MSci Environmental Science
About this course
Master in Science in Environmental Science MSci, an environmental science degree focusing on the scientific study of Earth systems and environmental change. Core topics include Data Analysis, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Project Management, and Environmental Analysis. The four-year programme includes a dedicated final year for specialisation in targeted areas of interest. The first year covers core foundations through modules such as Applied GIS and Data Science, Connected Earth: Environmental Systems and Change, Ecological Concepts and Plant Sciences, and Environmental Geochemistry. The second year expands into practical and theoretical topics including Field Research Skills for Physical Geography and Environmental Sciences, Critical Issues for 21st Century Ecosystems, Digital data capture and analysis, and Environmental Pollution and Management. Year three introduces advanced study with options such as Research Paper, Advanced Fieldwork Research, Climate change in the Earth System, and Conservation Practice: Genes to Ecosystems.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A Level: AAB Including 1 Required Science. IB: 6,6,5 32 points overall. Including 1 Required Science. BTEC: We welcome students studying BTEC qualifications as an alternative to A levels, and accept BTEC Diploma and Extended Diploma. Please contact us for further guidance.
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What students say
Based on about 23 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 96%
- Assessment and feedback: 81%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 96%
- Student voice: 85%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 20%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 20%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 30%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 370 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 7%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 26%
- East of England: 9%
- London: 20%
- South East: 17%
- South West: 8%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 85%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
- Other qualifications: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) for the purpose of eligibility to apply for associate membership.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- LC Applied GIS and Data Science
- LC Connected Earth: Environmental Systems and Change
- LC Discover Geography Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES): Academic and Professional Futures
- LC Ecological Concepts and Plant Sciences
- LC Environmental Geochemistry
- LC Research Methods in Environmental Science
- Advanced Research Methods and Project Planning
- Field Research Skills for Physical Geography and Environmental Sciences
- Critical Issues for 21st Century Ecosystems
- Digital data capture and analysis
- Earth Resources, Environmental Impacts and Sustainability
- Ecological Systems
- Environmental Pollution and Management
- Geological Natural Hazards
- Hydroclimatology: Climate and Water
- Hydrology and River Management
- Palaeoecology
- Plant Sciences: from cells to the environment
- Research Paper
- Advanced Fieldwork Research
- Catchment Processes, Environmental Change and Restoration
- Climate change in the Earth System
- Conservation Practice: Genes to Ecosystems
- Conservation: theory into practice
- Environmental Research in High Latitudes
- Palaeoclimates
- Pollution Impact and Environmental Management
- Professional Placement
- Resource Governance
- Responses to Global Environmental Change
- Solving Groundwater Problems
- Tectonics and Volcanology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Environmental Science at University of Birmingham earn?
The median salary is £29,500 after 15 months, £27,500 after 3 years, £34,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £45,000. The £34,500 median after five years is £5,000 more than the UK median for Environmental sciences.
What do graduates of MSci Environmental Science at University of Birmingham do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Environmental Science at University of Birmingham?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Environmental Science at University of Birmingham?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 143 UCAS points.
Is MSci Environmental Science at University of Birmingham accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) for the purpose of eligibility to apply for associate membership.
Does MSci Environmental Science at University of Birmingham include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on MSci Environmental Science at University of Birmingham?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.