Environmental Science and Management - MSc

You'll develop knowledge, critical analysis and skills in Environmental Science, and learn about its application to the management of natural resources. You will be prepared for a wide range of careers in environmental consultancy and business, in government and non-governmental organisations and in environmental research.

You'll take part in problem solving especially in issues that are at the forefront of our research. You will also examine case-studies that allow you to analyse and tackle the complex problems that characterise Environmental Management.

​We have a number of partnerships with major environmental organisations that will be of benefit to our students through lectures, workshops and research and internship opportunities. 

The Stockholm Environment Institute has one of its seven international centres here in our department. SEI is an independent research organisation that has been engaged in environment and development issues for more than 25 years. 

The CIRCLE Institute is a jointly funded venture between our department and Flamingo Land, a Yorkshire-based zoo and theme park. CIRCLE carries out research into the conservation of wild animals and places and aims to communicate the results in a fun and accessible way.

You can pick from a variety of optional modules that will allow you to structure this course to your own interests. You'll also be able to chose to do your dissertation work within our department, with the Stockholm Environment Institute at York (SEIY) or with another appropriate institution or organisation.

We perform world-leading research in a wide range of environmental areas. 

Find out more about the exciting research done in our Department and across the University 

Course content

This course will give you a firm grounding in the fundamental principles of environmental science and environmental management. You'll also learn to analyse and address specific questions in environmental science and management and you'll engage with the latest research via debate and discussion.

You have a choice of optional modules that will allow you to tailor the course to your interests, from health, business or wildlife management and more.

Modules

For the Masters you will need to take 100 credits of taught modules as well as 80 credits for your dissertation.

Core modules

• Current Research in Environmental Science (10 credits)
• Ecotoxicology (10 credits)
• Environment and Health (10 credits)
• Research Skills and Statistical Methods (20 credits)

Option modules

Choose 50 credits from:

• Business and Environment (10 credits)
• Environmental Governance (10 credits)
• Environmental Impact Assessment (10 credits)
• IPCC Science (10 credits)
• Ocean and Coastal Science (10 credits)
• Monitoring, Assessment and Control of Pollutants (20 credits)
• Spatial Analysis (10 credits)

Dissertation

• Dissertation (80 credits)

You will complete an 8,000 word dissertation as part of this MSc. This dissertation can either be York based, or as a placement with an external partner. 

Teaching and assessment

You’ll work with world‐leading academics who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace.

Teaching format

This Masters combines formal lectures, practicals, computer labs, seminars, industrial site visits and field trips.

• Guest lecturers from external organisations, including other universities and environmental organisations, provide a view of the current state of Environmental Science and Management.
• You'll use the University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to supplement lectures and practicals with additional material.
• Some modules offer optional drop-in help sessions.

Facilities

Our state-of-the-art building contains purpose-built labs, lecture theatre and seminar rooms.

Teaching location

You will be based in the Environment Department on Campus West.

Most of your contact hours will be in the Environment Department with some additional teaching on Campus West.

About our campus

Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.

Assessment and feedback

Types of assessment in this course include:

• Essays of around 3,000 words
• Exams of varying length (depending on the modules chosen)
• Models, maps and accompanying report
• Presentations and reports
• Press releases and accompanying poster presentations
• Laboratory practical reports of 2,000-3,000 words
• 8,000 word dissertation.

Formative assessment as you study modules will give you useful feedback on your progress and understanding.

Careers and skills

You'll develop the skills and knowledge you will need to follow a career in an environmental organisation in both the public and private sectors. The Masters in Environmental Science and Management also provides an ideal basis to progress to further study at PhD level.

Career opportunities

• Environmental Consultancies
• Chemicals industry
• Local Government
• National Government Departments
• Transportation
• Energy sector
• Academic research
• Non-governmental organisations
• Teaching.

Transferable skills

You'll develop a range of transferable skills throughout the course, including:

• Geographic and Information Systems skills
• Communication of environmental research
• Environmental health risk assessment
• Qualitative and quantitative data analysis
• Wildlife management
• Practical experience designing and conducting field-based surveys
• Experience of species identification
• Laboratory methods for environmental testing
• Environmental modelling

Visit the Environmental Science and Management - MSc page on the University of York website for more details!