Program Overview

Environmental Health MSc

The Environmental Health MSc course at the University of Birmingham equips students with the expertise to tackle global environmental challenges and promote public health sustainability. This program meets the academic requirements for becoming a graduate Environmental Health Officer, empowering students to start their professional journey immediately after graduation.

Course Structure

The course runs over 12 months full-time, with part-time study also available. Based on the full-time structure, students typically attend classes four to five days per week during the autumn and spring terms. The summer term is largely dedicated to independent work, including assignments, exam preparation, and the Dissertation.

• Semester 1
• Semester 2
• Semester 3

Semester 1

In Semester 1, students will study:

• Environmental Protection and Climate Change (20 credits)
• Food Control and Hygiene Management (20 credits)
• Health Protection Module (20 credits)

Course Highlights

Students benefit from being taught in a research-intensive environment and are encouraged to develop their critical thinking and research skills. The course supports building the foundation of competence through the knowledge and skills required by the CIEH curriculum.

• Our students regularly win awards and recognition for their work from Environmental Health organisations
• Apply to be an Affiliate member of the CIEH
• The course supports building the foundation of competence through the knowledge and skills

Course Delivery

The course is taught through a combination of formal lectures, workshops, group work, case studies, and student-centred learning, recognising the importance of both technical and practical skills alongside academic excellence.

• The course is led by experienced Environmental Health Practitioners
• It is supported by external lecturers who are recognized specialists in their fields

Module Information

There are 6 compulsory modules at 20 credits each, with a final Dissertation and Research project module that equates to 60 credits, meaning an overall total of 180 credits.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

• Module Title | Credits | Semester
  ---|---|---
  Environmental Protection and Climate Change | 20 | Semester 1
  Food Control and Hygiene Management | 20 | Semester 1
  Health Protection Module | 20 | Semester 1
  Housing and Law | 20 | Semester 2
  Public Health Integration | 20 | Semester 2
  Occupational Health and Safety | 20 | Semester 2

Students must take one of the following modules:

• Dissertation with Placement | 60 |
• Dissertation/Research Paper | 60 | Semester 1

Entry Requirements

To gain a place at Birmingham, students will need to meet the general entry requirements, as well as those specific to the course. The application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether the application should receive an offer.

• 2:1 Honours Degree in a science-based subject A relevant 2:2 degree will be considered for entry where the applicant has relevant work experience.

English Language Requirements

If students are international, they will need to demonstrate they have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

• IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band
  • TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking and 19 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
  • LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill

Fees and Scholarships

• £11,250 (full-time)
• £5,625 (part-time)

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.

Paying Your Tuition Fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments.

Scholarships

To help students afford their studies, the university has put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships.

Application Process

To apply for a postgraduate programme, students will need to submit their application and supporting documents online.

• 28 August 2026: Application deadline for UK and non-visa requiring applicants.

Career Opportunities

Environmental Health plays a crucial role in maintaining public well-being by ensuring that workplaces are safe and free from hazards, the air we breathe is clean and free from pollutants, the food we consume is safe and hygienic, and the housing we live in is of high quality and free from health risks.

• CIEH Accredited: The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Graduates can sign up to either the new Environmental Health registration scheme or Chartered Environmental Practitioner Programme (CPP), both of which are run by the CIEH.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies.

Related Courses

• Health, Safety and Environment Management: MSc / PGDip
• Public and Environmental Health Sciences: MSc

Student Experience

At Birmingham, the university experience isn’t just about studying. Students will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.

• Accommodation: Coming to Birmingham to study might be the first time living away from home. The university's student accommodation will allow students to enjoy their independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
• Living in Birmingham: As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry.
• Student Support: Whoever students are and wherever they come from, the university is committed to providing the best possible support to all of its students so that they can get the most out of their university experience.
• Campus Life: The green and spacious campus is the place where the community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.