Masters Degrees (Loss Prevention)

About the course

Accredited by the the Institution of Chemical Engineers

Whether you’re already working in the field or just starting out, this course will deepen your understanding and equip you with skills and expertise in process safety, loss prevention and risk assessment. You’ll be ready for a career in the oil and gas, chemical, nuclear and pharmaceutical industries, or with any of the consultancies that service them.

Take advantage of our expertise

Our teaching is grounded in specialist research expertise. Our reputation for innovation secures funding from industry,
UK research councils, the government and the EU. Industry partners, large and small, benefit from our groundbreaking work addressing global challenges.

You’ll have access to top facilities, including modern social spaces, purpose-built labs, the Harpur Hill Research Station for large-scale work, extensive computing facilities and a modern applied science library. There are high-quality research facilities for sustainable energy processes, safety and risk engineering, carbon capture and utilisation, and biological processes and biomanufacturing.

Studentships

Contact us for current information on available scholarships.

Course content

Diploma: three core modules and five optional modules. MSc(Eng): one core module, major research project, and five optional modules.

Core modules

Process Safety Management and Loss Prevention
Introduction to Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment
Hazards in Process Plant Design and Operation
Dissertation (for MSc)

Examples of optional modules

Process Plant Reliability and Maintainability
Human Error and Human Behaviour
Applied Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP)
Safety in Nuclear Operations
Computer Control: Safe Practice
Process Safety in the Oil and Gas Industry
Process Safety in the Pharmaceutical, Food and Consumer Products

Full-time or part-time

This course is available full-time over a year, or part-time over two or three years. Each module can be taken as a short course – useful if you’re already working in industry.

Part-time students need to complete all modules within two years. You can take an extra third year to complete your dissertation if you need to – we won’t charge fees for that year. Modules are delivered about once per month from September to June. Each module is four days long. You must therefore attend for 32 days in total.

Teaching and assessment

We use a mixture of lessons and discussions, real-life case studies, workshops and hands-on computer sessions. Continuous assessment is based on assignments for each module, and a dissertation.

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Process engineering often involves close collaboration between engineers and scientists from a variety of disciplines. The Chemical Process Engineering MSc at UCL is specifically designed to facilitate this collaboration and provides graduates from a variety of engineering and science disciplines with the advanced training necessary to enter the chemical or biochemical industries.

Degree information

The programme covers core chemical engineering subjects alongside a wide range of options. Students choose either a research or an advanced design project. The advanced design project option is aimed at students who have not undertaken a design project during their undergraduate degree and eventually seek to become Chartered Engineers.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of six optional modules (90 credits) and a project (90 credits).

Optional modules 1 (15 credits each) - students must choose three optional modules from the list below (45 credits in total).
-Advanced Process Engineering
-Advanced Safety and Loss Prevention
-Chemical Reaction Engineering II
-Electrochemical Engineering and Power Sources
-Energy Systems and Sustainability
-Fluid-Particle Systems
-Molecular Thermodynamics
-Nature Inspired Chemical Engineering
-Process Systems Modelling and Design (students taking this module must have passed the equivalent of Process Dynamics and Control in their first degree)
-Process Dynamics & Control
-Separation Processes
-Transport Phenomena II

Optional modules 2 (15 credits each) - students must choose three optional modules from the list below (45 credits in total).
-Advanced Bioreactor Engineering
-Environmental Systems
-Mastering Entrepreneurship
-Project Management
-Water and Wastewater Treatment

Research project/design project
All MSc students undertake either a Research Project (90 credits) or an Advanced Design Project (90 credits) that culminates in a project report and oral examination. Students who have already passed a Design Project module in their first degree cannot select the Advanced Design Project module.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, tutorials, and individual and group activities. Invited lectures delivered by industrialists provide a professional and social context. Assessment is through written papers, coursework, a report on the research or design project and an oral examination.

Careers

Upon completion, our graduates can expect to play a major role in developing the technologies that make available most of the things that we use in everyday life and provide the expertise and technology to enhance our health and standard of living. These activities may involve the development of new materials, food processing, water treatment, pharmaceuticals, transport and energy resources as well as being at the frontline, addressing present environmental issues such as climate change.

