Course structure
This course can be studied full- or part-time. The course consists of taught and research components. To be awarded the MSc you must obtain 180 credits. Six taught modules at 20 credits each, plus 60 credits from the dissertation. A typical 20-credit module requires a total of 200 hours of study time.
You will study core modules and complete a dissertation. You will also choose option modules enabling you to specialise in the areas of the course that interest you the most.
Working closely with your supervisor you will plan, research and produce your masters dissertation in an area that reflects your interests Examples of subjects our students have completed their research project on include:
- an analysis of novel treatment technologies
- assessment of the potential for re-use of treated wastewater
- management of water resources in the UK and overseas.
Alongside core modules and the dissertation you will also choose option modules.
Syllabus
Wastewater Treatment Technology
Assessment: 40% coursework, 60% exam
This module provides a review of the key processes involved in wastewater treatment processes focussing on examples in the UK and draws upon international and developing national water reuse technologies key to shaping future development of many water sources. The module assesses both fundamental principles of technologies and key aspects of their design and implementation.
Hydrology and Pollutant Transport
Assessment: 100% coursework
The module introduces the fundamentals of surface and groundwater hydrology, focusing on precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff, discharge, groundwater recharge, groundwater storage, and groundwater flow.
Pollutant transport dynamics are explored with a focus on anthropogenically derived pollutants in surface and groundwaters. The module places these topics in the context of the structure of the UK water industry, international legal and policy frameworks and integrated catchment management. And provides essential skills for careers involved in science, engineering, environmental and water sectors.
Water and Water Reuse Technology
Assessment: 100% coursework
This module covers traditional water treatment methods and advanced treatment processes for water reuse scenarios. The module aim is to understand the fundamental principles and application of water treatment and water reuse. The module is delivered dynamically utilising, lectures, practical sessions, workshops and external expert speakers from industry to cover; theory of treatment, water parameter measurement and treatment design.
Masters Research Skills and Dissertation
Assessment: 100% coursework (proposal and 15,000-word dissertation)
This module allows you to engage in a systematic investigation by critically reviewing existing work and methodologies to develop your own research project. The project provides the opportunity to demonstrate their capacity to work at masters level as independent researchers in their chosen area of expertise.
Option modules
- Water Quality Analysis
- Environmental Placement Module
- Independent Study
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Environmental Management in Organisations
- Environmental Policy and Law
- Case Studies in Environmental Assessment and Management
- Introduction to GIS
- Applications in GIS
- Applied Remote Sensing
- Environmental Politics and Social Justice
- Issues in Ecology and Conservation
- Advanced Taxonomy and Survey Skills
- Microbiology, Ecotoxicology and Environmental remediation
- Water, Sanitation and Health
- Atmosphere, Weather and Climate
- Waste Management and the Circular Economy
- Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing
- Research Field Skills Course, Brazil