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Start Dates
Degree type

MSc

Course length

1 year full-time

Location

Durham City

Programme code

H1KM09

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Course details

If you're looking to build a career that will make a meaningful impact on real-world environmental challenges, the MSc in Environmental Engineering could be the right choice for you. Developed by subject specialists with current research experience, the course will equip you with critical knowledge and practical skills in environmental research, the latest technologies and applied problem-solving. You'll explore sustainable, nature-based solutions and learn how to apply them across industries and communities, making a meaningful impact where it matters most.

Drawing on the latest environmental science and engineering principles, you will develop an understanding of the key disciplines that underpin modern environmental engineering, including environmental economics, pollution control, hydrology and water resources, environmental microbiology, project planning and the assessment and management of environmental impacts.

As well as traditional taught modules, you will build important collaborative skills, working with fellow students on advanced design work including nature-based solutions. Working in groups, you will apply techniques that meet the appropriate design standards and use complex engineering analysis tools, which will develop your ability to work cooperatively and share ideas effectively.

You will also have the opportunity to develop your innovation and problem-solving skills through a major research and development project, where you’ll demonstrate how to address challenges in sustainable infrastructure and environmental systems by working with nature, not against it.

The MSc in Environmental Engineering equips you with the knowledge and skills to tackle critical global challenges, while deepening your understanding of the technical, economic and social issues associated with sustainable infrastructure and environmental systems.

The course is designed around a series of core concepts which are arranged into a modular structure. The majority of modules are compulsory, with opportunities to customise your learning through a research project and an option module aligned to your interests. Optional modules change from year to year, but some possible choices are listed below.

Course structure

Year 1 modules

Core modules:

Environmental Engineering

introduces you to the fundamental principles and practical skills needed for a career in environmental engineering and management. It combines technical knowledge of air quality control, water treatment and wastewater treatment with insights into environmental economics, law and policy.

Hydrology and Water Resources

develops an in-depth understanding of hydrological systems and the skills to apply fluid mechanics and mathematical principles to a variety of water resource problems. You’ll learn about essential hydrological measurements and modelling techniques used to analyse groundwater flow, evaporation, soil water and rainfall-runoff processes.

Fundamentals of Environmental Sustainability

lays a solid foundation for the more advanced topics studied later in the course, offering a broad overview of key sustainability challenges, development frameworks, and practical concepts. It covers essential topics such as global environmental challenges, sustainable development goals and the circular economy.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology

focuses on developing practical microbiological techniques and water quality analysis relevant to environmental engineering. Through hands-on laboratory sessions using advanced equipment, you will learn to prepare, analyse and interpret environmental samples while developing strong skills in laboratory practice, data recording and critical analysis.

Environmental Impact Assessment and Management

provides a comprehensive understanding of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a vital tool for sustainable development, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to design, conduct and evaluate EIAs in diverse contexts. The module emphasises practical application through real-world case studies, stakeholder engagement and multidisciplinary approaches.

Group Design Project

In the group project, you’ll tackle a complex engineering system design task that builds your understanding of system design and develops your interdisciplinary teamwork. You’ll apply what you’ve learned in lectures to solve a challenging engineering problem, working with nature, not against it.

Research and Development Project

provides an exciting opportunity to deepen your environmental engineering knowledge. With guidance from a supervisor, you’ll choose a topic, apply the appropriate research methods, and gather and analyse data. You will then present your recommendations and findings in a detailed report.

Optional modules:

Optional modules may include:

  • Environmental Earth Science Fieldwork
  • Planning and Net-Zero
  • Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning
  • Renewable Energy Technologies
  • Decarbonisation of Heating and Cooling

Learning

Through a combination of taught modules, a group design project, and a major individual research and development project, the MSc offers a varied and challenging opportunity to develop your understanding of global environmental issues.

Core taught modules typically include 38 hours of lectures, supported by independent learning. The group project builds skills in teamwork, project management, research and technical expertise in the application of system design, with an emphasis on sustainable infrastructure and working with nature.

You will also complete an individual research project, supported by a supervisor through regular meetings. This includes 12 hours of supervision and over 500 hours of independent research, with support from departmental technicians and research staff.

In addition to the core modules, you'll choose one optional module from a designated list to tailor your learning to your interests.

Assessment

Assessment is rigorous and includes a combination of coursework and project-based assessment based on real-world engineering problems, written exams (both campus-based and online) and presentations.

After completing the research and development project, you will be required to submit a report on your work, in the style and format of a research paper. You will also have an oral examination centring on the technical aspects of your project.

Entry requirements

A 2:1 Bachelor (Honours) degree or international equivalent in engineering, sciences (physics) or a relevant related subject.

Alternative qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

Home students who do not meet our direct entry requirements, may be eligible for our Foundation Programme which offers multidisciplinary programmes to prepare you for a range of specified degree programmes.  

English language requirements

Country specific information

Fees and funding

The fees for this academic year have not been confirmed yet.

The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase and are expected to rise throughout the programme of study. The fee listed above is for the first year of the course only.
 
More information is available here: Tuition fees - how much are they - Durham University
 

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

Scholarships and Bursaries

We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities. 

Find out more about Scholarships and Bursaries

Career opportunities

Engineering

We take great pride in our reputation for producing engineers who make a successful and significant contribution in a wide range of professional career roles around the world.

We have strong links with industrial partners and our postgraduates have achieved rewarding and stimulating positions in bio, civil, mechanical, electronic, electrical, manufacturing, design, aeronautics and systems engineering. They work as consultants, technology analysts, and software developers and as entrepreneurs, and also gain prestigious positions in banking and finance.

The Department has a dedicated careers contact who is available to offer advice and carry out mock interviews.

Our Industrial Partnership Committee of around 20 local, national and international companies will ensure you have access to the best employment opportunities.

Department information

Engineering

Engineering at Durham combines dynamic teaching led by subject experts with opportunities to carry out cutting-edge engineering research. Our courses provide the skills to plan, design and analyse innovative and forward-thinking projects that will meet the demands of industry.

The Department of Engineering is a general engineering department that works on the principle that engineering is an integrated subject rather than a series of unconnected topics. The world-leading teaching and the research opportunities that we offer underline this academic positioning.

We guide postgraduate researchers so that they are able to make a significant contribution in the Department’s key areas of engineering focus. These topics range from the development of energy systems of the future, through next generation materials and microsystems to creating sustainable infrastructures. All reflect the challenges now facing the modern world.

Taught courses include MSc qualifications in Advanced Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Renewable and Sustainable Energy, Environmental Engineering and Engineering Management. We also offer the Doctor of Philosophy and the Master of Science by Research, which involve individualised training and require an extensive research project or thesis to be completed.

Teaching and supervision are provided by the Department’s subject specialists, who have an outstanding reputation for their expertise. An extensive range of facilities is available to support research work and we have strong and productive links with industry partners, ensuring that the research is relevant and applicable at this challenging yet exciting time to be in engineering.

Facilities

The Department is located on the main campus at Lower Mountjoy, next to the main University library and Teaching and Learning Centre. We are also situated close to the centre of Durham city and a UNESCO World Heritage site.


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