The impact humans make on the environment has never been so significant, so pressing or so high profile. Governments, researchers and private organisations are still grappling with the potential solutions for global challenges. Our MSc Environmental Practice provides an answer. It’s your chance to look beyond the headlines and explore the scientific, political and practical realities of protecting the environment.

As such, you’ll cover a diverse range of units throughout the course. On one hand, you’ll develop skills in assessing, monitoring and modelling pollution in the air, water and land, as well as measuring ecosystem degradation. On the other, you’ll learn to apply environmental management tools, impact assessment procedures and carbon management methods.

Finally, you’ll also learn about sustainable development principles and environmental policies – and how to evaluate their implementation. This mix of policy, practice and science will take you from the classroom to the field to the lab. While you’ll develop desk-based assessment approaches, explore key concepts and analyse evidence in lectures and seminars, understanding the environment means getting out into the environment.

So, as well as various opportunities for field trips, you’ll get out into the field for a residential course where you’ll conduct an interdisciplinary environmental assessment. To help you develop your practical skills, you’ll learn in an altogether more cutting-edge environment – with high-spec teaching and research labs equipped with state-of-art analytical and computing equipment.

This masters could take you into a range of careers, from public sector and charitable sector environmental companies to private businesses and research organisations. Our graduates have progressed to work for the NHS, Natural England, the Environment Agency and Stockport Homes. And in consultancy roles such as analytical chemistry (i.e. air, water, soil), carbon management, ecosystem services management, or in strategic impact assessment, to name of few.

Once you leave us, you should be equipped with the knowledge and career readiness skills to support the transition to a more sustainable future for a wide range of potential employers.

Careers support is available from the moment you join us, and for up to three years after you finish your course. Dedicated careers and employability advisors in the Department and the University Careers Service will help you find the role that’s right for you.