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Postgraduate Programs in the Environment

Find postgraduate programs in the ENVIRONMENT

If you look up the word environment in the dictionary you get descriptions like 'the setting or condition where a particular activity takes place'. Well that’s a pretty broad area of study because studying the environment is different depending on where you are in the world and offers the chance to travel and learn more about the world we live in. It is a truly global subject matter.

Not only that, but studying the environment actually changes over time, so it is never a static area of study. Many people who chose to study the environment often find that they end up working in areas that they couldn't have foreseen when they graduated. For example one area of study called 'Environmental Science' covers the diverse disciplines of Ecology, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Engineering, Soil Science, Atmospheric Science and much more. Other courses like 'Environmental Planning' require a flexible approach as they deal with the various challenges facing sustainable development as the global population increases.

The environment generally involves the interaction of all living species, weather, climate, and natural resources that affect human survival and economic activities. Studying a postgraduate program in the environment does not only involve studying the physical and biological characters of the environment but also the social and cultural factors and man's impact on the environment. Environment enthusiasts should study this program to fight climate change and make this world a better place to live. A postgraduate program in the environment mainly attracts individuals with an interest in social and natural sciences. Also, people passionate about environmental activities to address ecological challenges have great interest in this program. Environmental study is becoming increasingly essential.

What are the postgraduate subject areas covered by the Environment?

Environmental study in various subjects has promoted the understanding of our surroundings and gives knowledge of the current ecological impacts at local, national, and international contexts. The topics aim to address environmental issues affecting both humans and non-humans in the world. Through postgraduate study, students get to learn subjects in environmental management planning, catchment management, environmental pollution, environmental planning, environmental science and environmental health. This course will acquire and develop basic risk assessment models, writing management plans, environmental policy, and legislation. The students will be able to apply their knowledge in various sectors to achieve their desired goals. Postgraduate study in this field will enable students to explore how environmental science is an interdisciplinary field that integrates physical, biological and information sciences. Through this science, you can understand human relationships, abilities and policies towards the environment. An environmental science study can be a better tool for anyone trying to break into the environmental field.

Why is the Environment an important area to study?

Environmental studies are an exciting area to study since it comes with essential benefits, mainly to humans. The benefits help us understand and apply skills to practice sustainability management, these benefits include:

Understanding key concepts that will transform the world into a better place
Learn expertise to enter an expand job market
Fascinating subject area to explore
Become part of a leading research centre

How do you choose a Masters in Environment?

When choosing a masters program in the environment, you need to consider various factors that align with your professional goals. In most programs, students can specialise in a specific field that is part of the course work that they are taking. Additional things you should consider include:

Cost: Enrolling for a masters program in the environment requires a significant capital investment and time. Cost is essential since it adds value both professionally and personally.

Specialisation: When specialising in this field, you need to select courses that align with your career goals. Specialisation helps you maximise your experience in that field by improving your skills and knowledge to another different level.

Fitness: You need to consider if the program is flexible enough to meet your goals and get the required course to fit the schedule. You also need to be able to gauge yourself if you can learn and complete the program successfully.

Are there specific universities that specialise in the Environment?

Many universities offer a chance for students to specialise in environmental studies. Universities like Lund University and Linkoping University in Sweden, Radboud University in The Netherlands and Cranfield University in the UK offer postgraduate students plenty of opportunities to study the environment, as do other universities worldwide. In these universities you can specialise in courses such as environmental science, environmental planning, environmental health and many other related environmental systems.

What about MPhils or PhDs?

People who wish to study an MPhil or PhD in the environment can also explore more and innovate new things. By studying a research postgraduate program students research deeply to understand how human activity alters climate change and how other environmental factors affect human life. Some options for MPhil or PhD in this field can be found at UK universities including the University of Manchester, University of Cambridge, University of Nottingham, University of Worcester and the University of Oxford.

Student case study

Anita Owiti is studying an MSc in Environment and Development at the University of Edinburgh. Speaking about her studies Anita says, “I have learnt to appreciate the social aspect of the environment through studying this program. It has helped me get a deeper understanding of economics, anthropology, gender issues and policies. This was very valuable having come from a pure science background and it helped me integrate the two since they go hand in hand. Moving forward, I plan to be more involved in initiatives that promote social mobility and justice among the poor communities, especially in being able to access vital resources like renewable energy.”

What career opportunities could an Environmental-related PG course lead to?

An environmental-related postgraduate course equips students with relevant skills and knowledge for career options in conservation, sustainability and environmental research and education.

Some of the career opportunities related to an environmental postgraduate course includes;

Environmental consultant
Environmental educator
Environmental engineer
Environmental manager
Sustainability consultant
Waste management officer
Environmental health practitioner
Skills gained from environmental study

Studying a postgraduate course in the environment enables one to master the basic knowledge necessary to understand environmental issues gaining comprehensive skills and generally contribute to leadership and sustainability careers. Primary environmental study skills include:

Utilise relevant project management, monitoring and evaluation techniques.
Consider environmental policies and principles when engaging in decision making.
Integrate and mobilise information from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Use statistical and data representation techniques to solve issues.

In short a postgraduate program in the environment is an exciting course to learn and innovate more on environmental management.

