Environmental Engineering and Project Management MSc (Eng)

There are many challenges we face globally. But one of the most pertinent is how to protect and maintain our environment. That’s why governments worldwide are looking for environmental engineers to provide solutions in areas such as public health, air pollution, waste and water.

Our Environmental Engineering and Project Management MSc will deliver the core foundations in environmental engineering, including key issues in water resources, solid waste and controlling emissions. You’ll also be trained in project management, equipping you with a professional skill set that can contribute to providing environmentally sound solutions and economically sustainable systems.

You’ll study in the School of Civil Engineering which ranks highly globally and is actively involved in developing ‘internationally excellent’ research — much of which shapes the course.

This means you’ll be learning industry-relevant knowledge and developing transferable skills sought after by almost every industry worldwide, opening the door to many career paths in areas like engineering, environment, construction, energy, transport and education.

Why study at Leeds:

• This Masters degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators.
• Our globally-renowned research conducted right here in our School feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in engineering and sustainability.
• Advance your knowledge and skills in critical areas sought after in industry such as project and asset management, water resource management, air quality, groundwater pollution and environmental microbiology.
• Conduct your own individual research project as part of your course and gain industry experience in managing a project that focuses on a real-world problem, whilst building professional skills in research, decision making and planning.
• Access research-grade equipment and facilities including our public health laboratories, a class II microbiology laboratory and specialist software you’ll need throughout the course.
• Experience excellent practical and theoretical teaching delivered by a programme team with a wealth of expertise and industrial experience across many relevant areas such as microbiology and aerobiology.
• Enhance your career prospects and become part of our successful alumni who have pursued careers in related positions, working for organisations like ARUP, Thames Water and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.
• Master the most up-to-date practices and techniques recognised in industry on a course that has been directly informed and advised by the Industrial Advisory Committee and the Institution of Civil Engineers.

Accreditation

A series of core modules that run throughout the year will develop your knowledge in a wide range of topics.

You’ll explore the diversion of organic wastes from landfill and how energy is recovered from them, as well as water supply systems, the challenges of water resource management and the different landfill, mechanical-biological and thermal treatment options available for solid waste.

You’ll also consider wastewater treatment, solid waste management and issues such as controlling emissions. The ways in which legislation is used to protect the environment and the role of public health engineers are also among the topics you’ll cover.

Project work

Over the summer months, you’ll work with your supervisor to complete your independent research project which is one of the most satisfying elements of this course. It’s a chance for you to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you’ve gained, focusing on a real-world problem that explores your specific interests and/or relates to your career ambitions.

Example projects by Environmental Engineering and Project Management MSc students have included:

• Potential impacts of climate change on wastewater treatment
• Membrane bioreactors for industrial applications
• The use of recycled glass in wastewater treatment
• Settlement of activated sludge and the influence of ballasted settlement aids

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Environmental Engineering and Project Management MSc (Eng) in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

Learning and teaching

Our groundbreaking research feeds directly into teaching, and you’ll have regular contact with staff who are at the forefront of their disciplines. You’ll have regular contact with them through lectures, seminars, tutorials, small group work and project meetings.

Throughout your studies, you’ll also benefit from a structured support system, with a personal tutor who will offer help and advice about your approach to studying and how to become adept at independent learning.

Independent study is also important to the programme, as you develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge.

Specialist facilities

You’ll benefit from using our specialist facilities, such as our public health laboratories with separate areas for solid waste, water and wastewater, and a class II microbiology lab and clean room. We have all the specialist software you’ll need for your programme. Plus, you’ll have access to a dedicated study suite for Masters students.

Programme team

The Programme Leader, Dr. Marco-Felipe King is a lecturer in Building Engineering and Infection Transmission. His research spans from computational fluid dynamics of bio aerosols to mathematical modelling and quantitative microbial risk assessment.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques including case studies, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, assignments and exams.

Entry requirements

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Civil Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Civil Engineering  (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadlines

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

30 June 2024 – International applicants

8 September 2024 – UK applicants

Click below to access the University’s online application system and find out more about the application process.

If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Apply

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

Fees

• UK: £13,750 (Total)
• International: £31,000 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Studying this MSc will build your technical knowledge in an exciting and relevant profession, whilst helping you develop a holistic professional skill set that is largely transferable across almost every industry and sought after by corporations worldwide.

From water to energy, transport to engineering, the career opportunities open to you with the experience you’ll learn on this course are wide-ranging and will give you a lot of options when you graduate.

Plus, the University of Leeds is in the top 5 most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2024 report.

Our graduates from this course have secured positions at companies such as:

• Water Engineer, Federal Ministry of Water Resources
• Project Practitioner, Primetals Technologies
• Environmental Analyst, Riverside Environmental Services Ltd
• Project Coordinator, EFC Group
• Sustainability Engineer, ARUP
• Catchment Planner, Thames Water
• Construction Engineer, Parsons Corporation
• Business Development Engineer, Amazon Energy Limited
• Process Engineer, Veolia Water
• Water, Sanitation and Environmental Engineer, Air Water Earth (AWE) Ltd Consulting Engineers
• Project Engineer, Aquatec-Maxcon

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles. 
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Find out more about career support.