Ama Abrafi Acheampong
Environmental Science, MRes or MSc
Introduction
This multidisciplinary MSc programme aims to train you to recognise and understand the threats and conflicts in the environment today and appreciate the steps required to develop solutions. This programme is also available as an MRes option.
Shell Energy Transition Scholarships (January 2024): Shell U.K. Limited is offering two scholarships for students commencing an energy transition-related Masters programme commencing in January 2024. Deadline 30 October. Find out more.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MRes or MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- January or September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
The systematic approach of this MSc programme enables you to deal with all scales of the environment. Throughout your studies you will have various opportunities to participate in work outdoors and apply your theoretical and field work knowledge to real life situations. You will also gain experience using a range of tools for biological, chemical and physical measurement as well as models and data handling methods. Most importantly, at Aberdeen you will be part of a community that will help improve your knowledge and awareness of environmental science.
The MSc is aimed at graduates looking to specialise, enhance their skills & knowledge or retrain in environmental science and also academics and Government employees looking to further their career, develop industry contacts and remain at the forefront of environmental science.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
-
Environmental Science
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen MoreMSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time January Aberdeen More - MRes
-
Environmental Science
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMRes 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September Aberdeen More
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Fee Information
International Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
- The James Henry Scott Scholarship – Funded by The Swire Charitable Trust, the scholarship covers full international postgraduate tuition fees of £27k plus a maintenance award of £5k. Candidates must be from Mainland China or Hong Kong commencing one of the MSc postgraduate degrees offered by the School of Biological Sciences in September 2023. The application deadline is 1st June 2023.
- Shell Energy Transition Scholarships (January 2024): Shell U.K. Limited is offering two scholarships for students commencing an energy transition-related Masters programme commencing in January 2024. Deadline 30 October. Find out more.
Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.
Scholarships
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.
How You'll Study
A wide range of teaching methods are used at Aberdeen to ensure that you are able to learn in a way that suits your learning style and enables you to achieve the best possible outcome. Our class sizes are small and we have a low student to tutor ratio, meaning you will have the full support of your group tutors.
Our great diversity in teaching methods is coupled by the use of latest digital technology to ensure course content is accessible to all students through a wide range of electronic formats.
The MSc also provides students with ample opportunity to learn outside the classroom so you can apply both theory and practice to real life situations. The majority of courses regularly extend activities and learning to outdoor field work, visits by industry experts and insights into real-life situations and problem-solving. The MSc programme includes, without additional cost, a one week residential field course (at Ballater, Aberdeenshire) plus several day-long field trips from Aberdeen.
The dedicated research project you will undertake as part of your MSc provides training in study design, technical skills, recording results and observations and analysing results. Great flexibility is available in project selection; projects can be chosen from a list of developed by the students themselves in collaboration with supervisors. Projects can be field, lab and/or computer based and flexible to fit the student’s interests, aspirations and skill set.
Learning Methods
- Field Trips
- Field Work
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
The degree programme is assessed on the basis of performance in the research project and continuous assessment of coursework.
Why Study Environmental Science?
- Aberdeen provides you with a unique learning environment that cannot be found elsewhere. You will carry out field work in various different locations, including the North Sea, the agricultural and forested areas of NE Scotland, National Nature reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
- The University has an international reputation for excellence in inter-disciplinary research in terrestrial, aquatic and marine environments.
- The programme is skills-based, meaning that as well as learning theory, you will also have the opportunity to gain experience of applying your knowledge to real life and environmental situations.
- You will be taught by people who are internationally renowned researchers and experts in their field.
- You will learn essential research skills that will better prepare you, should you choose to progress to PhD level.
What Our Students Say
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
MRes
A UK 2:1 honours degree (or international equivalent), in a biological, environmental or physical science, geography, or other relevant subject is required.
MSc
Minimum entry requirement for this programme is a degree in a biological, environmental or physical science, geography, or other relevant discipline at 2:1 (upper 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 2:1 or equivalent in other disciplines may be considered if they can demonstrate relevant experience and motivation.
Please enter your country to view country-specific 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
International Applicants
Careers
Completing the MSc programme will give you the essential skills required to pursue a career in environmental science. You will be equipped with the knowledge, understanding and practical experience to take the necessary action in resolving environmental conflicts.
On graduating you will have several career options available to you, some of which include:
- Further study (PhD)
- Academic jobs in university settings, e.g. researcher
- Careers in the environmental science industry in roles such as Environmental Consultant, Nature Conservation Officer, Water Quality Tester, and Eco-toxicologist
Many graduates pursue careers in the private sector to work for environmental and agricultural consultancies. Others move into Government associated work such as with the Scottish Government, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), or regulatory bodies like the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Environment Agency (EA). A proportion of graduates use the skills learned to continue in research either at universities or institutes.
Career Opportunities
- Doctoral Researcher
- Environmental Consultant
- Research Associate
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
Both the MSc Environmental Science and MSc Environmental Management are IEMA approved programmes. This means graduates from these programmes automatically qualify for GradIEMA professional status – showing you are part of the next generation of leaders in sustainability. You can also fast-track an application to PIEMA (Practitioner Status) once you have gained enough experience to complete a work-based competence assessment. IEMA Student Membership is also free on approved programmes, underpinning your studies with an invaluable toolkit of resources.
This degree holds accreditation from
What our Alumni Say
Etienne Fang
Shi Heliang
Our Experts
The programme will be delivered by a multidisciplinary team of world renowned and vastly experienced researchers in environmental science with each course having its own specialised co-ordinator(s).
- Other Experts
- Professor Graeme Paton
- Professor Paul Hallett
- Dr Sarah Woodin
- Dr Lenka Mbadugha
- Professor Pete Smith
- Dr Gareth Norton
- Dr Philip Smith
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Vasilis Louca
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Facilities
Cruickshank Botanic Garden
The Cruickshank Botanic Garden is situated on our King's College campus. It is used to support both our teaching and research; existing to promote the diversity and importance of plants and their role in the natural world.
Sir Duncan Rice Library
The University’s award winning Sir Duncan Rice Library is listed in the “Top 20 spellbinding University libraries in the World”. It contains over a million volumes, more than 300,000 e-books and 21,000 journals.
Find out more
Laboratory Facilities
Our laboratory facilities include advanced analytical equipment to study soil chemical, physical and biological properties. Students have the opportunity to access state-of-the-art facilities such as mass spectroscopy, GC-MS and XRay CT imaging.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX