Pollution and Environmental Control (Online)

Entry requirements

We require an Upper Second (2:1) Class Honours degree in a science subject (or the overseas equivalent).

If you do not have a 2:1 but have relevant work experience you may be considered.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Register for our upcoming Webinar

Plants and Nuclear Waste: Friends or Foes? Investigating Uranium Accumulation in Flora

Date: 22nd April, 12:30 GMT

World Earth Day 2025 Masterclass: Join Dr Jon Pittman for a masterclass on plant-radioactive material interactions, exploring the challenges and opportunities they present in managing nuclear waste – sign up today

***

Our online MSc in Pollution and Environmental Control combines fundamental training in pollution measurement, prediction, and environmental modelling with a focus on air and water movement and pollution.

You’ll use industry-standard models to examine real-world problems with Geographical Information System (GIS) software and environmental data from across the globe.

The course is delivered 100% online and can be studied full-time (12 months) or part-time (27-60 months).

Course unit overview

1. Measuring and Predicting 1 (15 credits):

This unit establishes a foundation in measurement techniques, statistical significance, sampling methods, and analytical techniques. It introduces the concept of prediction based on measurements, relationships, and models.

2. Measuring and Predicting 2 (15 credits):

Building on the first unit, this unit focuses on the use of models in environmental sciences. It explores various modeling approaches, their assumptions, and their applications in interpreting measurements and solving environmental problems.

3. Human Impacts on the Biosphere (15 credits):

This unit examines the environmental consequences of human activities, such as resource extraction, agriculture, air pollution, and urbanization. It also explores mitigation and management strategies, including monitoring and remediation techniques.

4. Pollution Management in Practice 1 (15 credits):

This unit provides practical experience in environmental modelling and project management. It involves working on real-world case studies, such as flood prevention and water resource planning, using industry-standard software.

5. Pollutant Mobility and Transformation (15 credits):

This unit explores the processes that govern the movement and fate of pollutants in the environment. It covers topics such as concentration gradients, diffusion, dispersion, and the impact of pollutants on ecosystems.

6. Pollution Management in Practice 2 (15 credits):

This unit focuses on the application of mathematical models to understand water movement processes, including surface water runoff, groundwater flow, and river flow. It involves using industry-standard software to analyse data, interpret model output, and evaluate model performance.

7. Environmental Monitoring and Modelling (15 credits):

This unit covers the selection and application of appropriate monitoring techniques and modelling tools to assess environmental conditions. It explores topics such as flood hydrology, hydraulic modelling, and climate change impacts.

8. Environmental MSc Tutorial (15 credits):

This unit provides guidance on developing a strong research proposal, including identifying research questions, designing research projects, and writing effective proposals.

Project (60 credits):

The final project involves independent research on a specific environmental topic, supervised by an expert in the field. Students can choose to focus on water or air pollution projects, and they will gain practical experience in fieldwork, laboratory work, and advanced computing techniques.

Benefits to your career

• Build a professional toolkit for the future with sought-after specialist knowledge and advanced qualitative and quantitative skills relevant across the environmental sector.
• Hit the ground running in the real world, after real-life scenario work, virtual field trips and lots of practice using industry-standard software.
• Work with and learn from peers across the globe to prepare you for international opportunities.
• Think differently and find innovative solutions that will stand out, with a multidisciplinary and evidence-based approach to problem solving.

Fees and funding

Please view the course overview page on The University of Manchester website for more details of fees, plus any scholarships and bursaries applicable for this course.