Environment-related PG courses

So with all of this in mind, which kind of environmental study is right for you and what areas of study are becoming popular with employers and environmental researchers. Let’s take a look at some world-renowned courses that are available across Europe that tackle some of the most important environmental issues of our time. This is by no means an exhaustive list – there are plenty of other fascinating masters degree programs available at top-notch European universities, but this will but give you a flavour of what is on offer. Once you have more of an idea of what you want to specialise in and where you want to be based, you can use our A-Z European university search facilty to refine your search.

Environmental Science course

'Erasmus Mundus’ Masters Program in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management—MESPOM at Lund University Sweden

This program is operated by CEU, Lund University (Sweden), the University of Manchester (UK), the University of the Aegean (Greece), the University of Saskatchewan (Canada), and the ‘Monterey Institute for International Studies’ (USA). Graduates are awarded MSc degrees by all European partners. It is aimed at graduates who want to solve the many environmental challenges that we face today so would suit graduates from natural sciences, earth studies, social sciences and even law.

Postgraduate programs in environment

Environmental Planning course

MSc in European Spatial Planning, Environmental Policies and Regional Development at Radboud University
(September start, 2 years)

This course – part of ‘PLANET Europe’ – is an integrated ‘Erasmus Mundus’ Master’s program on European spatial planning, environmental policies and regional development. It is a joint Masters Program of Radboud University Nijmegen, Blekinge Institute of Technology and Cardiff University that prepares graduates for a career in environmental and spatial planning in Europe. It’s truly international in perspective and offers transferable skills to other environment careers.

Marine Environment course

MSc in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management at Vrije Universiteit Brussel
(September start, 2 years)

This program – at Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium – provides insight into the diversity and complexity of the life and processes in the oceans, seas, lakes and estuaries and skills to study and manage them. It is open to graduates in biology, biochemistry and biotechnology, chemistry, geology, geography, geography and geomathics, bio-engineer science or environmental sciences. There is a huge skills shortage in this area and the ocean provides endless opportunities for study.

Geography course

MA/MSc Geography at King's College London
(September start, 1 year full time or 2 years part time)

The Geography Department at King’s College London in the UK has one of the widest ranges of postgraduate courses on offer in Europe, with over thirty degree options available. Geography covers so much of ‘the environment’, so personalise your degree by choosing optional modules that suit your interests, and enjoy living in the one and only city of London. Applicants should be graduates or have relevant experience.

Find postgraduate programs in GEOGRAPHY

Environmental Architecture course

MSc Architecture: Advanced Environmental and Energy Studies (Sustainable Architecture) at the Graduate School of the Environment
(September, March start, 1 year full time or 2 years part time)

The Graduate School of the Environment at CAT in Wales. CAT (Centre for Alternative Technology) is an education and visitor centre which demonstrates practical solutions for sustainability, covering all aspects of green living: environmental building, eco-sanitation, woodland management, renewable energy, energy efficiency and organic growing. It is a world-renowned centre of new ideas and has been around for over 40 years. If you want to live your 'environmental principles' while you study then this is good place to start.

Environmental Health course

MSc Health and the Environment at Cranfield University
(October start, 1 year full time or 3 years part time)

Health is a growing sector and assessing the impact of our surroundings on our health is crucial to many organisations. So if you have a social conscience and well as an interest in environmental science or management this course may well suit you. This course at Cranfield University in the UK is suitable for both recent graduates and scientists who are looking to gain an advanced understanding of how human activities which are detrimental to the environment specifically affect human health

Environmental Management course

MSc Sustainable Water Management at the Lancaster Environment Centre
(October start, 1 year full time or 2 years part time)

The Lancaster Environment Centre in the UK is an internationally renowned centre of environmental studies. This course is taught by world experts in their field, including staff of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology within the Lancaster Environment Centre. If you want to help ensure we manage our resources more effectively then this course could be ideal. Water is a crucial resource yet it is often in short supply to those who need it so be part of the solution. A degree in a relevant subject is required to apply.

Find postgraduate programs in LAND SURVEYING

Ecology course

MSc Ecology and the Environment at Linkoping University
(August start, 2 years)

The Ecology and the Environment masters program at Linköping University in Sweden prepares students for working with the management of ecosystems, ecological communities and populations, based on a thorough knowledge of ecological concepts and theories. So if you love nature or biology and want to make sure ecosystems gets the protection it deserves and even plan ecological landscapes then this course may suit you.

Art & Environment course

MA Environmental Art at Aalto University
(September start, 2 years)

This program at Aalto University in Finland challenges students to develop their artistic and conceptual skills in diverse issues related to spaces. Land art, installations, spatial art, public art and communal projects form the field of environmental art, in which physical, social and informative spaces meet ecological questions and the global reality. So if you love the environment but hate science then maybe your creativity can still be used in an environmental career. Relevant study is required.

Geological course

MSc in Paleo-Climate and Geo-Ecosystems at VU University
(September start, 2 years)

An MSc in Paleo-Climate and Geo-Ecosystems at VU University Amsterdam (the Netherlands) will enable you to understand the processes controlling climatic and environmental change on Earth. It requires previous study in Earth Sciences, Geology, Biogeology, Environmental Sciences or other relevant study. So if you used to collect rocks as a kid and love to learn more about the earth and its processes then you may love this course.

In conclusion

This is just a tiny selection of Environmental postgraduate courses that are available to study in Europe. There are thousands of environmental masters courses registered on Postgrad.com so take a look and find the perfect course for you.

Good luck in studying an environmental masters subject. The options and possibilities are endless, so do your homework and find a course that suits your skills and personality.