Program Overview

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Environmental Consultancy (MSc)

About this course

Develop a deeper understanding of the environment and our relationship with it on this environmental consultancy master's at the University of Southampton.

This master’s degree will give you in-depth knowledge of a variety of topics, including sustainability and environmental law. You’ll graduate with practical skills that will boost your job prospects in a growing field.

Social, technological and environmental change is forcing us to rethink how we live, consume resources, and manage issues like climate, globalisation and demographic change. The world needs experts who can advise large organisations on environmental challenges and opportunities.

On this master’s programme you’ll:

• gain in-depth knowledge of the functioning and management of the environment
• develop specialist knowledge in a chosen area of environmental sciences
• explore the interactions between environment and society
• complete a substantial research project
• learn to think critically about the environment in the modern world and conduct independent study on the subject

We’ll teach you to evaluate challenges in the field using data analysis methods and analytical skills. On completion of the programme, you’ll be ready for a wide range of careers in environmental consultancy.

You’ll have opportunities to:

• work directly with environmental organisations
• visit leading environmental and sustainability initiatives (e.g. infrastructure projects)
• receive professional RGS-IVG accredited CPD training through the GeoData Institute
• carry out independent project work in the UK

Flexible study

If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:

• a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years

Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course lead

Your programme lead is Dr Andrew Phillips, a Senior Teaching Fellow in Environmental GIS who has a professional and academic background in researching environmental issues and sustainable solutions. He now specialises in teaching in these areas at a University level and is passionate about ensuring and delivering a high quality education and experience for students.

Learn more about this subject area

Geography and environmental science

Gain the knowledge to explore global issues like social inequality, sustainability and climate change. Develop skills for careers in fields like environmental consultancy, and market research.

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

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Entry requirements

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a relevant subject.

We assess all applications on an individual basis.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

IELTS score requirements

overall score

6.5

reading

6.5

writing

6.5

speaking

6.5

listening

6.5

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

Recognition of professional experience

We encourage candidates with alternative qualifications and experience in the environmental sector to apply. We will assess all applications on an individual basis.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Course structure

This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.

In the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course. This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options, allowing you to fit the course to your interests and career aspirations.

You’ll also begin preparing for your research project during semester 1, and continue this work in semester 2.

For the last 4 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently on your research project. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules :

MSc Research Project

Within the context of your programme of study, you will undertake independent, original and critical research on a relevant topic. You will then communicate the research aims, objectives, methodology, analysis, results and conclusions effectively through ...

The Sustainability Professional (MSc)

The Sustainability Professional is a high-level skills practical module delivered in partnership with a range of contributors from local and regional environmental and sustainability consultancies and other organisations. This module aims to provide stude...

You must also choose from the following modules :

Biodiversity and Conservation

This module concerns global biodiversity, what we understand by it and why it is in crisis, and current efforts to conserve and manage it. We begin with an appraisal of different values of diversity at scales from genetic to species, communities and ecosy...

Climate Design of Buildings and Cities

This module strives to enable students to address climatic building design and develop the sustainable urban concepts required to achieve the significant carbon reductions required in the future. Only students enrolled on programme codes: 3081 MSc Ener...

Core Skills in GIS

This module is intended to provide foundational GIS skills for various Masters-levels programmes (such as the MSc in Applied GIS and Remote Sensing and MSc in Sustainability). It is intended to introduce Geographical Information Systems and Science to tho...

Data Collection and Research Methods for Sustainability and Environmental Science

GGES 6018, Data Collection & Research Methods for Sustainability and Environmental Science, is a module which aims to equip students on the MSc Sustainability and MSc Environmental Science programmes with the skills necessary to plan and undertake indepen...

Energy Performance Assessment of Buildings

This module gives an overview of the policy issues, various planning aids and assessment methods available to quantify energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings. Students will be able to use different tools to investigate building energy performan...

