University of Exeter United Kingdom

MSci Environmental Science

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon September 2026

Course Overview

The MSci Environmental Science at the University of Exeter equips you to address critical global environmental challenges, from climate change and biodiversity loss to sustainable resource management. This integrated master's degree is designed for scientifically curious students eager to understand the complex interactions within Earth's systems and develop practical solutions. You will gain a comprehensive grounding in environmental sciences, integrating core principles with an understanding of legal frameworks for environmental protection, and developing essential data science skills to analyse environmental information effectively.

This full-time, on-campus programme spans four years, offering increasing flexibility and specialisation. In your first year, you’ll build a broad scientific foundation, with subsequent years allowing you to tailor your studies through optional modules in areas like ecology, conservation, or climate change. You will undertake practical training, including field courses and research methods, culminating in a significant independent research dissertation in your final year. Graduates are prepared for diverse careers in environmental consultancy, conservation, policy, and research, armed with advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This MSci Environmental Science program provides a comprehensive exploration of Earth systems, global environmental challenges, and scientific methodologies. Across multiple years, students will engage with compulsory modules covering topics such as Earth System Science, Geographical Information Science, research design, and environmental regulation. Optional modules allow for specialization in areas like ecology, conservation, climate change, marine science, and human geography, culminating in a significant research project and field course.

1 Year 1

Earth System Science Compulsory
Global Issues in Environmental Science Compulsory
Environmental Science Tutorials Compulsory
Marine and Environmental Science Field Course Compulsory
Introduction to data science Compulsory
A Legal Foundation for Environmental Protection Compulsory
Genetics Optional
Ecology and Conservation Optional
Approaches to Geographical Knowledge Optional
Atmospheric and Oceanic Systems, Their Interactions and Importance Optional
Introduction to Human Sciences Optional
The Geography of Cornwall Optional

2 Year 2

Geographical Information Science and Systems Compulsory
Remote Sensing for Environmental Management Compulsory
Environment and Sustainability on the Isles of Scilly [See note b above] Compulsory
Second Year Tutorials Compulsory
Research Design and Methods Compulsory
Environmental Regulation and Redress Compulsory
Biodiversity and Conservation Optional
Population and Community Ecology Optional
Introduction to Ecological Consultancy Optional
Exploitation of the Sea Optional
Applied Insect Ecology Optional
Evolution of Human Societies Optional
The Politics of Climate Change and Energy Optional
Landscape Evolution Optional
Rural Social Issues Optional
Biogeography Optional
Ice Sheets: Glaciology, Climate and the Oceans Optional
Waste and Society Optional
Physical Ocean Processes Optional
People and Nature Optional
Social and Cultural Geographies Optional
Green Politics in Theory and Practice Optional
Health, Place and Wellbeing Optional
Oceans and Human Health Optional

3 Year 3

Dissertation in Environmental Science [See note c above] Compulsory
Preparing to Graduate Compulsory
Trends in Ecology and Evolution Optional
Human Behavioural Ecology Optional
Science in Society Optional
Evolutionary Biology of Health and Disease Optional
Climate Change and Society Optional
The Complexity of Human Societies Optional
Quaternary Environmental Change Optional
Literature Review in Environment and Society Optional
Antarctica: Science from a Frozen Continent Optional
Geographies of Democracy Optional
Marine Climate and Environmental Change Optional
Marine and Coastal Sustainability Optional
Whole Energy Systems Optional
Arctic Frontiers: Can We Preserve the Arctic Environment? Optional
Biological Oceanography Optional
Human-Animal Interactions Optional
Legal Response to Environmental Destruction Optional
Major Transitions in Evolutionary History Optional
Ocean Management and Conservation Optional
The Politics of Climate Change Optional
Catastropolis Optional
Politics, Mining and Sustainable Development Optional
Living with Environmental Change Optional
Frontiers of Global Health Optional

4 Final year

Academic Research Project Compulsory
Global Challenges Field Course (MSci) [see note d above] Compulsory
Applied Data Analysis Compulsory
Themes in Climate Change Optional
Policy and Governance for Sustainability Optional
Marine and Coastal Sustainability Optional
Heritage and Environmental Change Optional

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 42,173.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 42,173.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 42,173.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 42,173.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 168,692.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,417.00 - USD 4,833.00
Transport USD 806.00 - USD 1,611.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,128.00 - USD 2,095.00
Estimated Total USD 4,351.00 - USD 8,539.00

Living cost estimates are based on Penryn Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

92%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Adult & Continuing EducationAdvertising TechnologyAgricultural Research & DevelopmentAgricultural Technology & Precision FarmingBlockchain & Emerging TechnologiesCreative & ContentCreative Production & Project ManagementDefense & Military SecurityPrivate Security & Risk ManagementRefining & Petrochemicals

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Amazon

Amgen

AstraZeneca

Deloitte

Environment Agency

GSK

NHS

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Why Study MSci Environmental Science at University of Exeter

What makes this program stand out

September 2026 Closing soon

Next intake is in September 2026

Life at University of Exeter in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about MSci Environmental Science at University of Exeter

Can I work while studying?

As an international student in a degree program, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. You can work full-time during breaks, and no separate work permit is required.

What English language score do I need for this course?

For English language proficiency, acceptable tests include Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE with various minimum scores. It's important to meet these requirements to ensure successful communication during your studies.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as environmental consultants, conservationists, policy advisors, or researchers.

What will I actually study in this course?

This integrated master's degree addresses global environmental challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. You'll develop practical solutions within Earth's systems, integrating core scientific principles and legal frameworks for environmental protection.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The MSci Environmental Science program at the University of Exeter starts in September. Ensure that you are prepared to begin your studies at that time.
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