Environmental Protection and Management MSc
Awards: MSc
Study modes: Full-time, Part-time
Accreditation
Funding opportunities
Programme website: Environmental Protection and Management
It was one of the best academic years I have completed. I was immersed in such a wide range of environmental issues. I took my dissertation as an opportunity to do an internship with Scottish Power Energy Networks.
I now work for an international development NGO. In addition, I run the environmental platform "Less Waste Laura" on social media as an ethical influencer.
There is so much opportunity at Edinburgh, make sure to not let it skip you by!
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Your chance to play a vital role to protect and conserve the environment starts here.
Our actions have had and continue to have a significant impact on our planet:
- the use of natural resources,
- deforestation
- soil erosion
- the release of pollutants and pathogens
- invasive species
- the increase in greenhouse gases
These human impacts are all examples of pressures that have potentially severe consequences for humanity and other life on Earth.
The MSc Environmental Protection and Management will give you an in-depth understanding of natural resource management based on a scientific understanding of the issues but also linked across disciplines.
We will equip you with advanced skills and knowledge about the processes that give rise to environmental degradation and the strategies to affect sustainable change.
Reputation, relevance and employability
Our programme has been successfully delivered for over 25 years and continues to grow from strength to strength.
You will be taught by world-leading experts in key fields, as well as benefiting from our excellent relationships with industry and relevant employers.
The programme attracts students from a variety of backgrounds. Our diversity will give you exceptional opportunities to learn from one another and become part of a strong alumni network around the globe.
Scotland’s Rural College
This programme is delivered in collaboration with Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).
You will benefit from being a fully enrolled student at the University of Edinburgh as well as access to all of the complementary staff, expertise, and resources at SRUC. Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be awarded your degree by the University of Edinburgh.
What’s it really like to study here?
Visit our blog, where students in the School of GeoSciences share their experiences of postgraduate study, living in Edinburgh and everything in-between.
When to apply
Please note: Due to high demand for this programme, we operate on a series of early application deadlines.
We strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.
For dates and details, please refer to 'Application Deadlines' and 'How to apply' on the right panel of this page.
You should also avoid applying to more than one degree. Applicants who can demonstrate their understanding and commitment to a specific programme are preferred.
If you plan to apply to more than one programme, you should discuss your choices with us before you submit your application.
Where possible, we may make an alternative programme offer if you have been unsuccessful in your chosen programme.
Accreditation
The MSc Environmental Protection and Management is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), allowing students on this programme to become members.
The IES provides access to news about jobs and events, free journal access and free or reduced entry to IES events.
Upon completing our MSc programme, you can upgrade for free to become an Associate of the Institution.
This MSc programme comprises:
- compulsory and option courses
- dissertation
Throughout your studies, we will work with you to prepare you for the dissertation project. This will be your opportunity to explore a topic of your choice in relation to the programme and prepare a dissertation that you can use to demonstrate your work to potential employers.
Part-time study
As we are committed to helping people into education while continuing to work or managing family and personal commitments, you may study this programme part-time.
How will I learn?
You will experience a range of learning styles while studying, depending on the subject matter and courses you are taking. You can view each relevant course for teaching and assessment methods through the ‘Programme Structure’ link under compulsory and option courses below.
Although we endeavour to provide a wide range of optional courses to choose from, these can be subject to change or cancellation at short notice. Places on optional courses can be limited due to course capacity and timetabling constraints. It may not be possible to guarantee every offer holder their top choice of optional courses.
Find out more about compulsory and optional courses
We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSc | Environmental Protection and Management | 1 Year | Full-time | Programme structure 2023/24 |
MSc | Environmental Protection and Management | 2 Years | Part-time | Programme structure 2023/24 |
MSc | Environmental Protection and Management | 3 Years | Part-time | Programme structure 2023/24 |
By studying the MSc Environmental Protection and Management, you will:
- develop a scientific understanding of some of the major processes which influence the quality of land, air and water resources
- acquire knowledge of the most effective methods of environmental protection and the sustainable management of resources
- develop interdisciplinary skills through learning how other disciplines integrate with a scientific approach and understanding
- have the opportunity to study the integrated protection and management of particular ecosystems or resources
- be exposed to cutting-edge technology and data analysis tools
- develop high-level core skills (such as communication, writing skills) that will be vital in the future job market
Our graduates have a strong record of finding employment in the environmental sector around the world.
