Overview

This programme is aimed at talented graduates seeking to develop or enhance their expertise in the fields of environmental policy, management, protection and advocacy.

It is led by the School of Geographical Sciences, ranked first in the UK for 'Geography and environmental studies' research (THE analysis of REF 2021) and a highly regarded centre for research and teaching in environmental processes, systems and the social sciences. Staff in the school have been directly involved in advising the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and regularly engage with policymakers, industry and non-profit organisations at local, national and international levels.

The programme is closely affiliated with the University's Cabot Institute, which promotes multidisciplinary research around global environmental change and benefits from our location in the city of Bristol, the UK's first ever European Green Capital and a vibrant hub of environmental activism and technological innovation.

Through a demanding academic curriculum and practice-based learning opportunities, you will develop the skills and knowledge needed for employment in the public, private and non-profit sectors.

Programme structure

The programme consists of six taught units and a dissertation research project. Some units are taught by natural scientists, covering subjects like climate science and the analysis of remotely sensed data. Others are delivered by social scientists, focusing on areas like environmental governance, policy analysis and statistical methods. An optional 'Policy & Management Consultancy' unit provides an opportunity to develop a range of practical skills through an extended team-based project that is of interest to one of our partner organisations.

The final third of the programme involves the completion of an independent research dissertation on an environmental topic of your choosing, enabling you to further develop your research skills and make your own contribution to academic and policy debates about ongoing environmental controversies.

Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Environmental Policy and Management.

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in social sciences, physical sciences or humanities. Applicants with a degree in a physical science or other non-standard subjects must also demonstrate competency in essay writing skills, with at least 60% or international equivalent achieved in one essay-based module.

We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so the applicant would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree. Specific module requirements may still apply.

We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following:

  • evidence of significant, relevant work experience;
  • a relevant postgraduate qualification.

If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

Go to admissions statement

If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.

Fees and funding

UK: full-time
£13,100 per year
UK: part-time (two years)
£6,550 per year
Overseas: full-time
£28,800 per year

Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.

More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Alumni discount

University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.

Funding for 2024/25

Students from developing Commonwealth countries may be eligible to apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme, University of Bristol Think Big Postgraduate Scholarship, and the School of Geographical Sciences Phyllis Mary Morris Bursaries.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Career prospects

Our graduates have gone on to work in environmental consulting, national government departments, multilateral agencies, environmental management, conservation, marketing and communications, and a range of private companies in areas such as sustainable housing, transport and energy.