Applied Environmental Hydrogeology MSc
Awards: MSc
Study modes: Full-time, Part-time
Funding opportunities
Programme website: Applied Environmental Hydrogeology
Become part of the next generation of sustainable hydrogeologists who will oversee and manage the global water crisis in the coming decades.
Groundwater resources are under threat around the globe from:
- over-exploitation
- anthropogenic contamination
- climate change
- land-use change
These threats put human and ecosystem health at risk by increasing the likelihood of water scarcity, water conflict, and water-related diseases.
Our MSc Applied Environmental Hydrogeology will develop your skills to tackle these challenges and sustainably manage groundwater resources to protect human and ecosystem health. You will learn to become a critical, innovative thinker in the field of hydrogeology with a focus on sustainable environmental practices.
What is hydrogeology?
Hydrogeology focuses on subsurface flow processes with an emphasis on protecting water resources. Groundwater resources supply a majority of the world's population with a portion of their daily water needs and approximately 40% of the world's crop irrigation. However, it is widely acknowledged that these resources are over-exploited and threatened with anthropogenic contamination.
Our inability to sustainably manage essential groundwater resources is already contributing to global crises such as:
- water conflicts in the Middle-East
- water-related disease outbreaks
- ongoing flood events across the UK
Also, legacy contamination issues threaten the safety of dwindling groundwater supplies, such as:
- nuclear waste
- coal mine drainage and changes to regional hydrogeology
- nutrient runoff due to anthropogenic farm practices
- heavy industry along with emerging contaminants
Highly skilled and numerate hydrogeologists are needed to manage these issues to ensure continued access to safe groundwater for domestic, industrial and agricultural use.
As a hydrogeologist, you get to explore topics such as:
- water resources management
- energy storage
- geofluid interaction
- waste storage
- energy resource exploitation
- remediating brownfield and legacy mining sites
- wider groundwater issues such as legislation, economics, climate change, land use and sustainability
A more sustainable future
Our social responsibility and sustainability values are embedded within each course, as we seek to ensure vital groundwater resources are sustainably managed and not over-exploited. We will teach you to recognise and address ethical dilemmas, social responsibility and sustainability issues and apply these to your own values to situations and choices.
Is the MSc for me?
The School of GeoSciences is a world-leading research centre in environmental geosciences and has specifically designed this exceptional MSc programme in Applied Environmental Hydrogeology.
The MSc has been designed in collaboration with industry and professional bodies. Their input will ensure you can develop sought-after skills in this industry, including significant employer demand for hydrogeologists with quantitative skillsets.
This MSc is ideal for those:
- ready to take the next step in their education
- upskill their knowledge, or
- switch careers to a more environmentally responsible role focused on sustainable management of environmental resources
What is it really like to study with us?
No one knows what it is like to study here better than the students themselves.
Our students are sharing their experiences - from studying to living in Edinburgh and everything in between.
Get social with us:
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.
This MSc programme (total 180 credits) comprises:
- compulsory and option courses (total 120 credits)
- dissertation (60 credits)
Topics
This exciting MSc is unique from other hydrogeology programmes, as it combines traditional field skills with modern quantitative skills such as computational analysis using state-of-the-art computational tools.
Quantitative methods are now regarded as required skills for modern hydrogeologists to tackle complex water issues.
You will learn to become adept in applying quantitative skills to inform scientifically driven decision-making and explore the nuanced, interconnected processes driving groundwater management.
We will teach you these new methods alongside foundational themes of aquifer characterisation, groundwater processes, biogeochemistry, engineering geology and field skills in the context of:
- groundwater contamination and remediation
- legislation
- economics climate and sustainability
- water resources management
- energy storage
- geofluid interaction (compressed air, methane, hydrogen)
- waste storage (solid, CO2, nuclear)
- energy resource exploitation (geothermal, conventional and unconventional hydrocarbons)
Dissertation
We will work with you throughout your studies to prepare you for the dissertation project, a substantial body of independent work. You will choose a topic and conduct a multi-month research project on it, further developing expertise in an area of your choosing.
