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This course teaches how to devise and implement strategies that protect and conserve environments facing a wide range of threats. It can be studied full time over one year, or part time over two years.

Course overview

Human activities have become an increasingly significant factor for the Earth’s biosphere system. Our use of natural resources, deforestation and soil erosion, the release of potentially toxic compounds and pathogens, and the increase in greenhouse gases are all examples of pressures that have potentially serious consequences for humanity and other life on Earth. This course gives you a fundamental understanding of these issues.

You will develop a scientific understanding of some of the major processes influencing the quality of land, air and water resources, and learn about the most effective methods of environmental protection.

You'll also develop expertise in the design and implementation of programmes of environmental protection, and have the opportunity to study the integrated protection and management of particular ecosystems or resources.

The course provides an in-depth knowledge of natural resource management and the processes that cause environmental degradation and pollution problems. So it helps you play a vital role in protecting and conserving our environment, in Europe and beyond.

This programme is a collaboration between Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and the University of Edinburgh’s School of GeoSciences.

What you'll learn

The MSc consists of 6 taught modules — three compulsory and three elective — followed by a period of dissertation project work.

The three compulsory modules are Atmospheric Quality and Global Change, Land Use/Environmental Interactions and Professional and Research Skills in Practice. You'll choose your elective modules from a wide range of options provided by the University of Edinburgh and SRUC.

There is also a week-long study tour in the Spring, which is an integral part of the programme. Past tours have visited France, Greece, Israel and Morocco.