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.
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
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 and students must consult with the Programme Coordinator before registering for courses. PD5006 Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen, and EV5020 Ecological and Environmental Data Analysis Using R must be taken in Year 1. EV5908 Project in Environmental and Conservation Science or EV5909 Project Placement in Environmental and Conservation Science must be registered for in Year 2. However, the work for the project course may be split between Years 1 and 2.
Requirements:
- 120 credits of compulsory courses (Stages 1 and 2)
- 60-credit research project or professional work placement
- Stage 1
-
Stage 1: Compulsory Courses
- 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.
- Environmental Change, Management and Sustainability (EV5021)
-
15 Credit Points
Core environmental management course providing integrated understanding of environmental change and sustainability.
The quantitative appraisal of environmental issues, their interactions and effects of interventions highlight the need for systematic change and evidence-based decision making.
Through a combination of lectures, hands-on sessions, tutorials and independent study, the students gain knowledge and skills to communicate environmental issues and appraise management strategies.
Stage 1: Optional Courses
You must select two of the following courses:
- 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.
- Conservation and Restoration Ecology (EK5015)
-
15 Credit Points
Foundational course to the Biodiversity Conservation MSc programme teaching the science behind contemporary conservation. Students will study how conservation and restoration of populations, communities and ecosystems is underpinned by ecological and conservation theory.
Case studies from terrestrial, marine, and freshwater systems provide context for applying theory to practice, for understanding how the complexity of content influences approaches, and how interventions are monitored and assessed.
Course features lectures, practical exercises and field trips to local biodiversity hotspots such as in the Cairngorms national park and coastal nature reserves.
- 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
-
Stage 2: Compulsory Courses
- Systems Ecology and Resource Management (EV5522)
-
15 Credit Points
A research-led course exploring sustainable natural resources management (NRM) through an ecological systems lens.
The field and data-driven research provide interdisciplinary insight into complex challenges associated with land and soil degradation, biodiversity loss and depletion of freshwater and marine resources.
Lectures, debates, case studies and applied exercises encourage students to engage with the latest trends in NRM and design sustainable, system driven, management solutions.
- 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 22rd March – 26th March 2027
Stage 2: Optional Courses
You must select two of the following courses:
Please note, if you select GG5065 in the first term you cannot select GG5565 in the second term.
- Quantitative Approaches for Biodiversity and Conservation (EK5517)
-
15 Credit Points
QABC will teach students contemporary analytical skills to allow them to tackle current and future quantitative problems in conservation and restoration. These skills will also be transferable beyond biology under the broad umbrella of “data science”.
- Learn how to apply cutting-edge analytical techniques used in modern conservation biology
- Appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of each approach
- Be able to recommend to non-experts in which contexts to use them and any caveats key for making decisions.
- Learn how to access diverse data sources
- Communicate complex analyses to both specialists and non-specialists
- Be introduced to machine learning
- 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.
- Environmental Ethics (PH5576)
-
15 Credit Points
We are living through an environmental crisis. This is well recognised and widely discussed. Most of this discussion focuses on what we should do to deal with the crisis, and rightly so. But it is also well recognised that the current crisis is deeply rooted in how we think of nature and the natural world and why we value it. Environmental Ethics helps us think about these foundational issues and get clear on why - and not just how - we should save the planet.
- Stage 3
-
Stage 3: Compulsory Courses
You must undertake one of the following:
- Project in Environmental and Conservation Science (EV5908)
-
60 Credit Points
The three-month individual Research Project can cover any area of environmental or conservation science and is undertaken under the supervision of a member of staff who is an expert in your chosen field. The project provides opportunities for you to develop your abilities and skills, generate hypotheses and design ways of testing them and to analyse, report and discuss your findings. You will learn to take responsibility for implementing your own plans and modifying them as necessary. The project is written up in the style of a scientific paper manuscript or a consultancy report.
- Project Placement in Environmental and Conservation Science (EV5909)
-
60 Credit Points
A three-month placement with an external organisation, working on the front line of environmental and conservation science. Primarily placements will be sourced by university staff to ensure quality and reliability, however, students may identify potential placements for consideration and approval by the Course and Programme Coordinator.
This course offers hands-on experience working with an industrial partner, allowing you to devise a personal skills development plan, learn about inclusion and professionalism in the workplace, collaboratively identify achievable milestones and report against those milestones.
The activity undertaken within the placement will be jointly developed between the university and the external partner to ensure the work is relevant to both and feasible within the timeframe of the placement. The body of work is likely to take the form of a work-related research project and the written output will typically take the form of a consultancy report.
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 2027/28 Academic Year
- £12,200
- 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
- Tuition Fees for 2027/28 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 2027/28 Academic Year
- £26,250
- 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.
- Tuition Fees for 2027/28 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
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.
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
.
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