Typical destinations of recent graduates include: Amec Process and Energy, British Petroleum, Royal Dutch Shell, National Grid, Health & Safety Executive. Career profiles of some of our recent MSc graduates are available on our website.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Project Engineer, Global Energy
-Process Engineer, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation
-Process Engineer, Petrofac
-Project Control Administrator, Mott MacDonald
-Project Engineer, Kinetics Process Systems Pte Ltd

Employability
Students gain in-depth knowledge of core chemical engineering subjects and of the advanced use of computers in process design, operation and management. They receive thorough training in hazard identification, quantification and mitigation, as well as in risk management and loss prevention, and also learn how to design advanced energy systems, with emphasis on sustainability, energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources. Students learn how to make decisions under uncertain scenarios and with limited available data and receive training on how to plan, conduct and manage a complex (design or research) project.

Why study this degree at UCL?

UCL Chemical Engineering, situated in the heart of London, is one of the top-rated departments in the UK, being internationally renowned for its outstanding research.

The programme is the first of its kind in the UK and is accredited by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) as meeting IChemE's requirements for Further Learning to Master's Level. This recognition will fulfil an important academic qualification for MSc graduates with suitable first degrees in eventually becoming Corporate Members of IChemE.

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The MSc Safety Engineering for Oil & Gas programme provides training in safety engineering, reliability engineering, and loss prevention in the offshore, nuclear, transport, aerospace and process industries and more. Fully accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) and the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT).

COURSES
Semester 1
Fundamental Safety Engineering and Risk Management Concepts
Statistics and Probability for Safety, Reliability, and Quality
Fire and Explosion Engineering
Offshore Oil and Gas Production Systems

Semester 2
Advanced Methods for Risk and Reliability Assessment
Applied Risk Analysis and Management
Process Design, Layout and Materials
Human Factors Engineering

Semester 3
Project

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The MSc International Security and Risk Management course develops and enhances critical theoretical knowledge, security management skills and understanding in an area which presents significant demand for professionalisation worldwide. Run in partnership with Perpetuity Training Academy, who specialise in the fields of security, crime and risk management worldwide, this online course is aimed at practitioners in international security and risk management who are striving to embrace modern approaches to their line of work.

The MSc International Security and Risk Management will provide industry-accredited security management qualifications to enhance your career, increase market value and demonstrate professional development. This Masters programme is delivered through online distance learning, which enables learners to combine their studies with work-based learning. There are three exit points – Postgraduate Certificate; Postgraduate Diploma and the MSc.

See the website http://courses.southwales.ac.uk/courses/1931-msc-international-security-and-risk-management-online-delivery

What you will study

You will study the following modules:

Year 1
Security Management: Prevention and Design
Security Management: Protection Study
Security Management: Risk Management and Loss Prevention
Security and Risk Management Producers and Consumers
Security Management: Corporate Security Study
Strategic Security Management and Leadership
Security Management and Delivering Value

Year 2
Research and Evidence Based Practice in Security Management
Research Methods
Dissertation

Employment Prospects

There is currently significant demand for professional development in the area of international security and risk management and this field is moving toward the postgraduate arena in order to ensure that the body of academic knowledge and the international security and risk management skill-base increases.

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You study safety engineering, reliability engineering, and loss prevention in the context of legal requirements for wide ranging industry applications such as nuclear, defence, transport, aerospace, manufacturing and process industries.

COURSES
Semester 1
Fundamental Safety Engineering, and Risk Management Concepts
Statistics and Probability for Safety, Reliability and Quality
Fire and Explosion Engineering
Subsea Integrity

Semester 2
Advanced Methods for Risk and Reliability Assessments
Applied Risk Analysis and Management
Process Design, Layout and Materials
Human Factors Engineering

Semester 3
Safety Engineering Project

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All countries face a wide range of hazards, both natural and man-made, that have the potential to result in catastrophic damage. Despite actions taken by local emergency management professionals, international trends show that the economic and social impact of disaster has increased around the world. This is especially true in the developing world, where large-scale disasters can result in enormous loss of life as well as considerable economic damage.

The MSc in International Disaster Management is designed for participants who want to increase both theoretical and practical management skills in enhancing resilience to disasters through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery from natural and man-made disaster events. Within the HCRI, this will take place through multidisciplinary study focusing on the critical analysis of current trends in global policies, particularly those related to international disaster risk reduction, sustainable development, climate change adaptation and humanitarian action tools commonly used by disaster risk reduction professionals. To this end, the core curriculum brings together the realms of disaster risk reduction, sustainable development, climate change adaptation and humanitarian action. The interdisciplinary team of researchers at the HCRI will also support academic study through practical applications of theory to disaster resilience, prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

In this way, the MSc in International Disaster Management is unique as it incorporates a wide variety of available course units from history, politics, development studies, the arts and medicine. This results in a course that is suitable as a way to development initial skills in disaster risk reduction or support continuing education for disaster risk reduction professionals.

Aims

On completion of the course, you should be able to show a critical understanding of:
1. Key issues and debates related to the theory and practices of disaster risk reduction. Students will show familiarity with different theoretical approaches, practical problems and an appreciation of the diversity of polices at international and national levels, including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Sustainable Development Goals, 21 st Conference of Parties on Climate Change (COP21) and the outcomes of the World Humanitarian Summit.
2. The range of environmental, health and social science topics which influence disaster risk reduction and management (including political, historical, anthropological understandings). Students will become familiar with the methodological and normative underpinnings of these disciplines.
3. The analytical and policy literature concerning the related issues of disaster risk reduction including environmental/geological studies, emergency management structures and institutions, the role and perspectives of the state, multilateral and bilateral agencies, international and domestic NGO's and other civil institutions.
4. An understanding of common approaches to disaster risk reduction (i.e. risk matrices, disaster typologies), including an awareness of the problems and critiques associated with disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery in both industrialized and developing countries.
5. The development of a range of academic and professional/transferable skills through both independent and group-based work.
6. A detailed understanding of a specific conceptual and/or policy-related area of disaster risk reduction along with implications and limitations of research findings on this subject, and of how to produce an original piece of academic research. Delivered via a dissertation.

Special features

HCRI also offers bespoke training in International Disaster Management and Continuing Professional Development courses.

HCRI at The University of Manchester is inspired by the need to conduct rigorous research and to support postgraduate training on the impact and outcomes of contemporary and historical crises. Directed by Dr Rony Brauman (former President of MSF France, Associate Professor at L'Institut d'Études Politiques, Paris, and Director of Research at the MSF Foundation, Paris), HCRI is widely recognised as being a leading international research institute focusing on the study of humanitarianism, conflict response and peacebuilding.

Our work is driven by a desire to inform and support policy and decision makers, to optimise joint working between partner organisations, and to foster increased understanding and debate within the field. Bringing together the disciplines of medicine and the humanities (including international relations and political science) to achieve these goals, HCRI aims to facilitate improvements in crisis response on a global scale whilst providing a centre of excellence for all concerned with emergencies, conflicts and peace. In offering a range of postgraduate courses we embrace this opportunity to develop a scholarly and professional agenda for humanitarians and peacebuilders around the world.

Teaching and learning

Delivery of the course will be done through face-to-face teaching at the University of Manchester. This will be supported by streamed lectures, discussion boards and other e-learning elements.

Coursework and assessment

Graduation requirements will be the completion of 180 credits. A total of 120 credits of module coursework will be required for students to move on to dissertation writing. A passing dissertation will lead to the final 60 credits needed for MA completion.

Career opportunities

Students completing this programme may consider a wide range of career choices, including careers with:
-Civil Service (working within various government ministries, including the foreign office, international development office and local resilience forums)
-International Institutions (such as the UN Peacebuilding Commission, Department of Peacekeeping Operations and regional bodies such as the European Union, African Union, Organization of American States)
-NGO's (local and international) working on peacebuilding initiatives
-Academia/Research Institutes/Think-Tanks

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This course provides a fast-track route to an audiology qualification for individuals who hold a degree (or equivalent) in a related discipline (linguistics, psychology, physics, behavioural science, biomedical science, speech and language therapy or some combination of these).

Audiologists work with patients to identify and assess hearing and/or balance disorders, recommending and providing appropriate rehabilitation and management. An audiologist will assist in the promotion of normal communication as well as the prevention, identification, assessment, diagnosis, treatment and management of the following: hearing and/or balance disorders that arise in the peripheral and/or central auditory and/or vestibular systems; functional hearing disorders; and central auditory processing disorders.

An audiologist should also be able to identify developmental or acquired disorders of speech, language and language processing caused by a hearing loss, and make referrals to an appropriate professional.

The course is organised in three broad strands. You will study supporting subjects such as linguistics, anatomy, physiology, psychology, neurology and research methods. You will learn theoretical audiology knowledge relating to hearing and balance, and you will carry out an element of professional practice through placement-based and university-based learning of practical clinical skills, clinical decision-making, reflection and professional issues. Knowledge, understanding and skills acquired in the theoretical modules are integrated and applied to clinical practice throughout the course.

Teaching, learning and assessment

The course is taught using a variety of interactive learning methods including lectures, tutorials, seminars, workshops, laboratories, group work, role-play and interactive computer sessions. The development of interpersonal skills and professional skills and attitudes is also a major focus of the learning and teaching programme. Learning activities are guided using web-based programmes. A variety of assessments are used for example essays, individual presentations, electronic portfolios, group discussions, case studies, practical skills as well as a final dissertation. Class sizes are normally 10 - 15 students.

Teaching hours and attendance

Each module which you study on campus will require you to attend classes and carry out independent work. Your attendance at QMU will depend on which module you are studying. In most instances, the taught elements of this course occur over three consecutive days. It is suggested that students use the other days for independent study.

Links with industry/professional bodies

The course provides graduates with eligibility to register with the Registration Council for Clinical Physiologists (RCCP) in the United Kingdom/ Academy of Health Care Scientists.

Modules

15 credits: Neurology for Speech Therapy and Audiology/ Linguistics and Culture in Signed and Spoken Languages/ Advanced Audiological Assessment/ Multidisciplinary Working

30 credits: Audiological Assessment/ Aural Habilitation and Rehabilitation/ Technology for Hearing Impairment/ Vestibular Assessment and Rehabilitation/ Research Methods

Level 10 credits

20 credits: Audiological Clinical Skills/ Professional Practice for Audiology

40 credits: Clinical Audiology 1,2 & 3 (placement modules)

If studying for the MSc you will also complete a dissertation (60 credits).

Careers

Graduates may work within the National Health Service and private sector. A further assessment is required in order to work as a registered Hearing Aid Dispenser. There are also career opportunities for research in universities and research institutes.

Quick Facts

- This course includes 34 weeks of structured placements throughout Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North of England.
- It draws on scientific principles to inform clinical practice.
- Practical skills are taught on campus and students have access to a wide range of equipment.

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Railway risk and safety management, are both vitally important worldwide, for not only the ongoing operation of existing railways but also for the design and the development of new systems. Much work is being done by companies involved in both mainline and urban transportation systems to improve safety, for the public, their passengers and their workforce. In the last two years alone there have been around 60 railway crashes and incidents reported worldwide. The prevention of the associated loss of life and livelihood are high priorities for all organisations involved.

This programme in Railway Risk and Safety Management (RRSM) is the first of its kind in the UK and is jointly delivered by the Universities of Birmingham and York. You will benefit from the expertise of two leading UK universities and spend around half of your time with the Birmingham Centre for Rail Research and Education (BCRRE) and half at the High Integrity Systems Engineering Group (HISE) in York.

