MSc Environmental Management

Program Overview

The MSc Environmental Management program at the University of Reading provides students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience required to tackle the global environmental challenges of the 21st century. This program is designed for individuals seeking to develop a deeper understanding of how to manage environmental issues while considering the economic, social, and political factors that influence environmental decision-making. Students will gain the ability to apply environmental management strategies in a range of sectors, from business and industry to government and non-governmental organizations. This interdisciplinary program blends theory with practice, offering a thorough grounding in environmental science and policy, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and the practical aspects of managing the environment. Graduates are well-equipped to play a leading role in environmental management, conservation, policy-making, and sustainable development across various industries.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MSc Environmental Management program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues, focusing on sustainability, management strategies, and policy implementation. The program covers a range of topics including environmental assessment, climate change, environmental policy and law, conservation, resource management, and sustainable development. Core modules include Environmental Management Systems, Environmental Risk and Impact Assessment, and Environmental Policy and Law. Students also have the flexibility to choose from a selection of elective modules, allowing them to specialize in specific areas of environmental management, such as waste management, water resources, energy management, or biodiversity conservation. The program is designed to foster a combination of scientific and managerial expertise, with a focus on problem-solving and practical decision-making. The culmination of the program is a dissertation, where students conduct independent research on a topic of their choice, contributing to the body of knowledge in the field of environmental management.

Research Focus: The MSc Environmental Management program at the University of Reading is rooted in cutting-edge research that addresses critical global environmental issues. The research focus spans various interdisciplinary areas, including environmental sustainability, climate change mitigation and adaptation, resource management, and the socio-economic impacts of environmental policies. The program encourages students to engage with the latest environmental research, offering opportunities to collaborate with faculty on projects that explore real-world challenges in environmental management. The university’s research strengths include areas such as environmental policy, ecological restoration, environmental risk assessment, and sustainable land management. Students will have access to the university’s strong research culture and can draw on a wealth of resources and expertise as they work on their dissertation projects. Research in environmental management at the University of Reading is particularly focused on finding practical, science-based solutions to contemporary environmental issues, bridging the gap between scientific research and policy implementation.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a key feature of the MSc Environmental Management program. The University of Reading has strong connections with a wide range of organizations, including environmental consultancies, government agencies, international development organizations, and private sector companies. These partnerships provide students with valuable opportunities for internships, work placements, and collaborative projects. Through these industry connections, students can apply their learning to real-world environmental challenges and gain hands-on experience in the field of environmental management. The program also offers regular guest lectures, seminars, and workshops featuring industry experts, offering students insights into the latest trends, technologies, and practices in environmental management. These industry engagements help students build professional networks, gain practical experience, and enhance their employability in the competitive environmental sector.

Global Perspective: The MSc Environmental Management program at the University of Reading takes a global perspective on environmental issues, recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental challenges across the world. Students are encouraged to explore the global nature of environmental problems, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion, and to consider the international policies, regulations, and agreements that shape global environmental governance. The program emphasizes sustainability and environmental justice, addressing how environmental issues impact different regions and populations. With students and faculty from diverse backgrounds, the program fosters a global learning environment where students can engage with international perspectives on environmental management. The University of Reading's international reputation for environmental research ensures that students benefit from global case studies and examples, preparing them to work in a wide variety of international contexts, whether with multinational corporations, international NGOs, or governments.