This Master's degree is designed for students who wish to practice across a broad range environmental engineering and apply new sustainable risk management strategies for complex environmental problems. Water, waste and environmental engineering has been traditionally referred to as public health engineering in the United Kingdom.
In this postgraduate course, the technical aspects of both natural and engineering environmental systems will be covered. There will be broad interdisciplinary subjects synthesizing knowledge from a wide spectrum of science and engineering, expanding the content of public health engineering, which in the UK has traditionally been responsible for developing the infrastructure for managing water and waste.
Students will develop engineering skills and be able to design, develop and apply concepts for water and waste as a resource based on environmental sensitivity and be competent in planning, modelling, design, construction, operations, maintenance and control of both engineered and natural water and earth resources.
Students who select this postgraduate programme will gain a skill set that will enable them to progress in the fields of:
The MSc in Water, Waste and Environmental Engineering will incorporate solid waste management, contaminated land treatment and the use of geographic information systems (GIS) with emphasis on management of the earth's resources.
The programme will explain the relationship between different earth resources including:
The aims of the programme are to:
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Year 2
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.
Project work, assignments and laboratory exercises in addition to substantial written examination of course materials will occur in most modules. The Environmental Engineering Research Project will require submission of a substantial final report/dissertation. Assessment of this module will involve participation in a poster and seminar presentation and a final oral examination.
Postgraduate students from this programme will find such employment opportunities as engineers, scientist and technical managers in the private sector (engineering design firms, engineering consultancy, project management, risk management and waste management), in the public sector (environmental protection engineering, regulations and standards, local government) and in non-governmental sectors (NGOs, environmental advocacy) or may wish to pursue further qualifications such as a PhD within the Faculty of Engineering and Science at the University of Greenwich to become even more specialised.
Employers of environmental engineers include engineering consultancies (such as AECOM, Atkins, Mott MacDonald Group, Hyder), government agencies (such as Environment Agency, Scottish Environment Protection Agency) and NGOs (such as Oxfam, Engineers without Boarders, Water Aid).
The global challenge of environmental sustainability highlights the need for holistic design and management of complex environmental and technological systems. This interdisciplinary Master's programme presents environmental issues and technologies within a systems engineering context. Graduates will understand interactions between the natural environment, people, processes and technologies to develop sustainable solutions.
Students will develop an understanding of systems engineering and environmental engineering. Environmental engineering is a multidisciplinary branch of engineering concerned with devising, implementing and managing solutions to protect and restore the environment within an overall framework of sustainable development. Systems engineering is the branch of engineering concerned with the development and management of large complex systems.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four core modules (60 credits), a collaborative environmental systems project (30 credits), two optional modules (30 credits) and an individual environmental systems dissertation (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) is offered.
Core modules
Optional modules
Options may include the following:
Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project addressing a problem of systems research, design or analysis, which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratory classes and projects. The individual and group projects in the synthesis element involve interaction with industrial partners, giving students real-life experience and contacts for the future. Assessment is through written examination, coursework, presentations, and group and individual projects.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Environmental Systems Engineering MSc
Career paths for environmental systems engineers are diverse, expanding and challenging, with the pressures of increasing population, desire for improved standards of living and the need to protect the environmental systems. There are local UK and international opportunities in all areas of industry: in government planning and regulation, with regional and municipal authorities, consultants and contracting engineers, research and development organisations, and in education and technology transfer. Example of recent career destinations include Ford, KPMG, EDF Energy, Brookfield Multiplex, and the Thames Tideway Tunnel Project.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
The discipline of environmental systems engineering is growing rapidly with international demand for multi-skilled, solutions-focussed professionals who can take an integrated approach to complex problems.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
The discipline of environmental systems engineering is growing rapidly with an international demand for multi-skilled professionals who can take an integrated approach to solving complex environmental problems (e.g. urban water systems, technologies to minimise industrial pollution). Environmental engineers work closely with a range of other environmental professionals, and the community.
