Program Overview

Geological and Environmental Hazards MSc

Overview

This MSc Geological and Environmental Hazards course is designed to provide advanced professional and scientific training in the field of geological and environmental hazards. The course focuses on the physical processes that take place in the Earth that cause geological hazards, and trains students in hazard identification, terrain evaluation, hazard modelling, and risk assessment techniques.

Key Information

• Accreditation: This course is accredited by The Geological Society of London.
• Study mode and duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
• Start date: September 2026

Course Information

Overview

The course provides technical skills, training, and fieldwork experience in geological and environmental hazards, including earthquakes, volcanic activity, floods, landslides, and coastal erosion. Students will learn how to manage and mitigate the impact of these hazards and develop vocational skills to work in this specialist field.

Entry Requirements

• Eligibility: This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
• UK qualifications: A second-class honours degree or equivalent in Geology, Earth Science, Applied Geology, Civil Engineering, Geography, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
• Non-UK qualifications: Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered.
• English language requirements: English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

Course Costs and Funding

• Tuition fees:
  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £10,900 (full-time), £5,450 per year (part-time)
  • EU students: £10,900 (full-time), £5,450 per year (part-time)
  • International students: £19,200 (full-time), £9,600 per year (part-time)
• Funding your studies: Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.

Modules

• Full-time (indicative):
  • Geomechanics of Natural Hazards (30 credits)
  • Hazard Modelling and Risk Assessment (30 credits)
  • Research Skills and Project (60 credits)
  • Terrain Evaluation and Natural Hazards (30 credits)
  • Volcanology and Seismology (30 credits)
• Part-time (indicative):
  • Year 1: Geomechanics of Natural Hazards, Hazard Modelling and Risk Assessment, Terrain Evaluation and Natural Hazards
  • Year 2: Research Skills and Project, Volcanology and Seismology

Facilities

• Geotechnics Laboratory: Equipment for analysing fine- and coarse-grained soils.
• Rock Mechanics Laboratory: High-pressure hydraulic apparatus for measuring the strength and elasticity of minerals and rocks.
• GIS and Remote Sensing Laboratory: Drone data, aerial and satellite remote sensing, and geographic information systems.
• Crushing Laboratory: Equipment for splitting, crushing, and milling solid rock samples.

Career Development

• Careers this Master's prepares you for: Environmental consultancy, marine and offshore consultancy, flood risk consultancy, GIS and remote sensing consultancy, engineering geology companies, re-insurance and insurance sectors.
• Graduate destinations: Civil engineer, geo-environmental consultant, geo-technical engineer, geographic information systems analyst, GIS geographical information systems technician, junior catastrophe risk analyst, project engineer, technical integrator.

Supporting You

• Personal tutor: Academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
• Learning support tutors: Help with academic skills, including writing, referencing, and time management.
• Academic skills support: Bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions, and online sessions.
• Wellbeing and mental health support: Online Learning Well mini-course, Student Wellbeing Service, and counselling.
• Disability advice and additional support: Specialist team to help with reasonable adjustments, assistive technology, and external services.
• Library support: Library staff available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University's library resources.
• Maths and stats support: Maths Café offering advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment.