Intro

Emission of anthropogenic pollutants into the air since industrialisation has resulted in a change in the composition of the Earth's atmosphere. Air pollution has now become a major concern for human and environmental health, and for the Earth's overall climate. Our Atmospheric Science MRes will help you understand our atmosphere and its many complex processes that are responsible for sustaining life as we know it.

You will learn about the chemistry and dynamics of the Earth’s atmosphere; how to observe, measure and model our air; what air quality actually means, and how we legislate for air pollutants. You’ll discover how to reduce air pollution effects and protect public and environmental health.

Joining a team of Brighton researchers who focus on developing practical solutions and strategies to help reduce negative impacts on air quality and climate, you will develop your research skills in this field. You'll have the opportunity to work at our JOAQUIN Advanced Air Quality Research (JAAQS) Observatory, one of the most advanced permanent tropospheric observatories in the UK.

You’ll work on a dedicated research project under the supervision of an academic member of staff who specialises in your area of research. And you’ll be linked to our research Centre for Earth Observation Science, or to research groups in Environment and Public Health or Applied Geosciences.

Find out about postgraduate events

Key facts

Location Brighton: Moulsecoomb

Full-time 1 year
Part-time 2 years

Apply online

Please review the entry requirements carefully and if you have any questions do get in touch with us.

Apply now for your place

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

Degree and experience
A 2:1 degree in a relevant subject. Students with a degree that does not fall within this category but who have significant relevant experience, will also be considered. All applicants should provide a full description of any research projects undertaken, relevant work experience and non-academic qualifications.

English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

International students whose language skills do not match the IELTS scores set out here should consider applying for this course through our Extended Masters programme.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burma (Myanmar)
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Visit our language centre

For English language preparation courses.

Visit our International College

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Course content

Course structure

The Atmospheric Science MRes is typically completed full-time in one year, but can be taken part-time over two years. The course is structured to include a significant research component which you will undertake throughout the course. In addition, a series of supporting taught modules further enrich your learning.

To be awarded the MRes, you must obtain 180 M-level credits: 40 credits from taught and subject-specific modules and 140 credits through the completion of the research project.

In full-time mode the MRes programmes are one-year courses starting in September each year. In the first term you will attend a series of seminars and workshops on developing your research proposal, academic writing and relevant research methodologies, culminating in submission of a full research proposal. You will also study on specialist taught courses.

Throughout the rest of your year you will work on your specialist research project, whilst working with your peers in evaluating research papers and attending seminars.

In part-time mode the research project and evaluating research module will spread over the two-year study period, but you should complete you research training and project proposal within the first year.

Dr Kevin Wyche and atmosphere observatory

Syllabus

The core MRes research project module is at the heart of the degree and equips you with a fundamental understanding of the research process across a wide and dynamic range of disciplines.

Core modules

  • Research project
  • Evaluating Research in Environment and Geoscience

Options 

  • Policy and Implementation in Town Planning 
  • Sustainable Urbanism in Coastal Communities 
  • Sustainable Construction 
  • Issues in Ecology and Conservation 
  • Advanced Taxonomy and Survey Skills 
  • Microbiology, Ecotoxicology and Environmental Remediation
  • Introduction to GIS 
  • Applications in GIS 
  • Applied Remote Sensing 
  • Contested Natures and Social Justice
  • Independent Study
  • Environmental Impact Assessment 
  • Environmental Management in Organisations
  • Environmental Policy and Law
  • Case Studies in Environmental Assessment and Management
  • Controversies in Science 
  • Hydrology and Pollutant Transport 
  • Water Quality Analysis
  • Wastewater Treatment Technology
  • Water and Water Reuse Treatment Technology 
  • Atmosphere, Weather and Climate
Atmosphere observatory in mountains

FAAM aircraft

Staff profile 

Dr Kevin Wyche, Principal Lecturer in Atmospheric Science

My research interests focus on the study of the Earth’s atmosphere, with emphasis on tropospheric chemistry and air pollution. Principally, my research falls into the areas of (i) Fundamental chemical processes controlling tropospheric composition and change, (ii) Air quality science and (iii) Analytical instrument development and application in Earth Observation.

I'm available to supervise PhD and MRes students in multiple interdisciplinary areas, principally Atmospheric Science, including tropospheric composition and change, air quality, air quality and human health, and secondary organic aerosol. I also work at the air quality-policy interface, so I'm available to supervise students interested in air pollution and environmental policy and public health issues. I also employ remote sensing in my work, so I'm available to supervise projects using ground, air and space-based remote sensing instrumentation for Earth Observation and Planetary Science.

Dr Kevin Wyche

Dr Matthew Brolly, Principal Lecturer in Remote Sensing and GIS

I joined the University in 2013 after completing a NASA funded research role in the USA and have been enjoying helping students learn from my knowledge and experiences ever since. 

My teaching and research focuses on:

  • ecosystem remote sensing
  • image processing and analysis
  • quantitative methods.

The majority of my work is conducted in my office using computers to help handle the masses of data associated with acquired imagery but I also have the pleasure of working in the field from time to time to look at vegetation and the characteristics that flora on our planet possess. This helps me to validate the information I gain from the remote sensing systems.

I’m interested in supervising postgraduate projects in all areas relating to remote sensing (RS) and geographical information systems (GIS) but particularly those which study ecosystems and ecosystem change and technological developments in relation to this.

Dr Matthew Brolly

Dr Georgios Maniatis, Senior Lecturer

I am a fluvial geomorphologist interested in the measurement, mapping and prediction of sediment transport in rivers. I teach fundamental geographical techniques and several topics of surface geomorphology. 