With this project you may have the opportunity to work on this in partnership with an external organisation. Previous projects have included collaborations with groups such as BGS and Groundwater Relief to explore suitable well locations in South Sudan, and water quality issues in a Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh. Other projects have worked with commercial entities to ensure dewatering operations protects local aquatic habitats.
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.
How will I learn?
You will experience a range of learning styles while studying, depending on the subject matter and courses you are taking. Teaching for this programme will typically be in the form of in-person lectures and workshops, with some courses also utilising a more discussion-oriented teaching style.
You will be taught by academics with international reputations for high-quality, world-leading research, which they will bring to the programme. We also invite guest speakers and lectures from our wide network of hydrogeological experts, including regulators (e.g., Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland), industry (e.g., Golder Associates) and leading scientists. External speakers may:
- deliver guest lectures
- contribute to discussions
- highlight links between in-class materials and real-world projects
- provide possible dissertation opportunities.
Our industry links can provide you with networking and potential employment opportunities and help you gain valuable real-world experience to effect real change.
You can view each relevant course for teaching and assessment methods through the ‘Programme Structure’ link under compulsory and option courses below.
Changes to teaching and learning
We are committed to offering high-quality education to all our students. However, please be advised that there may be changes to course options and delivery. All decisions are made to ensure we can provide the highest standards for your educational experience.
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.
Part-time study
You may study this programme part-time as we are committed to helping people into education while continuing to work or managing family and personal commitments. A two-year part-time option is available. We recommend living within a commutable distance from Edinburgh in order to undertake part-time study, and we encourage you to contact us to discuss part-time study in more detail.
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 | Applied Environmental Hydrogeology | 1 Year | Full-time | Programme structure 2024/25 |
MSc | Applied Environmental Hydrogeology | 2 Years | Part-time | Programme structure 2024/25 |
On completing the MSc Applied Environmental Hydrogeology, you will be able to:
- Understand and evaluate fundamental processes governing groundwater flow and quality.
- Assess current developments and issues surrounding brownfield contamination and remediation, geoenergy, groundwater source zone protection, legislation and economics.
- Recognise and appraise the most appropriate monitoring and mitigation techniques to minimise the impact of geoengineering applications.
- Improve communication skills by documenting data collection, model development, implementation and delivering results through a professionally written report.
- Develop conceptual and analytical skills to enable critical evaluation of any hydrogeology related project.
- Intelligently interact with hydrogeology project developers, regulators and researchers.
You will also gain specialist experience in using hydrogeological standard industry and research software packages, including:
- PhreeqC for Aqueous geochemistry simulations
- Grapher for geochemical presentations
- Aquasolve for analysis of pump tests
- MODFLOW for groundwater and mass transport simulation
- OpenGeoSys for groundwater, mass transport, reactive transport, heat and mechanical simulations
- Tecplot for professional 3D modelling presentations
- Gmsh for the development of 3D numerical meshes
- Leapfrog for the development of 3D numerical meshes
- Python
We support our dissertation projects by providing access to a wide range of specialist software and analytical equipment. We also host a variety of world-class experimental facilities which can be used in dissertations by our students.
Graduates with hydrogeology skills are in very high demand. There is an expected shortage of hydrogeologists that will continue for the next decade. As a result, there is increasing demand for 'water numerate' professionals that can scientifically address many of the water and energy-resource and geoengineering challenges facing society today.
As a hydrogeologist, you can seek a variety of interesting, in-demand, and environmentally responsible careers.
Our programme's focus on groundwater contamination and remediation, and sustainable water management, provides additional scope for careers in waste management, brownfield redevelopment and risk assessment.
Our graduates
Your career after completing the MSc Applied Environmental Hydrogeology could include:
- groundwater resource management
- ground engineering applications requiring groundwater management
- carbon capture and storage
- contaminated groundwater/soil remediation and brownfield redevelopment
- geothermal applications
- energy and energy generation
- energy storage (compressed air; hydrogen; methane gas)
- geological storage of nuclear waste
- environmental monitoring and tracing of fluids in the subsurface
- project management
Other pathways include education, such as teaching, further research and academia.
