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Postgraduate Programs in the Environment
Find postgraduate programs in the ENVIRONMENTThe environment generally involves the interaction of all living species, weather, climate, and natural resources that affect human survival and economic activities. Studying a postgraduate program in the environment does not only involve studying the physical and biological characters of the environment but also the social and cultural factors and man's impact on the environment.
Environment enthusiasts should study this subject at postgraduate level to help fight climate change and make this world a better place to live. These courses mainly attracts individuals with an interest in social and natural sciences. Also, people passionate about environmental activities to address ecological challenges have great interest in this program. The study of the environment is becoming increasingly essential.
If you look up the word ‘environment’ in the dictionary, you get descriptions like 'the setting or condition where a particular activity takes place'. Well, that’s a broad area of study because studying the environment is different depending on where you are in the world and offers the chance to travel and learn more about the world we live in. It is a truly global subject matter.
Not only that, but studying the environment changes over time, so it is never a static area of study. Many people who chose to study the environment often find that they end up working in areas that they couldn't have foreseen when they graduated. For example, the study of ‘environmental science' will cover diverse disciplines including ecology, chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, soil science, atmospheric science and much more. Other courses, such as ‘environmental planning’ may require a flexible approach, as they deal with the various challenges facing sustainable development as the global population increases.
What are the postgraduate subject areas covered by the environment?
Environmental study in various subjects has promoted the understanding of our surroundings and gives knowledge of the current ecological impacts at local, national, and international contexts. The topics aim to address environmental issues affecting both humans and non-humans in the world. Through postgraduate study, students learn subjects in environmental management planning, catchment management, environmental pollution, environmental planning, environmental science, and environmental health. By studying this topic, students will acquire and develop basic risk assessment models, write management plans, learn about environmental policy, and legislation. They will be able to apply their knowledge in various sectors to achieve their desired goals.
Postgraduate study in this field will enable students to explore how environmental science is an interdisciplinary field that integrates physical, biological, and information sciences. Through this science, students will understand human relationships, abilities, and policies towards the environment.
Why is the environment an important area to study?
Environmental studies is an exciting area to study, particularly as it comes with essential benefits, mainly to humans. The benefits help us understand and apply skills to practice sustainability management; these benefits include:
- Understanding key concepts that will transform the world into a better place
- Learning expertise to enter an expanding job market
- Fascinating subject area to explore
- Become part of a leading research centre
How do you choose a masters in the environment?
When choosing a masters program in the environment, you need to consider various factors that align with your professional goals. In most programs, students can specialise in a specific field that is part of the course work that they are taking. Additional things you should consider include:
- Cost – enrolling for a masters program in the environment requires significant capital investment and time.
- Specialisation – when specialising in this field, you need to select courses that align with your career goals. Specialisation helps you maximise your experience in that field by improving your skills and knowledge to another different level.
- Goals – you need to consider if the program is flexible enough to meet your career and personal goals.
Are there specific universities that specialise in the environment?
Many universities offer a chance for students to specialise in environmental studies. Universities like Lund University and Linköping University in Sweden, Radboud University in the Netherlands and Cranfield University in the UK offer postgraduate students plenty of opportunities to study the environment, as do other universities worldwide. At these universities, you can specialise in courses such as environmental science, environmental planning, environmental health, and many other related environmental-related options.
What about MPhils or PhDs?
People who wish to study an MPhil or PhD in the environment can also explore more and innovate new things. By studying a research postgraduate program students research deeply to understand how human activity alters climate change and how other environmental factors affect human life.
Some options for an MPhil or PhD in this field can be found at UK universities including the University of Manchester, University of Cambridge, University of Nottingham, University of Worcester and the University of Oxford.
Student case study
Anita Owiti studied an MSc in Environment and Development at the University of Edinburgh. Speaking about her studies, Anita says, “I have learnt to appreciate the social aspect of the environment through studying this program. It has helped me get a deeper understanding of economics, anthropology, gender issues and policies. This was very valuable having come from a pure science background and it helped me integrate the two since they go hand in hand. Moving forward, I plan to be more involved in initiatives that promote social mobility and justice among the poor communities, especially in being able to access vital resources like renewable energy.”
What career opportunities could an environmental-related PG course lead to?
An environmental-related postgraduate course equips students with relevant skills and knowledge for career options in conservation, sustainability and environmental research and education.
Some of the career opportunities related to an environmental postgraduate course includes;
- Environmental consultant
- Environmental educator
- Environmental engineer
- Environmental manager
- Sustainability consultant
- Waste management officer
- Environmental health practitioner
- Skills gained from environmental study
Studying a postgraduate course in the environment will enable you to master knowledge and the gain experience necessary to understand environmental issues, whilst learning comprehensive skills and generally contribute to leadership and sustainability careers.
