Program Overview
Environmental Science MPhil/PhD
Course Overview
Ready to take your learning to the next level? With an MPhil or PhD degree from Middlesex University, you'll make a positive impact on society, the environment and the economy through rigorous investigation and research.
About Your Course
We offer the following options:
- MPhil/PhD research with our Flood Hazard Research Centre (FHRC)
- MPhil/PhD research with our Urban Pollution Research Centre (UPRC)
This programme will cover the following areas:
- Water or air pollution
- Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)
- Water treatment technologies
- Greywater reuse and recycling
- Soil, water or sediment ecotoxicology assessment using microbial biosensors (e.g. Microtox)
- Contaminated soils and remediation
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
You may undertake a programme of research in which your own work such as a report forms, as a point of origin or reference, a significant part of the intellectual enquiry and is presented for examination.
The length of the thesis is reduced accordingly:
- For the mixed mode version, you'll need an appropriate presentation of visual research and a text of up to 20,000 words (MPhil) or 40,000 (PhD)
- For text only, the figures are 40,000 and 80,000 maximum
The work is always undertaken as part of the registered research programme and the standards are the same as those applied where the work is totally by thesis.
Please note that all of our PhD students initially enrol on an MPhil and then transfer to a PhD degree.
MPhil and PhD Research with Our Centre for Decision Analysis and Risk Management (DARM)
This programme will cover the area of values-based decision-making, especially in the fields of:
- Risk management
- Economics
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Health care
- Marketing
- Software development
Teaching
A Director of Studies and at least one (second) supervisor from the University will conduct your research supervision. Often, an external supervisor is also involved.
Your supervisors will act as personal tutors, helping you to clarify your initial objectives, structure your research and develop supplementary skills. They also advise on subject reading, relevant taught courses, research seminars and workshops.
Academic support and guidance is constantly available, whether you work individually or as part of a team. There are regular research tutorials, plus seminars and meetings with research students, staff and guest speakers.
Collaborations with External Partners
If you're working in partnership with an external organisation, you may be jointly supervised by academics from Middlesex University and the collaborating partner.
Where collaboration is involved, you should make sure that from the outset the responsibilities for provision of fees, equipment and any other resources are fully understood and accepted by the partners.
Facilities
Our Bio and Medical engineering students study within a new eco-friendly centre specially-built for science and technology.
Our bioscience suite is equipped with an incredible range of equipment for analysing environmental samples.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
For doctoral research, applicants are expected to have at least one of the following:
- An undergraduate degree, usually with class 2:1 or equivalent in a relevant subject
- A relevant master's qualification or equivalent evidence of prior professional practice or learning that meets the higher education provider's criteria and guidelines for the recognition of prior learning for the purpose of meeting entry requirements for a programme (including, for example, the required amount of prior publications or other output specified for applicants for the award of PhD by published work)
PhD
- If you'd like to enrol for our PhD course, you'll first need to enrol for the MPhil and then transfer to a PhD once you've made enough progress with your research – typically after 18-24 months.
Eligibility
UK/EU and international students are eligible to apply for this course.
Interviews, Entrance Tests, Portfolios and Auditions
Entry onto this course will require an interview.
Fees and Funding
The fees below are for the 2025/26 academic year.
If you start in January 2026, you will pay the same fees as students who started in October 2025
UK Students Starting in January 2026
- Full-time students: £6,400 per year
- Part-time students: £3,200 per year
EU Students Starting in January 2026
- Full-time students: £6,400 per year
- Part-time students: £3,200 per year
International Students Starting in January 2026
- Full-time students: £16,000 per year
- Part-time students: £8,200 per year
Part-time study is only available via distance learning. Due to UK Government visa regulations, students from outside the EU may not study part-time in the UK
Some programmes require an additional annual studio/bench/laboratory fee. To find out more, please contact us.
Funding
Funding or studentships for research degrees are limited, and most research degree students are expected to pay their own fees and subsistence costs.
Funding Research with UPRC
If you'd like to undertake a postgraduate research degree with the UPRC and have a novel research idea that is not yet funded, please contact Dr Lian Lundy to discuss, as we may be able to support you in attracting funding for your research.
Fees Disclaimers
- UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase postgraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
- EU/International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.
Program Outline
Environmental Science MPhil/PhD (2024 Entry)
Degree Overview:
This program allows you to pursue research under the supervision of academics from Middlesex University and potentially external partners. Your research will contribute to the betterment of society, the environment, and the economy through rigorous investigation and analysis.
