MSc Environmental Policy and Management
- MSc
Overview
Prepare for a career that allows you to shape policy to effect environmental change. Develop the practical skills and conceptual tools needed to tackle issues ranging from biodiversity conservation, to water management, to local air pollution.
This programme is aimed at talented graduates seeking to enhance their expertise and develop skills relevant to the fields of environmental policy, management, protection and advocacy.
You will join the School of Geographical Sciences, ranked first in the UK for 'Geography and environmental studies' research (THE analysis of REF 2021) and a highly regarded centre for research and teaching in environmental processes, systems and the social sciences. Staff in the school have been directly involved in advising the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and regularly engage with policymakers, industry and non-profit organisations at local, national and international levels.
Taught by experts from the social, physical, and natural sciences, you will examine how environmental problems are understood, how policy relates to politics, and the context for governmental responses to environmental challenges.
You will have the opportunity to gain practical experience working on a project with an external partner through the Consultancy Project unit. Previous student projects have consulted on waste management, sustainable transport, making more liveable communities, 15 minute cities, and helping local councils identify land for rewilding or nature restoration.
The programme is closely affiliated with the University's Cabot Institute, which promotes multidisciplinary research around global environmental change and benefits from our location in the city of Bristol, the UK's first ever European Green Capital and a vibrant hub of environmental activism and technological innovation.
Through a demanding academic curriculum and practice-based learning opportunities, you will develop the skills and knowledge needed for employment in the public, private and non-profit sectors.
Programme structure
The programme consists of six taught units and a dissertation research project. Some units are taught by natural scientists, covering subjects like climate science and the analysis of remotely sensed data. Others are delivered by social scientists, focusing on areas like environmental governance, policy analysis and research methods and design. An optional 'Policy & Management Consultancy' unit provides an opportunity to develop practical skills through the completion of an extended team-based project that responds directly to the needs of one of our partner organisations.
The final third of the programme involves the completion of an independent research dissertation on an environmental topic of your choosing, enabling you to further develop your research skills and make your own contribution to academic and policy debates about ongoing environmental controversies.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Environmental Policy and Management.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in Anthropology, History, Literature, Philosophy, Biology/Natural Sciences, Chemistry, Ecology, Engineering (any type), Environmental Science, Mathematics, Physics, Zoology, Business Studies, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, Human Geography, Politics/Political Science, Sociology. Applicants with a degree in a Physical Science or other non-standard subjects must also demonstrate competency in essay writing skills, with at least 60% or international equivalent achieved in one essay-based module. Examples include:
Environmental Policy/Governance/Politics
Environmental History/Communication
Environmental Impact and/or Risk Assessment
History and/or Philosophy of (eg Biology/Science/Mathematics)
Final Research Project/Dissertation.
If you are currently completing a degree, we understand that your final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades you have achieved during your studies to date. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing details of your relevant qualifications:
- evidence of relevant work experience in policy-facing roles, government departments or agencies working in roles focused on environment, climate change or energy, environmental consultancy, corporate social responsibility, sustainability or Environmental, Social and Governance roles in the private sector. Minimum one year.
- a relevant postgraduate qualification from the accepted subjects listed above.
Specific module requirements would still apply.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
Go to admissions statementIf English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £14,400 per year
- Home: part-time (two years)
- £7,200 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £31,700 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
Depending on eligibility, applicants may be able to apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme, University of Bristol Think Big Postgraduate Scholarship, Bristol Master's Scholarship, or the School of Geographical Sciences' own Phyllis Mary Morris Bursaries.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
Develop the skills and knowledge needed for employment in the public, private and non-profit sectors.
Our graduates have gone on to work in environmental consulting, national government departments, multilateral agencies, environmental management, conservation, marketing and communications, and a range of private companies in areas such as sustainable housing, transport and energy.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk