Environmental Management (MSc)
Introduction
Equip yourself with applied knowledge and skills to address pressing environmental challenges through this interdisciplinary programme that blends environmental science, policy and management principles. Develop environmental leadership and promote sustainable practices across various sectors. Study at a Queen's Anniversary Prize-winning university ranked 4th in the UK for sustainability, with access to the Cairngorms National Park and internationally unique field sites.
£20,000 NEO NEXT+ Postgraduate Scholarship opportunity - learn more.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
The MSc in Environmental Management will equip graduates with applied knowledge and skills to address pressing environmental challenges, fostering development of environmental leadership and promotion of sustainable practices across various sectors. This interdisciplinary programme blends environmental science, policy and management principles to facilitate comprehensive understanding of environmental change, its analysis, communication and sustainable management.
Students will explore drivers of key environmental issues and adopt a rigorous approach to assessment and management of freshwater, marine, and terrestrial biomes. The programme provides a strong foundation in core quantitative skills necessary to analyse environmental data, plus opportunities to branch out into advanced statistical analysis and mapping of complex data.
Alongside core knowledge, students can expand into environmental ethics, economics and politics, or explore biodiversity conservation and restoration challenges. Students conclude with substantial independent study with an external organisation, or a more academic project related to environmental challenges like climate change, pollution, or biodiversity loss.
Aberdeen received the Queen's Anniversary Prize in Environment and Conservation for innovations in soil science research and teaching to combat the climate crisis.
What You'll Study
- Stage 1
-
Students must attend the following designated programme of courses unless they have previously passed courses deemed by the Programme Co-ordinator to be equivalent to one or more of the specified courses, in which case another course must be taken with approval from the Programme Co-ordinator. Candidates must take 120 credit points of courses from the compulsory courses in stages 1 and 2.
Part-time students can take up to 120 credit points in an academic year.
Requirements:
- 120 credits of compulsory courses (Stages 1 and 2)
- 60-credit research project or professional work placement
Stage 1: Compulsory Courses
Stage 1 compulsory courses include:
- EK50XX - Environmental Change, Management and Sustainability
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
-
This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Ecological and Environmental Data Analysis Using R (EV5020)
-
15 Credit Points
This course is uniquely tailored for environmental scientists and ecologists and will provide students with the required background theory and practical skills relevant to modern science. Our example-led lectures and real-world based practical sessions will provide you with a foundation to become confident and proficient in analysing real data. Throughout this course, we will introduce you to using the programming language R to implement modern statistical modelling techniques. You will use the flexible linear and generalised linear modelling frameworks to analyse environmental and ecological data with an emphasis on robust and reproducible statistical methods.
Stage 1: Optional Courses
Stage 1 optional courses include:
- EK50XX - Conservation and Restoration Ecology
- PH50XX - Environmental Ethics
- Introduction to GIS Tools, Techniques, Cartography & Geovisualisation (GG5065)
-
15 Credit Points
This module will introduce students to remote sensing techniques and fundamental geospatial tools for displaying and analysing geospatial data. This will include: navigation, measurement, spatial queries, geocoding, scripting, buffering, digitising, and overlay analysis. Several ‘real world’ examples will be used to illustrate the application of the tools for data exploration, spatial analyses, mapping, and visualisation. Emphasis will be placed on obtaining a sound understanding of the principles of each technique, as well as the importance of selecting the correct approach to a problem, analysing the data, and interpretation of the results.
- Critical Climate Politics and Security (PI5037)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will examine the causes and the effects of the current climate crisis, while placing a critical lens over the solutions being brought forth. We will also examine different framings of climate security and look at the politics upholding the securities of particular actors, spaces, and knowledges over others. Students will attain a critical understanding of the complexities involved in protecting the planet’s climate, and addressing the many challenges on the horizon if we do not.
- Stage 2
-
Part-time students must register for a Project in Environmental and Conservation Science
Assessments for part-time students will be:
- Coursework: Assignments as prescribed for each course
- MSc students: Dissertation based on your research project
Please note: Project work can be split between Year 1 and Year 2 and Part-time students must consult with the Programme Coordinator before registering for courses.