Freshwater Ecosystems

Freshwater Ecosystems initially considers the interplay between the physics, chemistry and biology of freshwater ecosystems. A comparative approach is adopted, in which upland streams, lowland rivers, lakes and other standing freshwater environments are c...

GIS for Environmental Management and Consultancy

This module is intended to introduce students who have already studied the principles of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) how to utilise GIS tools in environmental management. Environmental applications require specific skills on the part of the GIS...

Introduction to Sustainability

GGES6019 is a multidisciplinary unit designed for students with an interest in sustainable development, sustainability, green growth, complex socio-ecological systems, and resilient development. Over the term we will explore the key issues and debates aro...

Programming for GIS and Spatial Analyses

Water Pollution

An understanding of the physical, chemical and biological processes involved during contamination of water is essential if society is going to effectively monitor and control the effects of pollution using modern technology and engineering practices. A hu...

Learning and assessment

Learning

We teach through a variety of:

• lectures
• seminars
• case studies
• field exercises
• group exercises
• activities with external organisations

Assessment

Depending on the modules you choose, we’ll assess you through a combination of:

• essays
• reports
• policy briefs
• impact statements
• environmental management (iso14001) audits
• literature reviews
• journal articles
• presentations
• practical and written exams

Dissertation

In the final part of the year, you’ll focus on your individual research work. You’ll complete an advanced research project and we’ll encourage you to work with industry and potential employers to apply your newly developed knowledge.

You don’t have to submit a dissertation but will instead write a research article of up to 7,000 words in the style of a peer-reviewed journal, for submission in September. This article contributes one-third of the marks towards your MSc degree.

Academic Support

You’ll have access to:

• introductory sessions for your programme
• research seminars and invited lectures from external speakers
• a personal academic tutor to help you with any personal problems and advise on academic issues
• module leaders to discuss your current modules
• module handbooks and outlines including information about learning outcomes, assessment methods, relevant background material and reading lists
• admin support from your Student Office, which deals with student records and general queries about your degree

Careers and employability

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

Environmental Consultancy,

Environmental public bodies,

government research institutes,

Local Councils,

Academic,

Wildlife Conservation,

Pollution control.

Careers directly related to this course:

• Environmental consultant
• Environmental officer
• Conservation officer
• Sustainability consultant
• Waste management officer
• Wildlife conservation and ecological management
• Environmental manager

See more

Wider career opportunities:

• Conservation project manager
• Landscape architect
• Planning analyst
• Sustainably projects officer
• Recycling officer
• Nature Conservation officer

See more

Example job titles of Southampton MSc Environmental Consultancy graduates*:

• Environmental consultant
• Health and safety environment sustainability coordinator
• Sustainability consultant
• Operations manager
• Sustainable places adviser
• Health and safety consultant
• Climate change officer
• Sustainability projects officer

See more

Job prospects for MSc Environmental Consultancy graduates

£28.5k

Average professional salary

95%

In a skilled profession or further study

95%

Graduate employment rate

Source

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Read more

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £30,300.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Geography and Environmental Science Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Geography and Environmental Science.

Find out more about the Southampton Geography and Environmental Science Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

UK students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

International students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to submit two references, one academic reference and one academic or professional reference.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

We may invite you to an interview, which will take place by phone if you live abroad. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if we'd like to talk to you before offering you a place.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Related courses

Environmental Consultancy (MSc) is a course in the Geography and environmental science subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

b

MSc

Biodiversity and Conservation

Typical offer: 2:1 degree

Duration: 1 year

e

MSc

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

Typical offer: 2:1 degree

Duration: 1 year

MSc

Environmental Pollution Control

Typical offer: 2:1 degree

Duration: 1 year

g

MSc

Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing

Typical offer: 2:1 degree

Duration: 1 year

p

PGCE

PGCE Geography

Typical offer: 2:2 degree

Duration: 1 year

s

MSc

Sustainability

Typical offer: 2:1 degree

Duration: 1 year

w

MSc

Water Resources Management

Typical offer: 2:1 degree

Duration: 1 year