as opportunities for placements with external partners. 

No previous knowledge of geology is assumed.  Fieldwork forms an integral part of the programme.  Students can tailor their degree to their particular interests and aptitudes; optional modules will provide opportunities to follow more engineering- or environmentally-focused programmes.  Independent project work comprises a major part of the programme.

Global Environmental Change and Sustainability BSc

Understanding Global Environmental Change, how we address its causes, how we live with and respond to its impacts, and how we find sustainable solutions to our use of Earth’s resources, are some of the most pressing issues facing humanity today.

This programme aims to prepare a new generation of environmentally aware students for graduate employment in a range of industries positioned to tackle these global grand challenges. In a world that is increasingly affected by environmental change, it is of paramount importance that we are able to develop sustainable management of energy and natural resources, food security, biodiversity, ecology, and natural hazards. Tackling these themes requires a broad and interdisciplinary approach, based on a sound understanding of Earth and environmental processes, and of the intersection of human pressures and ecological systems.

By combining sociological, ethical, and economic dimensions with a sound scientific understanding of environmental change, students will graduate with a broad skills set – drawing on analytical approaches and able to communicate ideas and develop solutions. This will prepare graduates for work with a broad range of stakeholders, from NGOs to global businesses, in seeking more sustainable approaches to current problems.

Global Environmental Change and Sustainability MSci

Understanding Global Environmental Change, how we address its causes, how we live with and respond to its impacts, and how we find sustainable solutions to our use of Earth’s resources, are some of the most pressing issues facing humanity today.

This programme aims to prepare a new generation of environmentally aware students for graduate employment in a range of industries positioned to tackle these global grand challenges. In a world that is increasingly affected by environmental change, it is of paramount importance that we are able to develop sustainable management of energy and natural resources, food security, biodiversity, ecology, and natural hazards. Tackling these themes requires a broad and interdisciplinary approach, based on a sound understanding of Earth and environmental processes, and of the intersection of human pressures and ecological systems.

Our four year (MSci) programme allows you to specialise further and develop key career skills through leading your own research project. This independent project accounts for half of your final year, and may involve links with industry. You will develop your research plans with an academic member of staff. Several MSci students on related programmes publish their research or present it at conferences each year, and the MSci year provides excellent training for further research (PhD) or a professional career. 

By combining sociological, ethical, and economic dimensions with a sound scientific understanding of environmental change, students will graduate with a broad skills set – drawing on analytical approaches and able to communicate ideas and develop solutions. This will prepare graduates for work with a broad range of stakeholders, from NGOs to global businesses, in seeking more sustainable approaches to current problems.

Air Pollution Management and Control MSc/Diploma

The McCall MacBain Clean Air Fellowship - The Next Generation of Clean Air Leaders

McCall MacBain Foundation logo

The Clean Air Fund and the University of Birmingham, with the support of the McCall MacBain Foundation, are launching the McCall MacBain Clean Air Fellowship, to develop the next generation of leaders for the clean air movement. Clean Air Fund and the University of Birmingham will select five exceptional students, two from the UK and three from Central and Eastern Europe, to pursue a master’s degree in Air Pollution Management and Control as McCall MacBain Clean Air Fellows. The Fellowship will identify those who can demonstrate a strong rationale for studying air pollution and can commit to tackling the problem through their career choice after they graduate. The Fellowship will include course fees and a stipend to cover living and travel costs. Fellows will benefit from a tailored programme of masterclasses and career development opportunities such as practical experience and networking provided by the University and the Clean Air Fund.

The deadline for applications is June 2023.

Find out more  

Air pollution damages human health, ecosystems and vegetation, and is expected to worsen in many regions. Every year, air pollution costs EU economies US$ 1.6 trillion and is linked to 7 million premature deaths globally. Developing effective strategies for the management and control of air pollution is a key environmental challenge facing society today.

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the causes and effects of air pollution, and the management measures and engineering technologies available for its control. This is a recognised and sought after qualification within the professional environmental field in the UK and abroad. Students successfully completing the course find employment as air quality experts within environmental consultancies, industry or local government departments.

Accreditation
CHES accredited logoThis programme is accredited by the Committee of Heads of Environmental Sciences (CHES), the education committee of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES). CHES is the collective voice of the environmental sciences academic community and serves to enhance the quality of environmental education worldwide. A programme accredited by CHES is assured to meet high standards, contain a strong component of practical, field and theoretical activities, and has excellent opportunities for training, work experience and links to the professional environmental sector. Students enrolled on CHES accredited programmes can apply for free Student Membership of the IES and for a fast-track route to membership once they graduate, starting you on a route towards becoming a Chartered Environmentalist or Chartered Scientist.

IAQM logoThe programme is also accredited by the Institute of Air Quality Management