Stage 2: Compulsory Courses
Stage 2 compulsory courses include:
- EV55XX - Systems Ecology and Resource Management
- Land use and the Changing Environment (EV5803)
-
15 Credit Points
This course is a residential field course that takes place in the Cairngorm National Park. During this course you will gain experience relating to the broad theme of environmental science.
You will develop a greater understanding of the dynamics of the landscape and the interactions and conflicts between stakeholders. You will be focusing on issues associated with different land uses within the Cairngorms National Park and associated decisions which directly impact the environment. This will be done by a number of site visits to sporting estates, forests, farms, and national nature reserves.
You will also have the chance to collect and make use of empirical data within the national park.
This course carries a cost of £95 for MSci Biological Sciences students
Dates for this field course are 23rd March – 27th March 2026
Stage 2: Optional Courses
Stage 2 optional courses include:
- EK55XX - Quantitative approaches for Biodiversity and Conservation
- Environmental Economics (BU507A)
-
15 Credit Points
This course explores the intricate relationship between the economy and the environment, focusing on how economic activities impact the environment, and how environmental policies can be developed to address environmental issues. Students will learn the fundamental principles of economics as they apply to environmental issues, integrating both theoretical concepts and practical applications to address contemporary environmental challenges.
- Governance and Political Economy of Sustainability (GG5557)
-
15 Credit Points
This course will provide students with knowledge of theories of governance in the context of sustainable development. It will focus on the political economy of sustainable development and the political and economic tensions between different institutions, levels of administration and sectors of economy. Students will learn about theories of governance pertaining to the natural environment and sustainable development. They will explore the different institutional scales (e.g. local, national, global) of environmental governance and the processes of decision making for environmental governance. The course will also investigate the tensions between social, economic and environmental objectives for sustainable development.
- Introduction to GIS Tools, Techniques, Cartography & Geovisualisation (GG5565)
-
15 Credit Points
This module will introduce students to remote sensing techniques and fundamental geospatial tools for displaying and analysing geospatial data. This will include: navigation, measurement, spatial queries, geocoding, scripting, buffering, digitising, and overlay analysis. Several ‘real world’ examples will be used to illustrate the application of the tools for data exploration, spatial analyses, mapping, and visualisation. Emphasis will be placed on obtaining a sound understanding of the principles of each technique, as well as the importance of selecting the correct approach to a problem, analysing the data, and interpretation of the results.
- Stage 3
-
Stage 3: Compulsory Courses
Students must undertake a final stage 60 credit research project or placement in Environmental and Conservation Science.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
Fees
- UK
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £12,200
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *)
- £7,000
-
University of Aberdeen graduates are eligible for the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship, reducing tuition fees to £7,000 - matching the current SAAS tuition loan - See full terms and conditions
- EU / International students
-
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £26,250
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
- £18,250
-
The above fee includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.
Funding Opportunities
NEO NEXT+ Postgraduate Scholarship - NEO NEXT+ Energy Limited are offering two postgraduate scholarships in a variety of Masters programmes related to the energy transition, including MSc Environmental Management, for students commencing their studies in September 2026. Each scholarship is valued at £20,000. Check your eligibility and apply by Friday 29 May 2026.
Alumni Discount Scheme - we are pleased to offer a 20% discount for postgraduate tuition fees to all alumni who have an undergraduate degree from University of Aberdeen. Please note that the Aberdeen Alumni Discount cannot be claimed in conjunction with any other scholarship award.
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
Classes are predominantly delivered in-person with recordings available online for accessibility. The programme features extensive field work including day-long trips to key environmental locations and a residential field course with on-site teaching across Aberdeenshire.
Students learn from active researchers and world experts in global change biology, freshwater and marine ecology, plant and soil science, environmental science and environmental modelling. NGO and industry professionals provide guest lectures, practical sessions, and co-supervise MSc projects and placements.
The independent research project involves direct data collection and analysis with training from academic research groups, emphasizing independent thinking and working. Alternatively, students can complete an industry placement working with and at partner organisations.
The programme benefits from the School of Biological Sciences Programme Advisory Board, with industry members providing insights into emerging trends, technologies and skills in demand, ensuring curriculum relevance and employability focus.
Small class sizes ensure personalised attention and mentoring from world-leading academics conducting cutting-edge environmental research.