The programme will give you a deep and robust understanding of the approaches to managing safety and risk in transport systems and related projects. The York modules are highly structured around the general topics of risk and safety management, while the Birmingham portion of the programme focuses on railway systems and the application of risk management principles in this sector. Although different transport sectors and modes have their own specific features, this course will give you a thorough education of knowledge which can take you into many areas of engineering and business management.

About the School of Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering is the key to many of the issues affecting our lives today. Civil Engineers solve problems, design, build and maintain our living and working spaces. You might design a new stadium, work on a local by-pass or railway line, assess a damaged structure, provide immediate and safe drinking water to a refugee camp, or manage a multi-million pound construction project.
We tackle the problems faced by society today: we aim to develop the knowledge and tools to build the communities of the future. Many of our projects have already had a significant impact on society; the impact of others will be felt by generations to come.
The performance of Civil Engineering in the Research Excellence Framework (REF), the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions, has shown that the majority of its research was rated as internationally excellent.
We work closely with industry, charities and research councils to encourage innovative thinking which has an impact on our lives. As a result we are proud of our heritage of internationally-recognised, multidisciplinary research in a stimulating research environment.

Funding and Scholarships

There are many ways to finance your postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. To see what funding and scholarships are available, please visit: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/funding

Open Days

Explore postgraduate study at Birmingham at our on-campus open days.
Register to attend at: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/visit

Virtual Open Days

If you can’t make it to one of our on-campus open days, our virtual open days run regularly throughout the year. For more information, please visit: http://www.pg.bham.ac.uk

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This distinctive programme is the result of a joint partnership between Edge Hill University and Implant Centres of Excellence (ICE Ltd). It will train you in the practical application of dental implantology in the clinic, combining theoretical knowledge with the requirement to successfully complete a range of cases at a clinical hub, supported by a team of experienced dentists and a clinical mentor.

You will be introduced to new technologies such as minimally invasive computer guided surgery and explore CAD-CAM restorative treatment techniques, infection control, medico-legal and ethical considerations, and human factors. There is a focus on teamwork, collaboration and reflection with the overall aim of nurturing an evidence-based approach to practice and enhancing the quality of patient care.

Upon successful completion of the programme you will have developed the core clinical skills and competency in the restorative and surgical aspects of implant dentistry, as well as acquiring essential skills in critical analysis and research.

What will I study?

The overarching aim of the modules is to equip you with an advanced knowledge base and core clinical skills in all aspects of implant dentistry.

You will examine the reasons and consequences associated with tooth loss, with a focus on prevention, and immerse yourself in the application of advanced skills in the assessment, diagnosis and planning of surgical implant treatment.

You will be introduced to research methodology and research skills, undertake a critical appraisal of relevant literature, adopt an evidence-based approach to clinical decision making, and conduct a significant piece of investigative enquiry through the completion of a dissertation.

How will I study?

Taught sessions are typically run in block study days on a part-time basis so that attendance can be incorporated with clinical work.

Teaching methods include lectures by consultant dentists, specialists and expert clinicians in implant dentistry, alongside group work, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), seminar presentations and interactive sessions. There will be strong emphasis on literature analysis and critique as well as development of case presentation skills.

The delivery of the module introducing you to the research process will be more blended and there will be academic and clinical supervision to support you in completing your dissertation.

Several modules contain practice competencies that need to be met so a significant amount of time for learning is allocated to work in practice with support provided by a clinical mentor.

In addition to this, there will be set days of attendance within the clinical hub at ICE Ltd, with the possibility of attending additional optional sessions there if desired.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed both formatively and summatively using a combination of theoretical and practical methods. These will enable you to demonstrate successful acquisition of the necessary academic knowledge and clinical competencies in implant dentistry.

Assessment methods will include essay writing, critical appraisal of research papers, preparing research proposals, delivering case presentations or treatment plans, and conducting practice-based pilot studies or a cycle of clinical audits.

Clinical portfolios will be assessed to allow you to demonstrate your engagement with the evidence-base that supports practice and the application of best practice guidance to your clinical work.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by a combination of academic experts from Edge Hill University who are opinion leaders in implant dentistry and a team of dentists from ICE Ltd who work in community and hospital settings, all with extensive experience of teaching and supporting dentists in oral surgery and implantology.

The expertise of the programme team will be complemented by the use of national and internationally renowned external visiting lecturers who will deliver lectures across the clinical modules.

What are my career prospects?

This programme will develop and enhance your clinical skills and knowledge in implant dentistry. The course is designed to provide a strong foundation for dental practitioners to progress their career within this discipline.

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MSc Forest and Nature Conservation

During the two-year MSc programme in Forest and Nature conservation you will learn about forest management, deforestation, forestry, ecosystem conservation, wildlife management, social aspects of nature and more.

Programme summary

This programme focuses on policy, sustainable management and conservation of forest and nature; i.e. understanding and predicting the effect of phenomena such as global climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, ecotourism, timber production, hunting and animal reintroduction. Insights into all aspects of forest and nature conservation are required to address these issues with emphasis on both ecological and social aspects. The MSc Forest and Nature Conservation programme represents an integrated approach to natural resource management that can be applied at different scales, to diverse ecosystems and in varying political and social contexts. A tailor-made structure, an outstanding research environment and three comprehensive specialisations contribute to making the programme challenging for undergraduates from both the natural and social sciences.

Specialisations

Policy and society
The central study object is the dynamics between people, organisations and institutions within policymaking and policy innovation processes, referred to as `governance'; relative to forest and nature conservation issues, including spatio-temporal aspects. Issues in the field of economics, public administration, communication and strategic planning are addressed in order to conserve and manage forests and natural areas in a sustainable way. Examples are: recreation, communities and natural resources, deforestation, forest governance, sustainable forestry and certification schemes.

Management
This specialisation aims to design and assess realistic and feasible management options for forests and natural areas. The approach is based on specific knowledge and understanding of wildlife management, management of forests and other terrestrial vegetation. Special attention is given to the following questions: What is the best option for wildlife conservation? Do populations need to be managed or not? How does one determine an optimal population level? How should the effects of various management activities, at different spatial and temporal scales, be evaluated? How should the perceptions of different people be dealt with? What are the best options in forest management for a specific area? How to manage nature? How to deal with abiotic, biotic and social bottlenecks in restoration ecology? What is the role of N and P pollution? How to restore shallow lakes? How to restore tropical forests? It is also possible to focus on specific aspects of natural resource management.

Ecology
The emphasis is on understanding the ecological processes that form the basis for the structure, composition and functioning of forests and natural areas. You can specialise in tropical forestry, landscape ecology, animal ecology, forest resource management, plant ecology, biodiversity conservation or tropical nature conservation.

Your future career

The programme provides excellent preparation for Dutch as well as European and non-European jobs. Career possibilities include positions at research institutes and universities, government ministries and local authorities. Positions are also available at state and private forestry, nature conservation services, and environmental assessment agencies. Examples include the European Forest Institute, Birdlife International, and landscape and animal protection organisations such as RAVON or WWF. In the private sector, graduates find jobs at engineering and consultancy bodies, such as Royal Haskoning, the National Fund for Rural Areas or forestry companies. Graduates often begin their career by carrying out research, computer analysis and modelling of ecological systems, working in knowledge transfer or preparing policy documents. Eventually, their careers usually shift towards advisory work, consultancies, research coordination and project management.

Alumnus Wouter Wubben.
Wouter Wubben works for the municipality Westland and is responsible for matters concerning ecology, landscape and water quality. “When I just started working I could directly apply the ecological knowledge from my master, and I was able to pick up missing knowledge very quickly”. Wouter went to the USA to work on forestry for his internship. “During my internship I worked in the field with a lot of different teams, this experience now helps me to communicate with people involved with the implementation of municipality plans. I have a constantly changing job, I started with executive work but I am now responsible for the development of issues in ecology, landscape and water.”

Related programmes:
MSc Animal Sciences
MSc Biology
MSc Development and Rural Innovation
MSc Landscape Architecture and Planning
MSc Geoinformation Science
MSc International Development Studies.

