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12th
Complete University Guide 2025
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Course overview
Develop critical skills to address and manage the impacts of natural hazards in a changing climate. Our course combines expertise in geohazards, extreme events, weather, climate and engineering resilience.
Communities globally are facing heightened risks from natural hazards, posing threats to infrastructure, ecosystems, and human populations, which are being exacerbated by climate change. This programme delivers fundamental knowledge of hazard and climate science, alongside the technical and analytical expertise required to address the challenges of natural hazard risks and impacts – skills that are valued by industry and organisations involved in hazard management. The course is designed with employability in mind and has been developed to address wider societal and industry needs.
Course structure
The course will run over 12-months in full-time mode. This MSc takes advantage of the combination of expertise across Earth Sciences, Geography and Engineering, in geological hazards, extreme events, climate science, meteorology (including the Met Office academic partnership), and hazard resilience.
Semester 1
Semester 1
September - January
In the first semester, we will explore core concepts and theory in geological, hydrometeorological and climate hazards, including their management, geotechnical engineering and soil mechanics, and GIS skills and geospatial analysis – providing the fundamental background and skills ahead of the applied modules in the second semester.
Semester 2
Semester 2
January - May
In the second semester, we will build on the base knowledge developed in semester 1 to explore approaches to climate mitigation, hazard resilience, and how numerical approaches and design are used to develop engineering solutions to natural hazard challenges.
Semester 3
Semester 3
May - August
In the third semester, you will undertake a research dissertation linked to the core themes of the course, providing you with the opportunity to develop specialist expertise in a particular hazard process or challenge.
Course highlights
This unique MSc combines interdisciplinary expertise from The School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, in geological and hydrological hazards, meteorology and climate, with hazard resilience expertise from the School of Engineering. This combination will produce in-demand graduates that are capable of tackling the complex challenges of natural hazards in a changing climate.
- Explore the processes governing geological (volcanism, earthquakes, landslides and tsunamis) and hydrometorological hazards (flooding and extreme weather) and their impacts
- Gain skills in hazard modelling and management, and how these can be applied to develop engineering solutions, enhance resilience and develop mitigation strategies
- Understand the complexities of hazard interactions and how climate change is shaping extreme events, requiring new approaches to future challenges.
- 17th
in the UK (For Geography)
QS World University Rankings 2025
- 4th
in Geology
Times League Table 2026
- 12th
Geography & Environmental Science
Complete University Guide 2025
Course delivery
With a focus on both theoretical and applied training, students will gain experience through fieldwork, laboratory investigations and numerical analysis, and will learn how to apply these skills using real-world case studies.
Lecture
Tutorial
Seminar
Projects
Practical assignments
- Taught modules: delivered through a mix of lectures, practical classes and laboratory work
- Projects: benefit from tutorial discussion and individual supervision with experts in the field
- Cross-disciplinary learning: draw together knowledge and concepts from Earth Science, Geography and Engineering to address hazard challenges
Module information
Semester 1 and 2 cover six 20-credit compulsory modules, followed by a 60-credit research dissertation. A geotechnical core concepts module is also include in semester one for students without an engineering background.
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.
Module details will be confirmed soon.
Teaching staff
Dr Jon Carey
Associate Professor in Applied Geoscience
Jon studies landslide failure mechanisms and fault behaviour in response to elevated pore fluid pressures and earthquake shaking.
Dr Sebastian Watt
Associate Professor of Earth Sciences
Dr Watt's research investigates the physical and chemical processes that control the behavior and long-term development of volcanoes.
Dr Benedetta Dini
Assistant Professor in Environmental Sciences
Dr Dini is an engineering geologist and geomorphologist with an interest in unravelling the physical processes underpinning landslides and the environmental factors influencing their distribution.
Dr Shasha Han
Assistant Professor in Hydrology and Water Resources
Dr Shasha Han investigates hydroclimatic extremes and flood dynamics, with a focus on forecasting, modelling, and understanding human and natural influences.
Dr Ruth Geen
Lecturer in Atmospheric Sciences
Dr Ruth Geen is an atmospheric dynamicist at the University of Birmingham. Her research aims to increase confidence in projections of future regional climate.
Professor Asaad Faramarzi
Head of Civil Engineering
Staff profile for Professor Asaad Faramarzi
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 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
- 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant discipline
including geology, geography, physical geography, earth sciences, civil and geotechnical engineering.
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
- £11,250
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 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’ve 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.
Birmingham Masters scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 28 August 2026
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
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
A broad range of careers and professional routes will be open to students after graduation. Students will be ideal candidates for roles in ground engineering, engineering geology, geotechnical engineering, natural hazards analysis, hazard management, climate resilience and disaster risk reduction. The MSc is also excellent preparation for a PhD in related topics.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
We're first choice for graduate employers... again!
We are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2025). Our graduate stories highlight the achievements of Birmingham 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.
Living in Birmingham
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.
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