Benefits:
- Individualized Supervision: You will be assigned a Director of Studies and at least one (and often two) supervisors who will guide you throughout your research journey. These supervisors will act as personal tutors, helping you structure your research, develop additional skills, and access relevant resources like courses, seminars, and workshops.
- Collaborative Opportunities: You may have the option to collaborate with external organizations, which may involve joint supervision by academics from both institutions.
- Flexible Research Areas: You can choose to focus your research on the following areas:
- Water or air pollution
- Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)
- Water treatment technologies
- Greywater reuse and recycling
- Soil, water or sediment ecotoxicological assessment using microbial biosensors (e.g., Microtox)
- Contaminated soils and remediation
Outline:
This program offers research opportunities in three main areas:
Flood Hazard Research Centre (FHRC):
This center focuses on various aspects of flood risk management and adaptation.
Urban Pollution Research Centre (UPRC):
This center investigates the sources, impacts, and mitigation strategies for urban air and water pollution.
Other:
This program is offered both full-time and part-time, with induction dates in October and February.
- UK students starting in January 20241 Full-time students: £4,700 per year Part-time students: £2,350 per year
- EU students starting in January 20242 Full-time students: £4,700 per year Part-time students: £2,350 per year
- International students starting in January 20242 Full-time students: £13,500 per year Part-time students: £6,750 per year
Middlesex University
Overview:
Middlesex University is a public university with campuses in London, Dubai, and Mauritius. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as degree apprenticeships, short courses, and professional development opportunities. The university is known for its focus on student experience, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and social mobility.
Services Offered:
Middlesex University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options are available.Student Support:
A dedicated team provides academic, personal, and financial support.Sport and Fitness:
Access to state-of-the-art facilities and a variety of sports clubs.International Student Support:
Guidance on visa applications, English language requirements, and international student life.Career Services:
Support with career planning, job searching, and graduate employability.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Middlesex University fosters a vibrant and inclusive campus culture. Students can expect:
A diverse and welcoming community:
The university prides itself on its diverse student body and commitment to equality and inclusion.A strong sense of community:
Numerous student clubs, societies, and events provide opportunities for social interaction and engagement.A London-based campus:
The London campus offers easy access to the city's cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and employment opportunities.Key Reasons to Study There:
High student satisfaction:
Middlesex University consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys, particularly for its undergraduate experience.Strong graduate employability:
The university has a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers.Focus on social mobility:
Middlesex University is committed to supporting students from all backgrounds and promoting social mobility.Global reach:
Campuses in Dubai and Mauritius offer students the opportunity to study in different parts of the world.Academic Programs:
Middlesex University offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts and Creative Industries:
Art, Design, Media, Music, Performing ArtsBusiness and Law:
Business, Management, Finance, LawScience and Technology:
Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Life SciencesHealth, Social Care, and Education:
Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work, EducationOther:
Entry Requirements:
UK Entry:
Qualifications:
- Doctoral Research: Applicants must possess at least one of the following:
- An undergraduate degree, typically with a 2:1 or equivalent in a relevant field.
- A relevant master's qualification or equivalent evidence demonstrating prior professional practice or learning that aligns with the program's criteria and guidelines for recognizing prior learning. This may include previous publications or outputs required for PhD by published work.
PhD Specifics:
- Students pursuing a PhD first need to be admitted to the MPhil program. Upon satisfactory progress in their research, typically after 18-24 months, they can transfer to the PhD program.
International Entry:
Qualifications:
- Requirements for doctoral research are the same as for UK students.
- The university recognizes equivalent qualifications from various international educational systems.
Visas and Immigration:
- EU/EEA nationals, Swiss or Icelandic citizens do not require a visa to study in the UK.
- Other nationalities may require a Tier 4 Student Visa.
- This specific program is offered part-time and permits applications for international applicants with Tier 4 visas.
- Visa restrictions for part-time study include:
- No work allowed (paid or unpaid)
- No work placements within the program
- No dependents
- No extension under Tier 4 in the UK
- Ineligible for the Tier 4 Doctorate Extension Scheme
English Language Proficiency for International Students:
- IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in all components is typically required.
- Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification may also be sufficient.
- For those who don't meet the minimum requirements, an intensive pre-sessional English course is available.