The MSc's unique focus on coupling computational tools to traditional field skills can also lead you to other exciting career pathways.
These could include:
- environmental consulting
- engineering companies
- water industry such as water providers
- regulatory organisations such as environmental and water quality regulators
- non-governmental organisations (NGO's)
- government organisations
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
Field work is an excellent way to explore the factors and forces that shape our world and enable you to put valuable skills into practice. Our compulsory field trips or field courses are free, including travel. We strive to deliver a low-carbon experience that also supports the local economy.
One of the key field trips undertaken in this programme is a two-day investigation of an aquifer underlying a nearby natural flood management project site, nestled in a scenic Scottish valley. You will learn:
- the basics of conducting hydrogeological site visits
- what to look for when visiting a site
- what field methods are typically employed to quantitatively explore aquifer properties
- how to assemble all of this information into a working conceptual and numerical model of the site
The key skills taught by this visit are fundamental parts of a hydrogeologist's toolkit and are in-demand from employers in this sector.
Changes to 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.
Accessibility on field trips
We are committed to making our degree as accessible and inclusive as possible. In the event that you cannot attend a fieldwork trip, we will provide alternatives with comparable learning outcomes where necessary.
Where you will study
Most teaching for this programme occurs within the School of GeoSciences, located at the University's King's Buildings campus. The King's Buildings (KB) is the main campus of the College of Science and Engineering.
Facilities
You will have access to the University's facilities across all University sites.
For example:
- laboratories
- libraries
- study spaces (some of which are open 24 hours)
- computing facilities
- social spaces
- leisure facilities
Depending on the option courses you choose, you may study at various campus locations in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Climate Change Institute Masters Hub
Students in this MSc will also have access to the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI) Masters Hub. You will have access to the shared 'Masters Hub' study space in ECCI as well as the café and shared working spaces on the ground and first floors. Some of your teaching will take place in the ECCI.
ECCI is also close to many teaching spaces and facilities within the Central Area campus, such as the Main Library and gym.
Take a virtual tour
You can take a closer look at the School of GeoSciences and explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site. Discover our city's landmarks, our campuses, accommodation and get video tours - all in one place.
These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent in appropriate natural science or engineering subjects (for example, Geosciences, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biosciences, and Environmental Sciences).
Students from China
This degree is Band C.
International qualifications
Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:
English language requirements
Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.
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. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
- 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 73 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
- Oxford ELLT: 8 overall with at least 6 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 five 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. This may include suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.
Living costs
You will be responsible for covering living costs for the duration of your studies.
Tuition fees
Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSc | Applied Environmental Hydrogeology | 1 Year | Full-time | Tuition fees |
MSc | Applied Environmental Hydrogeology | 2 Years | Part-time | Tuition fees |
Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.
Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:
borrowing money
- taking out a loan
- family support
- personal savings
- income from work
- employer sponsorship
- scholarships
Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study
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.
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
- School of GeoSciences
- Grant Institute
- James Hutton Road
- The King's Buildings Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH9 3FE
- Programme: Applied Environmental Hydrogeology
- School: GeoSciences
- College: Science & Engineering
Applying
Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.
MSc Applied Environmental Hydrogeology - 1 Year (Full-time)
MSc Applied Environmental Hydrogeology - 2 Years (Part-time)
We aim to review applications and make selection decisions throughout the cycle.
However, if there is high demand, we may close applications to this programme earlier than the published deadline.
We strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.
This is particularly important for applicants who may need sufficient time to take an English language test or to obtain other supporting documents.
The final deadline may be extended if any places remain on the programme.
You must submit one reference with your application.
Please submit a CV/Resume with your application. Find out more about writing a suitable CV:
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.
We advise you do not apply to more than one programme.
However, where possible, we may make an alternative programme offer if you have been unsuccessful in your chosen programme.
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
- School of GeoSciences
- Grant Institute
- James Hutton Road
- The King's Buildings Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH9 3FE
- Programme: Applied Environmental Hydrogeology
- School: GeoSciences
- College: Science & Engineering