Global climate change, our growing population and unprecedented consumption of finite resources are rising higher and higher on the political agenda across the world.
Graduates with the knowledge to apply the principles of effective management of limited resources with the protection of our fragile environment are in high demand to find answers and solutions to problems such as:
- reducing environmental footprints
- deforestation, pollution
- soil erosion
- natural resource management
- and more.
In particular, addressing such issues requires graduates who can take a holistic and flexible approach to problem-solving, often working with or across other disciplines.
You could be working in roles such as:
- environmental protection officer
- lecturer
- policy officer
- planning consultant
- scientific publisher
- catchment management officer
- ecological/environmental consultant
There are also many consultancy opportunities with environmental regulators, governments, non-government organisations (NGOs) and private environmental consultancies.
SRUC works closely with colleagues in our consulting division, SAC Consulting. In recent years several graduates of this programme have obtained consultancy roles. As a result, SAC Consulting aims to offer two positions per year to suitable graduates across the SRUC-run programmes.
You can also progress to further research and academia.
Recent PhD subjects pursued include:
- carbon sequestration by agriculture
- air pollution modelling
- human-wildlife conflicts
- use of UAV (drones) in environmental monitoring
- Arctic ocean circulation systems
Our graduates
Examples of the organisations our graduates have gained employment with include:
- Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA)
- Talisman Energy
- Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
- Vegware
- Tearfund
- Global Green Growth Institute
- Water Witness International
- IUCN
- Veolia UK
During my dissertation I managed to secure a position at the Environment Agency in Water Resources, basing my application around skills I was able to develop during this MSc. Since then I have progressed into Integrated Environmental Planning working on the River Basin Management plan and with water companies on catchment nutrient balancing projects. Mike Garland, MSc Environmental Protection and Management
Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your wider student experience at the University, providing:
- tailored advice
- individual guidance and personal assistance
- internships and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)
- access to the experience of our worldwide alumni network
We invest in your future beyond the end of your degree. Studying at the University of Edinburgh will lay the foundations for your future success, whatever shape that takes.
Field trips are an excellent way to explore the factors and forces that shape our world and enable you to put valuable skills into practice.
You will have a unique opportunity to participate in a residential field trip* as part of this programme. This will enable you to refresh the skills you have learned as well as develop new tools and techniques for your dissertation and future career.
On recent trips, students learned a range of field and data collection and analysis techniques, covering topics such as:
- water quality and biodiversity
- UAV (drone) surveying and flood modelling
- carbon footprinting of local agriculture
- evaluating tourist and local community attitudes to sustainable tourism
- soils, land use and biodiversity
- air quality monitoring
You may also take part in a short field tour during induction week to give you a chance to get to know your fellow students and staff.
There are no additional charges for compulsory field trips.
Field course locations may change for a variety of reasons, including the health and safety of our students, staff and communities, and to ensure we can maintain the highest standards for your educational experience. Where suitable, fieldwork will be relocated or rescheduled. We will also look at alternative arrangements that will ensure you achieve the quality learning outcomes of your degree. We will announce any changes as soon as possible.
These entry requirements are for the 2023/24 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2024/25 academic year will be published on 2 October 2023.
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in biological science, environmental science, physical science, geography, engineering, economics or other relevant subject.
We may also consider a UK 2:2 honours degree, or its international equivalent, with relevant industry experience.
Students from China
This degree is Band C.
International qualifications
Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:
English language requirements
You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence.