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MSc Earth and Environment

Are you interested in working on solutions for these and other environmental issues? The Wageningen University Master Earth & Environment was born from the necessity of helping the next generations of scientists find solutions for the issues confronting the way we look after our planet, now and in the future. Within the programme you can specialise in Hydrology and Water Resources, Meteorology and Air Quality, Biology and Chemistry of Soil and Water or Soil Geography and Earth Surface Dynamics.

Programme summary

Planet Earth is a complex, interactive and fascinating system. Protected by a thin layer of atmosphere, it provides all the essentials needed to sustain life and support living organisms. Natural processes and human needs often clash, leading to a wide range of environmental issues. Water scarcity and quality, soil degradation , food supply , loss of biodiversity, vulnerability to severe weather, and climate change are just a few examples of key issues that need to be addressed urgently.

As a Wageningen University geoscientist, you study Planet Earth and its ability to sustain life. Using tools from physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics, you build a quantitative understanding of the composition, structures and processes of the Earth and its atmosphere; as well as its resources and the influence of human activity. Thus, you have an important role to play in improving natural resource management and in removing obstacles to sustainable development.

Your study of the Earth system largely focuses on gaining an understanding of the interdependent physical, chemical and biological processes, and developing models that describe these processes on relevant scales. You develop scenarios that describe expected local, regional and/or global changes and the time scale on which they will occur. The Wageningen MEE focuses on the Earth’s ‘Critical Zone’ -including the atmospheric boundary layer, where flows of energy and matter determine the conditions for sustaining life; hence its name: Earth and Environment.

Specialisations

• Hydrology and Water Resources
The focus of this specialisation is to study the effects of climate change and other influences on the water balance of catchments to support optimal land management when dealing with hydrological extremes.

• Meteorology and Air Quality
Would you like to contribute to further understanding of atmospheric processes and their relevance for weather and climate? In this specialisation you learn about physical-chemical processes, the composition of the atmosphere and the exchange between the atmosphere and earth's surface and meteorology.

• Biology and Chemistry of Soil and Water
This specialisation allows you to develop an in-depth understanding of chemical and biological processes and their interactions in soils and natural waters, and their role in the functioning of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in a world that faces increasing anthropogenic pressures. You learn how these insights can contribute to develop effective strategies for the preservation and restoration of soil and water quality, biodiversity, and the functioning of natural ecosystems and the services they provide.

• Soil Geography and Earth Surface Dynamics
This specialisation allows you to explore the spatial and temporal processes that are active in soils, landscapes and the wider earth system. It uses an integrative approach that combines biophysical and human elements to gain insight in past, present and future system dynamics.

The combination of specific discipline training and the Earth System approach prepares you for working on the scientific and societal questions of the future. You can also choose from a selection of elective courses, and we also offer a special variant in preparation for a PhD.

Your future career

The MSc Earth and Environment programme offers our graduate scientists excellent opportunities to develop their career in research or as a science professional at universities, research institutes and consultancies. Our graduates can be found all over the world, working as meteorologists, hydrologists, water quality scientists or soil scientists, to name but a few disciplines.

Are you interested in working on solutions for these and other environmental issues? The master programme was born from the necessity of helping the next generations of scientists find solutions for the issues confronting the way we look after our planet, now and in the future.

Alumnus Nick Gorski.
NIck Gorski came from Canada to Wageningen because of the excellent reputation the Netherlands has in the field of water. He conducted two thesis research projects during his time here. The first dealt with the fluxes of sediment-bound contaminants in a river basin in southwestern Turkey. The second involved the development of a new modelling methodology for heterogeneous flow and solute transport in unsaturated soils. “I had the opportunity to take classes, do field work and research in other countries. It was an excellent way to put theory into practice.” After graduating Nick went on to work for the KWR Watercycle Research Institute in Nieuwegein, the Netherlands.

Related programmes:
MSc Biology
MSc Climate Studies
MSc Environmental Sciences
MSc International Land and Water Management
MSc Plant Sciences.

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