Skills may be used to:
UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering is an energetic and exciting environment in which to explore environmental systems engineering. Students have the advantages of studying in a multi-faculty institution with a long tradition of excellence in teaching and research, situated at the heart of one of the world's greatest cities.
Accreditation
The progamme is accredited by the Joint Boad of Moderators, which is made up of the Institution of Civil Engineers, The Institution of Structural Engineers, the Chartered Institutions of Highways and Transportation, and the Institute of Highway Engineers.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering
60% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
The Civil Engineering MSc at UCL now offers five additional specialist routes which reflect the expertise within the department and the expanding career paths of civil engineers. This programme is for those students who wish to combine a general MSc in the subject with the related discipline of environmental systems.
The programme aims to provide students with a solid academic background in a broad range of civil engineering topics and advanced skills in problem-solving necessary for a successful career in the sector. This route will also offer you the opportunity to gain specialist knowledge in your chosen area of environmental systems and provide a clear path to a professional career in civil engineering.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four core modules including three specialist modules and one professional development module (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) and a research project (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma, four core modules (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) is also offered.
Core modules
Optional modules
Students choose four from the following:
Please note: combinations of different modules will be determined by timetable constraints
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000–15,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory classes and field trips. The research project includes laboratory, computational or fieldwork depending on the nature of the project. Assessment is through examinations, coursework, project reports and the research project.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Civil Engineering (with Environmental Systems) MSc
Civil Engineering graduates are readily employed by consultancies, construction companies and government departments.
Employability
There are excellent employment prospects for our graduates. There is international demand for multi-skilled, solutions-focused professionals who can take a holistic approach to solving problems.
Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering at UCL is an energetic and exciting environment. Students have the advantages of studying in a multidisciplinary department with a long tradition of excellence in teaching and research, situated in the heart of London. We carry out advanced research in structures, environmental engineering, laser scanning and seismic design.
This MSc covers all the major areas of civil engineering, reflecting the broad range of expertise available within the department and its strong links with the engineering profession across the UK and beyond. There is a strong emphasis on developing skills within a teamwork environment, equipping students for subsequent professional practice.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering
60% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
This MSc provides the knowledge and skills to equip you for a career in either environmental engineering or environmental science.
Closely aligned with industry’s demands, this course meets the needs of:
A distinctive feature of this course is its highly topical nature. Glasgow has been undergoing extensive urban regeneration. This included building on land that's been contaminated in the past. You’ll have challenging 'real world' issues to study close to the University. From this experience, you'll become able to translate the principles of environmental engineering that you have learned into national and international context.
You'll follow a curriculum of five core classes and a wide range of optional classes. Each class is taught for two to three hours per week over eight to 11 weeks.
Following successful completion of the taught component, you’ll undertake a dissertation from June to August. In addition to the dissertation topics proposed by course leaders and industrial partners, you may propose topics that can be of relevance to your future career or your employer.
For part-time study the modules can be taken over two years (attending classes typically one day per week) with the dissertation completed in Years 2 or 3.
As part of the class Independent Study in Collaboration with Industry you can apply to work with industry projects. Industrial partners often sponsor projects applicable for student dissertations.
One year full-time study involves attendance at classes over two terms, plus a dissertation during the third term.
Part-time (open to UK/EU students only) involves class attendance in Years 1 & 2 and a dissertation in Years 2 or 3.
You can also study this course part-time through online distance learning, over 36 months, offering a flexible learning mode of study.
Our £6 million state-of-the-art laboratory facilities are well-equipped with high-technological instrumentation and available space to investigate:
Discover more about our laboratory facilities.
Graduates of the MSc in Environmental Engineering are widely scattered internationally in environmentally related jobs – including a large number of environmental and engineering consultancies, industry, local government and national and international regulatory agencies.
The career prospects of graduates are excellent due to the significant skills shortages in the environmental engineering field both in the UK and overseas.
After graduation, many of our graduates get an Associate membership of IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment) by doing the online exam. Becoming an Associate member of IEMA allows you to use the AIEMA suffix after your name — a way to prove to employers, clients and colleagues that you’re on the great career path that the MSc has given you.