My research focuses on three main areas:

  • sediment transport sensing using emerging technologies (smart pebbles)
  • advanced topographic sensing and detection of geomorphic change in rivers
  • hydromorphological classification for enhanced river management.

My work relies on the application of advanced GIS and statistical modelling techniques and it has both a field and a laboratory experimental component. I also work closely with environmental protection agencies such as The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

I am interested in supervising postgraduate research students in fluvial geomorphology; hydraulics; statistical and numerical modelling for sediment transport; river management and engineering; development of sensors for monitoring grain motion.

Dr Georgios Maniatis

Facilities

Our specialist facilities include:

  • JOAQUIN Advanced Air Quality Research (JAAQS) Observatory, one of the most advanced permanent tropospheric observatories in the UK.
  • geology, soil and water analysis labs
  • public health and geochemical analysis labs
  • air and water quality monitoring sites
  • environmental hydraulics labs
  • microscopy suite
  • computer suite with GIS and remote-sensing software
  • bench scale experimental treatment rigs
  • gamma spectroscopy
  • carbon analysis
  • experimental river basin
  • flumes
  • terrestrial laser scanners
  • field survey equipment and drones.
Geography lab 360 image

Tap for a virtual tour of some of our facilities.

Careers

The course intends to maximise both your personal and professional potential, and in particular provides a foundation for careers in research, industry, the public sector and academia.

On course completion, you will be equipped with practical research-based training, plus the necessary transferable skills to prepare you for career progression. 

Two students at computers

Fees and costs

Course fees

UK/EU (full-time) 8,100 GBP

International (full-time)15,800 GBP

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students. Bursaries and loans may also be available to you.

Find out more about postgraduate fees and funding.

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2023–24.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included in your fees, while studying a course in the School of Applied Sciences in the 2022–23 academic year are listed here.

  • Where required:
    • all students are provided with a laboratory coat, safety glasses and log book.
    • a budget to cover laboratory consumables and equipment for your final year project is included in the fees for all students.
    • access to key subject journals and subject specific databases is provided, as well as a site licence for industry-standard chemical drawing software.
    • essential instruction booklets (laboratory handbooks) are provided, as is project poster printing and thesis binding. However, you should budget for books, printing and stationery for personal study.
  • For our ecology and conservation courses there are compulsory field trips for which you should budget up to £200. There are also optional field trips for which you may choose to budget up to £2,700. You may also need to buy appropriate clothing for outdoor use.
  • DBS checks for MPharm students are included in the fee.
  • Costs for MPharm placement travel is reimbursed up to a specified amount depending on location of placement.
  • The independent mapping project is a mandatory part of the Geology BSc(Hons) involving independent fieldwork that is undertaken in the summer between years 2 and 3. The cost of this fieldwork is not included in the fee, and you will need to meet this additional cost yourself.
  • Travel and accommodation costs are included for all mandatory taught residential field trips, but you’ll need to provide your own food and drink.
  • Optional placements and day trips may include additional costs. This will vary depending on where and how long the field trip is but you should budget approximately £1,500.
  • Some students require specialist outdoor equipment and/or personal protective equipment (PPE) and should budget up to £100.
  • If you choose to take an optional paid placement you’ll be expected to cover your own travel, accommodation, food and drink.
  • You will have access to computers and necessary software, however many students choose to buy their own hardware, software and accessories. The amount spent will depend on your individual choices but this expenditure is not essential to pass any of our courses. Find out what free software is available from the University of Brighton.
  • In most cases coursework submissions are electronic but students may wish to print notes which would involve an extra cost.

You can chat with our enquiries team if you have a question or need more information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of Brighton seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus and student village. Moulsecoomb has been transformed by a recent development of our estate. On campus you'll find new Students' Union, events venue, and sports and fitness facilities, alongside the library and student centre.

Over 900 students live here in our halls, Moulsecoomb Place and the new Mithras halls – Brunswick, Goldstone, Hanover, Preston and Regency.

Moulsecoomb has easy access to buses and trains and to all the exciting things happening in our home city.

Two people walking past Mithras halls

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students. So if you applied for halls by the deadline you are guaranteed a room in our halls of residence.

Brighton: Moulsecoomb

Halls of residence
We have self-catered halls on all our campuses, within minutes of your classes, and other options that are very nearby.

You can apply for any of our halls, but the options closest to your study location are:

  • Mithras Halls are stylish new high-rises in the heart of the student village at our revitalised Moulsecoomb campus with ensuite rooms for more than 800 students.
  • Varley Park is a popular dedicated halls site, offering a mix of rooms and bathroom options at different prices. It is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre, and is easy to get to by bus.

Want to live independently?
We can help – find out more about private renting.

Relaxing in halls

Modern accommodation at Moulsecoomb

Mithras halls room with a view

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Student Union social space

Student Union social space at Moulsecoomb

Local area

About Brighton

The city of Brighton & Hove is a forward-thinking place which leads the way in the arts, technology, sustainability and creativity. You'll find living here plays a key role in your learning experience.

Brighton is a leading centre for creative media technology, recently named the startup capital of the UK.

The city is home to a national 5G testbed and over 1,000 tech businesses. The digital sector is worth over £1bn a year to the local economy - as much as tourism.

All of our full-time undergraduate courses involve work-based learning - this could be through placements, live briefs and guest lectures. Many of these opportunities are provided by local businesses and organisations.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Maps

Moulsecoomb campus map

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more.

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

Students playing frisbee

Stay in touch

Find out about postgraduate events

Ask a question about this course

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

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