Our Masters degree will give you a solid grounding in the scientific principles that underpin Environmental Management. We cover topics including the ecological, economic, social, political and legal aspects of environmental management. We give comprehensive training in quantitative, theoretical, analytical and practical skills.
Environmental managers play a vital role in the protection and sustainable use of resources. You'll learn to address issues such as adaptation to climate change, biodiversity and sustainable energy management. At the local level, Environmental Management focuses on conservation and protection of land and water resources and natural habitats.
You'll also benefit from employability skills training, a residential field skills course and the chance to carry out an environmental management related dissertation project which may include working collaboratively with a business.
Flexible degree pathways
You can work towards our core Masters degree, the MSc Environmental Management, or opt to specialise in one of the following pathways of study:
- MSc Environmental Management (Conservation)
- MSc Environmental Management (Energy)
- MSc Environmental Management (Informatics)
Our MSc course will give you:
- an understanding of the scientific principles that underpin environmental management
- an understanding of the economic, social, political and legal frameworks for environmental management
- a sound training in relevant practical, investigative, research and generic skills that are the most sought after by employers
MSc Environmental Management (Conservation) pathway
This course pathway will give you:
- an understanding of the scientific principles that underpin environmental management
- an understanding of the ecological, economic, social, political and legal frameworks for environmental conservation
- a sound training in the relevant practical, investigative, research and all-encompassing skills that are the most sought after by employers
MSc Environmental Management (Energy) pathway
On this course pathway you'll gain:
- an understanding of the scientific principles (atmospheric, hydrological, geomorphological and ecological) that underpin current environmental issues related to energy production and energy management
- an understanding of the economic, political, social and legal frameworks for managing the environment
- a sound training in relevant practical, investigative, research and all-encompassing skills that managers in the energy and environment sector need
MSc Environmental Management (Informatics) pathway
This course pathway will give you:
- an understanding of the scientific principles that underpin environmental science and management
- new skills in the collection, analysis and interpretation of environmental data using widely adopted, as well as cutting-edge, methodologies and technologies
- the ability to apply knowledge and skills in data science to deliver innovative insights and intelligence on the state of our environment
You may have the opportunity to carry out a work-based dissertation within a relevant business or organisation.
If you're interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Some of our key facilities include:
- 11 specialist laboratories supporting a wide range of research interests from ecology to analytical chemistry to thin section and micromorphology
- Stirling Controlled Environment Facility: a world-class experimental facility for conducting experimental research investigating the impacts of climate and climate change
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), 100% of our research was rated as having either outstanding or very considerable impact - ranking us joint 12th in the UK for Geography and Environmental Studies research.
Our research and impact positions us as leaders in the area of Environmental Protection and Biological Conservation. We are organised into six research groups:
- Evolving Organisms Research Group
- Quaternary Science and Landscape Change Research Group
- Environmental Biogeochemistry Research Group
- Earth and Planetary Observation Research Group
- Ecosystem Change Research Group
- Healthy Environments: Sustainable Societies Research Group
MSc Environmental Management (Conservation) pathway
We specialise in studies of human interactions with the environment, and conservation science and sustainability is one of our core strengths. We have leading researchers working on various aspects of evidence-based conservation, including:
- habitat management and restoration
- population genetics of endangered species
- tropical community ecology and impacts of invasive species
Our areas of research include:
- conservation conflict
- forest management (pine marten)
- urban ecology (bats)
- the reintroduction of species (beavers)
We also work on a diverse range of study systems such as African and South American forests, bushmeat and local livelihoods across Africa.
MSc Environmental Management (Energy) pathway
We have long established links with regulators, consultancy and the energy industry and leading researchers working on various aspects of energy and environmental management including:
- environmental impact assessment
- carbon trading
- planning and the impacts of wind, hydro and nuclear power