Most of our students also become members of the IAIA (International Association for Impact Assessment) as the University offers a bulk discount membership for students. The IAIA launched IAIA Work Experience Program in 2017, which is only available to IAIA members (including student members). This innovative programme allows members who complete specific projects of benefit to the IAIA to be recognised through:
This programme enhances the professional capacity of our students who take on a project; gaining skills that are complementary to the MSc programme.
Many of our graduates are in work or further study.*
Job titles include:
Employers include:
*Based on the results of the national Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey.
Post Study Work
The University of Strathclyde can endorse graduates on a visa that allows them to engage in business. The is for international students who have an innovative business idea and want to work in the UK (initial permission to stay of 12 months, with a possible extension of 12 months if suitable progress is made). The Strathclyde Entrepreneurial Network (SEN) can give support and guidance to help you develop your business idea.
The Civil Engineering MSc at UCL now offers six additional specialist routes which reflect the expertise within the department and expanding career paths of civil engineers. This programme is for those students who wish to combine a general MSc in the subject with the related discipline of seismic design.
The programme provides students with a strong academic background in a broad range of civil engineering topics and advanced skills in problem-solving necessary for a successful career in the sector. This route will also offer you the opportunity to gain specialist knowledge in your chosen area of seismic design and provide a clear path to a professional career in civil engineering.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four core modules including three specialist modules and one professional development module (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) and a research project (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma, four core modules (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) is also offered.
Core modules
Optional modules
Students choose four from the following:
Please note: combinations of different modules will be determined by timetable constraints
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000–15,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory classes and field trips. The research project includes laboratory, computational or fieldwork depending on the nature of the project. Assessment is through examinations, coursework, project reports and the research project.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Civil Engineering (with Seismic Design) MSc
Civil Engineering graduates are readily employed by consultancies, construction companies and government departments.
Employability
There are excellent employment prospects for our graduates. There is international demand for multi-skilled, solutions-focused professionals who can take a holistic approach to solving problems.
Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering at UCL is an energetic and exciting environment. Students have the advantages of studying in a multidisciplinary department with a long tradition of excellence in teaching and research, situated at the heart of London. We carry out advanced research in structures, environmental engineering, laser scanning and seismic design.
This MSc covers all the major areas of civil engineering, reflecting the broad range of expertise available within the department and its strong links with the engineering profession across the UK and beyond.
There is a strong emphasis on developing skills within a teamwork environment, equipping students for subsequent professional practice.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering
60% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
This course is designed to advance analytical skills in the core subject areas of Civil Engineering including Structural Analysis, Sustainability and Hydraulics. Application of modern IT techniques to complex problem solving is a theme that runs through the course. This course also covers broader issues of project and process management in Civil Engineering.
The Internship Course seeks to provide the same rigorous and challenging programme of professional practice as the MSc Civil and Environmental Engineering but has the added advantage of including a 6 months internship incorporated into the period of study. This makes it ideal for students seeking to add a practical dimension to their studies and understand the demands of workplace supervision and management. Internship opportunities exist throughout the civil and construction industry within the UK.
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES). Successful completion of this course satisfies the academic requirements for the grade Member.
This course is designed to advance analytical skills in the consideration of the interrelationship of current environmental issues and civil engineering. The course links these studies to the core subject areas of Civil Engineering including Structural Analysis, Sustainability, Geotechnics and Hydraulics.
Whilst there is the opportunity to complete empirical study the application of modern IT techniques to complex problem solving is a theme that runs through the course. The course also covers broader issues of project and process management in Civil Engineering. The internship will come at the end of the course following the successful completion of all taught modules.
During the Internship you will work for 6 months with an employer. The internship allows you to apply your theoretical knowledge to a practical work-based situation. It will allow you to improve existing skills and acquire new ones, explore various career opportunities, network and be part of a team. This will improve your understanding of the world of work and professional practice in the workplace. It will also enhance your career prospects, allowing you to focus on your potential career path.