Primary environmental study skills include:
- Utilise relevant project management, monitoring and evaluation techniques.
- Consider environmental policies and principles when engaging in decision-making.
- Integrate and mobilise information from an interdisciplinary perspective.
- Use statistical and data representation techniques to solve issues.
Environment-related PG courses
With all of this in mind, which kind of environmental study is right for you and what areas of study are becoming popular with employers and environmental researchers? Let’s look at some world-renowned courses available at universities across Europe that tackle some of the most important environmental issues that we’re currently facing.
This is by no means an exhaustive list – there are plenty of other fascinating masters degree programs available at top-notch European universities, but this will but give you a flavour of what is on offer.
Once you have more of an idea of what you want to specialise in and where you want to be based, you can use our A-Z European university search to refine your search.
Environmental science course
Master of Science in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management (MESPOM) at Lund University
This program is operated by the International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics at Lund University (Sweden), the University of Manchester (UK), Central European University (Vienna) and the University of the Aegean (Lesvos, Greece). Graduates are awarded MSc degrees by all European partners. It is aimed at graduates who want to solve the many environmental challenges that we face today, so would suit graduates from natural sciences, earth studies, social sciences and even law.
Environmental planning course
MSc specialisation of Spatial Planning: Cities, Water and Climate Change at Radboud University
This course takes place at the Radboud University’s Nijmegen School of Management in the Netherlands and allows students to work on climate-proofing cities and preparing the future for a more eco- conscious environmental approach. It also offers the option of taking up an internship during your studies.
Marine environment course
MSc in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management at Vrije Universiteit Brussel
This program at Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium provides insight into the diversity and complexity of the life and processes in the oceans, seas, lakes and estuaries and skills to study and manage them. It is open to graduates in biology, biochemistry and biotechnology, chemistry, geology, geography, geography and geomatics, bio-engineer science and environmental sciences. There is a huge skills shortage in this area, and the ocean provides endless opportunities for study.
Geography course
MPhil Geography at King's College London
The Geography Department at King’s College London in the UK has one of the widest ranges of postgraduate courses on offer in Europe. Geography covers so much of ‘the environment’, so personalise your degree by choosing optional modules that suit your interests and enjoy living in the one and only city of London. There is also an option of a joint PhD with Hong Kong University or the National University of Singapore. Applicants should be graduates or have relevant experience.
Find postgraduate programs in GEOGRAPHYGeological course
MSc in Earth and Climate at VU (Vrije University Amsterdam)
An MSc in Earth and Climate at VU (Vrije University Amsterdam) in the Netherlands will enable you to understand the processes of the land surface, ocean, (paleo-)ecology and how humanity plays a pivotal part. If you love to learn more about the earth and its processes, then you may love this course.
Environmental architecture course
M.Arch Sustainable Architecture at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales.
The Graduate School of the Environment at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) is an education and visitor centre which demonstrates practical solutions for sustainability, covering all aspects of green living: environmental building, eco-sanitation, woodland management, renewable energy, energy efficiency and organic growing. It is a world-renowned centre of new ideas and has been around for over 40 years. If you want to live your 'environmental principles' while you study, then this is good place to start.
Environmental health course
MSc Global Environmental Change and Planetary Health at Cranfield University
Health is a growing sector and assessing the impact of our environment on our world is crucial to many organisations. So, if you have a social conscience and well as an interest in environmental science or management this course may well suit you. This course at Cranfield University in the UK is suitable for both recent graduates and scientists who are looking to gain an advanced understanding of how human activities which are detrimental to the environment specifically affect human health
Environmental management course
MSc Sustainable Water Management at Lancaster University
The Lancaster Environment Centre at Lancaster University in the UK is an internationally renowned centre of environmental studies. This course is taught by world experts in their field, including staff of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology within the Lancaster Environment Centre. If you want to help ensure we manage our resources more effectively, then this course could be ideal. Water is a crucial resource, yet it is often in short supply to those who need it so be part of the solution. A degree in a relevant subject is required to apply.
Ecology course
MSc Ecology and Sustainable Development at Linköping University
The Ecology and the Sustainable Development masters program at Linköping University in Sweden prepares students to use their knowledge about ecological practices to shape a sustainable future. So, if you love nature or biology and want to make sure ecosystems gets the protection it deserves and even plan ecological landscapes then this course may suit you.
In conclusion
This is just a tiny selection of environmental postgraduate courses that are available to study in Europe. There are thousands of environmental masters courses registered on Postgrad.com so take a look and find the perfect course for you.
Good luck in studying an environmental masters subject – the options and possibilities are endless, so do your homework and find a course that suits your skills and personality.
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