English language tests
We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:
- IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
- Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
- PTE Academic: total 70 with at least 59 in each component.
Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
Degrees taught and assessed in English
We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:
We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).
If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than three and a half years old at the beginning of your programme of study.
Find out more about our language requirements:
Deposit
If you receive an offer of admission you will need to pay a deposit to secure your place.
- £1,500 (this contributes towards your tuition fees)
Find out more about tuition fee deposits:
Field trips and field courses
We do not charge extra fees for compulsory field trips or field courses. The programme fees will cover costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence on compulsory field trips. However, you must pay for incidental or personal expenses.
Living costs
You will be responsible for covering living costs for the duration of your studies.
Tuition fees
Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSc | Environmental Protection and Management | 1 Year | Full-time | Tuition fees |
MSc | Environmental Protection and Management | 2 Years | Part-time | Tuition fees |
MSc | Environmental Protection and Management | 3 Years | Part-time | Tuition fees |
Featured funding
School of GeoSciences scholarships
Scholarships and student funding
You can find funding opportunities, tuition fees and costs of living for prospective UK and international postgraduate students on the University website.
You are also encouraged to undertake your own research into the range of potential scholarships and other funding outside the University for which you may be eligible.
Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) alumni discount
The SRUC alumni discount aims to encourage SRUC graduates to take up opportunities to study taught masters (MSc). SRUC may provide a financial contribution towards tuition fees for eligible applicants for SRUC programmes delivered in conjunction with the University of Edinburgh.
SRUC will notify you if you are eligible to receive the discount on tuition fees during the application and admissions process. Please tell us on your application if you are a SRUC graduate, as this will help speed up the process. For further information, please get in touch with the Programme Administrator.
Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:
- Admissions Contact (lines open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm)
- Phone: +44 (0)131 650 5737
- Contact: College of Science & Engineering Admissions Enquiries
- Programme Contact
- Contact: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC)
- Peter Wilson Building
- West Mains Road
- The King's Buildings Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH9 3JG
- Programme: Environmental Protection and Management
- School: GeoSciences
- College: Science & Engineering
Applying
Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.
MSc Environmental Protection and Management (SAC) - 1 Year (Full-time)
MSc Environmental Protection and Management (SAC) - 2 Years (Part-time)
MSc Environmental Protection and Management (SAC) - 3 Years (Part-time)
Due to high demand for this programme, we operate on a series of selection deadlines.
We strongly recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications may close earlier than the published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.
We may make a small number of offers to the most outstanding candidates on an ongoing basis. However, the majority of applications will be held until the advertised deadline.
We aim to make the majority of decisions within eight weeks of the selection deadline.
If we have not made you an offer by a specific selection deadline this means one of two things:
- your application has been unsuccessful, in which case we will contact you to let you know
- your application is still being considered, it will be carried forward for consideration in the next selection deadline, and we’ll be in touch once a decision is made
The final deadline may be extended if any places remain on the programme.
Selection Deadlines
Round | Application Deadline | Decisions made or applications rolled to next deadline |
---|---|---|
1 | 31 January | 31 March |
2 | 31 March | 31 May |
3 | 31 May | 31 July |
*(Revised 11 November to update selection deadline dates and clarify when decisions on applications will be made.)
You must submit one reference with your application.
Failure to submit all required documents will prevent the Admissions team from considering you for a place on the programme. It may also delay the decision on your application beyond the stated deadline.
We advise you do not apply to more than one programme. Where possible, we may make an alternative programme offer if you have been unsuccessful in your chosen programme.
More details are available on the College website: School of GeoSciences deadlines
Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:
Further information
- Admissions Contact (lines open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm)
- Phone: +44 (0)131 650 5737
- Contact: College of Science & Engineering Admissions Enquiries
- Programme Contact
- Contact: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC)
- Peter Wilson Building
- West Mains Road
- The King's Buildings Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH9 3JG
- Programme: Environmental Protection and Management
- School: GeoSciences
- College: Science & Engineering