• Advanced Structural Analysis
• Construction Project Management
• Advanced Geotechnical Engineering
• Advanced Structural Design
• Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering
• Research Method for Civil and Built Environment
• Dissertation
Diverse methods are used to explore all aspects of the field. A strong supportive culture exists amongst the course tutors which enable students achieve their potential.
Course works or mini-projects make 50% of the total assessment. There is practical work, report writing, critical academic writing and the skills and knowledge gained in these contribute to a capacity to deliver a high quality dissertation.
All the core modules have end of term examination as well as mini- project. Module leader provides appropriate support throughout the module to ensure candidates are well prepared.
Graduate can find employment opportunities with:
- consulting civil engineering companies
- structural engineering firm
- contractors
- local/national government
- utility companies.
Alternatively, you may choose this course as the basis for further education or extensive research.
In completion student can continue their study for PhD in Civil Engineering and PhD in Structural Engineering.
Click the following link for information on how to apply to this course.
Information about scholarships and bursaries can be found here.
Offshore exploration has become crucial with the expanding demand for energy resources. The MSc Maritime Engineering Sciences / Offshore Engineering course will look at the design and analysis of offshore and marine structures as well as the latest technologies in disaster response, and it is ideally suited to graduates seeking to enter or specialise in Maritime Engineering.
Maritime Engineering Science is an MSc course designed for graduates, or similarly qualified, with an engineering, scientific or mathematical background, who desire to pursue a career in maritime sector. An introductory module is provided at the start to give students the fundamental knowledge necessary for them to succeed in the course.
This MSc Maritime Engineering Science / Offshore Engineering course allows students to design and undertake the structural and hydrodynamic analyses for offshore engineering of fixed and floating structures as well as the understanding of design feasibility and the operating climate.
Offshore engineering is an expanding sector with an even greater demand for skilled engineers. Your compulsory modules will give you a detailed knowledge of offshore engineering and analysis and a professional understanding of maritime robotics for oceanography, offshore exploitation and disaster response.
Your option modules will enable you to broaden your knowledge to cover such topics as renewable energy from environmental flows, design optimisation and thermofluid engineering for low carbon energy.
You will tap into our Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute research network and undertake a final research project using our world-class maritime engineering facilities. The project will involve experimental and practical study and the completion of a dissertation.
View the specification document for this course
The maritime sector provides many and varied career opportunities in engineering and project management related roles. Maritime Engineering Science graduates are in strong demand with good starting salaries and excellent career progression opportunities.
Our graduates work across many different organisations. The Solent region around Southampton is the main UK hub for the maritime sector with organisations such as Lloyd’s Register, Carnival, BMT Nigel Gee, Maritime and Coastguard agency and many others based nearby. Organisations such BAE Systems, QinetiQ and Babcock support primarily the defence sector and employ a good number of our graduates. The offshore and marine renewable developments are offering excellent prospects both to work in the UK (locally, London or Aberdeen) or worldwide in places such as Singapore, Houston or Perth, etc.
There is a growing need for environmental engineers who understand the technologies for pollution control and the commercial opportunities for business. This course equips students with the knowledge and skills to solve a wide range of environmental engineering challenges.
Suitable for graduate scientists and engineers concerned with the protection and enhancement of human life through the improvement and protection of environmental quality at both local and global scales.
The MSc course comprises eight assessed modules, an integrated group project and an individual project. Students undertaking the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) complete the eight modules and the group project. Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) students are required to complete six of the eight modules.
This course equips students with the knowledge and skills to solve a wide range of environmental engineering challenges. The course covers municipal and hazardous waste management, process emissions, contaminated land, water, wastewater and waste disposal. The programme also addresses energy and resource recovery from waste materials.
The course will provide you with:
This course was developed by the team through engagement with a number of industrial contacts. Industry practitioners contribute directly to the course by teaching alongside academics from Cranfield. This does not only provide evidence of the relevance of the programme but allows students to understand the practical implications of their learning. Sixty percent of the course is focused on applied research projects including group projects (20%) and an individual thesis project (40%); both also supported by industry and environmental sector organisations.
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) and Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM).
The modules include lectures and tutorials, and are assessed through examinations and assignments. There is an emphasis on analysis of real problems. Students undertaking the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) complete the seven modules and the group project. Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) students are required to complete six of the eight modules.
Group project
The group project experience is highly valued by both students and prospective employers. It provides students with the opportunity to take responsibility for a consultancy-type project, working within agreed objectives, deadlines and budgets. For part-time students a dissertation or projects portfolio can replace the group project.
Individual project
The individual thesis project, usually in collaboration with an external organisation, offers students the opportunity to develop their research capability and understanding of the subject and their ability to provide solutions to real problems in environmental engineering.
Assessment
Taught modules 40%, group project 20% (dissertation for part-time students), individual project 40%.
On completion of this MSc, graduates have a broader network of global contacts, increased opportunities for individual specialism and a wide range of careers as professional scientists and engineers in the environment sector.
This MSc attracts UK and overseas graduates who wish to take advantage of the considerable global interest in water, wastewater, sanitation and waste to develop their careers.
Many graduates from the programme go on to work for consultancies, water utilities, contractors, relief agencies, regulatory bodies and international organisations.
Graduates from the programme also have the potential to progress to relevant specialist PhD or EngD research programmes in the field.
In the past, scholarship students have been accepted from a range of schemes, including: Foreign Office and British Council Chevening, World Bank, Commonwealth, Thames Water, Commonwealth Shared Scholarships, and the Royal Academy of Engineering, together with students from numerous overseas national schemes.
This programme is studied full-time over one academic year and part-time students must study at least two taught technical modules per academic year. It consists of eight taught modules and a dissertation project.
Example module listing
The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
Apart from the usual full-time mode, there are also part-time options. The majority of Bridge, Geotechnical and Structural Engineering modules can be studied by distance learning through the use of an interactive web-based e-learning platform (SurreyLearn).
This programme can be studied via distance learning, which allows a high level of flexibility and enables you to study alongside other commitments you may have. Download our distance learning PDF to learn more.
Laboratories and pilot plants
In recent years, CEHE has benefited from investment in new equipment in both the small centre facility, which primarily supports fieldwork, and a larger, more extensively equipped microbiology and chemistry laboratory.
The laboratories are equipped with recently acquired state-of- the-art analytical equipment including ICP-OES, GC/MS, TOC, Ion Chromatograph, Particle Counter, water quality loggers, Delagua kits and so on, available for fieldwork.
A water and wastewater research pilot plant is located at Thames Water’s Shalford and Godalming Water Treatment Works, just a few kilometres away from the University campus. Over the years, many MSc dissertation projects have been completed at this facility, most of them to assist in the development or testing of relief agency systems.
A parallel wastewater research pilot plant has recently been established, again with the support of Thames Water, at Godalming Sewage Treatment Works.
Library facilities
The University library is currently resourced for books, journals and electronic resources, as the postgraduate programme in Water and Environmental Engineering has been well established over the last decade.
The programme draws on science, engineering and other areas of knowledge, and the overall diversity of academic groups within the University ensures that there are library resources to answer most needs.
The provision of British Standards online has reduced the copyright requirements and the quantity of photocopying required. Passwords are available from the library web pages for all other electronic resources.
CEHE resource centre
Provision is made within CEHE to access a limited range of textbooks, previously completed MSc dissertations, a selected range of journals and software mounted on PCs in the Catchment Modelling Laboratory or available on CD.
Professional Institution resources
Library and learning resources are available at the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management and other appropriate professional bodies.
All categories of members of the professional institutions are allowed to borrow books from the institution libraries by post, and in some cases to access other services online.
Computing
There are suitable computing facilities available both within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences and through central university facilities.
Teaching rooms
Teaching is primarily in flat floor teaching rooms, although there are occasions when formal lecture theatre facilities are used. All of the usual academic support materials and systems are available and pre-printed notes are distributed during every lecture.
The programme aims to provide graduates with:
We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.
In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.