Learning Methods
- E-learning
- Field Trips
- Field Work
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
The programme is assessed entirely by continuous assessment. There are no exams. The assessments have been developed to provide training in key transferable skills as well as assessments applied assessments in courses such as environmental pollution, environmental impact assessment, and environmental management plan. The final assessment is your project report submitted in the form of a manuscript.
Why Study Environmental Management?
Award-Winning Excellence: Aberdeen received the Queen's Anniversary Prize in Environment and Conservation for innovations in soil science research and teaching to combat the climate crisis. We're ranked 4th in the UK for sustainability (QS World Rankings 2024) and 10th in the UK for delivering SDGs.
Outstanding Student Satisfaction: Top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction, ranked 2nd in Scotland. We achieve the highest postgraduate student satisfaction rates related to teaching, support and development of skills useful for career (NSS 2025).
Unique Location and Access: Study near the UK's largest fishing port and largest national park. Aberdeen features the HQ of GB Energy, offices for Marine Directorate and NatureScot, and is Europe's oil and gas capital - the epicentre of important contemporary environmental issues.
World-Class Facilities: Use modern laboratory facilities in the Science Teaching Hub, Zoology and Cruickshank buildings, plus plant growth facilities, research aquarium, and Cromarty research station. Visit internationally unique field sites including residential field courses across Aberdeenshire.
Industry Integration: Well-established links with environmental industry and annual networking events with key stakeholders. The programme benefits from input of the School of Biological Sciences Programme Advisory Board, with members drawn from environmental industry providing insights into emerging trends and technologies.
Exceptional Career Outcomes: Employability rates exceed sector averages with 80-90% of postgraduate students securing exciting opportunities within six months of graduation. Many graduates receive job offers from environmental consultancies, local government, SEPA and NatureScot.
Flexible Pathways: Choices in courses, independent study and research projects can be tailored to suit students' unique interests and intended career paths, with options for both industry placement and academic research projects.
Interested in this programme?
Entry Requirements
The programme welcomes applications from graduates across diverse academic backgrounds who are passionate about environmental management and sustainability. Candidates should demonstrate genuine interest in environmental issues through relevant experience, whether academic, professional, or personal engagement with environmental challenges.
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Minimum entry requirement for this programme is a degree in a biological, environmental or physical science, geography, or other relevant discipline at 2:2 (lower second class) UK Honours level, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth. Candidates with at least a 2:2 or equivalent in other disciplines may be considered if they can demonstrate relevant experience and motivation.
Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Careers
- Environmental Business Advisor and Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Quality Officer and Environmental Policy Officer
- Environmental Reporting Scientist and Environmental Planner
- Ecologist/Ecological Consultant and Conservation Practitioner
- Compliance Advisor and Climate Change & Sustainability Consultant
- Energy and Sustainability Analyst and Sustainability Officer
- Data Scientist/Analyst and Researcher/Biologist
- Engagement Officer, Landscape Technician, and Park Ranger
Outstanding Employment Success: Employability rates exceed sector averages with 80-90% of postgraduate students securing exciting opportunities within six months of graduation. Many graduates receive job offers from environmental consultancies, local government organisations such as SEPA and NatureScot, working as conservation officers or engaged in environmental policy.
Industry Connections: Well-established links with environmental industry facilitate networking opportunities during annual networking events with key stakeholders. The extensive alumni network demonstrates the programme's international reputation and global relevance across different countries and sectors.
Further Study: Postgraduate students successfully compete for PhD positions in environmental, plant, and soil science, with many progressing to academic careers in university settings as researchers.
Industry Links
University of Aberdeen environmental scientists work closely with colleagues in research institutions all over the world and have active involvement with local, national and international governmental & non-governmental organisations including:
- Scottish Natural Heritage
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency
- Marine Scotland Science
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
- British Trust for Ornithology
- Forestry Commission and Forest Research
- International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
Accreditation
The MSc Environmental Management programme is ISEP approved. This means graduates automatically qualify for GradISEP professional status – showing you are part of the next generation of leaders in sustainability. You can also fast-track an application to PISEP (Practitioner Status) once you have gained enough experience to complete a work-based competence assessment. ISEP Student Membership is also free on approved programmes, underpinning your studies with an invaluable toolkit of resources.
This degree holds accreditation from
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Vasilis Louca
- Other Expert
- Dr Lenka Mbadugha
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Facilities
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX