The Environmental Engineering MSc provides you with the advanced understanding, technical knowledge and practical skills required to enable you to develop a successful career in the environmental industries worldwide.
Your course during COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to COVID-19.
Further information
Our COVID-19 Study page gives more information about your Newcastle University study experience.
Terms and conditions and student complaints
The University has terms and conditions which create a positive environment for learning and academic achievement.
Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to the guidelines that may be in place at the time.
About this course
Environmental Engineers create the infrastructure, technologies and policies. They are at the heart of a healthy sustainable society. You will study how to apply scientific and engineering principles to protect the environment and public health.
You'll learn how to:
provide clean water, treat wastewater, manage solid waste
remediate pollution from mining, industrial and agricultural activities
control air pollution
design appropriate environmental engineering interventions in low, middle and high income countries
We have a global outlook and seek to train engineers to work anywhere in the world. We also want to incorporate the global imperatives of climate change and the circular economy into your thinking and design.
This well-respected course has been running since 1963. Its rich history of teaching and research assure the quality of the experience for you. More than 1000 alumni from our course are now working across the world, many in senior governmental, academic and scientific positions.
Several modules incorporate extensive laboratory practical experience. These will be carried out through small group teaching or via alternative online video demonstrations in our labs.
Our MSc is designed for both practising professionals and graduates in:
engineering
science
physical geography
maths
physics
Who are seeking careers in:
water companies
engineering companies
environmental consultancies
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
environment agency and other authorities
academia
Our strong industrial engagement means our degree programme is shaped by industry and government policy. You'll benefit from this engagement through:
industry guest lectures
study tours
site visits
industry and research focused individual projects
placements and employment opportunities with added support from the careers service
Our graduates are in high demand and you will graduate with the enhanced skills and knowledge preparing you for a wide range of careers.
This course provides you with advanced training and knowledge in:
the theory and practice of investigative methods appropriate to environmental engineering
core concepts from the physical, chemical and biological sciences. These underpin pollution control technologies and environmental stewardship
environmental engineering design principles and project management
cross-cutting issues and appropriate technologies in developing countries
health and safety issues in environmental engineering
research methods
presentation and writing
You'll benefit from our multidisciplinary approach to teaching. You will have the opportunity to engage with fellow students across all engineering disciplines through lectures, group work and other activities. This provides a rich and diverse learning experience.
All taught modules provide direct access to course tutors through small group face to face meetings or via alternative online meetings. At the end of the course you will be able to:
apply environmental engineering technologies appropriate for urban and rural situations in developed and developing countries
use laboratory analytical techniques for standard analysis of water and wastewater samples
calculate and express experimental data in standard units, assess experimental uncertainty and test the statistical significance of treatment effects
select and design appropriate water treatment unit processes
source relevant reference data and water quality standards, make comparisons with analytical data, draw relevant conclusions, and prepare technical laboratory reports
use initiative in acquiring and using information from a wide range of sources
effectively communicate with a range of stakeholders
implement a strong health and safety culture, including risk assessment
understanding of scientific principles to develop sustainable solutions to practical problems
successfully plan and execute research projects
use advanced instrumentation and methods for chemical and microbial analysis of environmental samples
use IT tools such as GIS, air pollution models and instrumental software
This course is accredited as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates with an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng (Hons) or an Accredited IEng (Full) BEng/BSc (Hons) degree.
understanding the fate, especially biodegradation, of chemicals in natural environments and engineered biological treatment systems
the development and application of molecular-based techniques for the quantification of bacteria, especially in relation to key functions
the application of ecological theory, molecular measurement techniques and mathematical models to understand, predict and manipulate microbial communities in engineered treatment systems
Central to our course is the 30 credit integrated design module running through semester 1 and 2 in which you will work closely with academic mentors to develop sustainable solutions to protect the environment and public health.
Group work
In the Environmental Engineering for Developing Countries module you will work in small teams to find environmental engineering solutions appropriate to low- and middle-income countries.
Field trips
Your fieldwork will be integrated with Newcastle University’s Urban Observatory, which provides the UK’s largest set of publicly available real time urban data in the UK, and the UK’s National Green Infrastructure Facility.
Dissertation
You will put your specialist skills, knowledge, and understanding into practice undertaking a significant individual research project and written dissertation.
Your project might involve you working within one of the School's world-class research groups. We have well-equipped laboratories and pilot-scale research facilities.
Or you might work elsewhere in collaboration with another academic or industrial partner where we have strong links. Overseas field research may also be possible.
Wherever you work, you will be supervised, throughout your project, by an experienced scientist or engineer. Your supervisor will provide advice on the approaches and methods that are best suited to your research problem. They will also support you on your collection/analysis of data, and will guide you in producing a well-written dissertation.
You will be required to complete a total of 180 credits throughout the course, including 120 credits in semesters 1 and 2 with 60 credits as part of a dissertation project in the third semester. You will be taught through a combination of:
lectures
tutorials
practical classes
online materials
coursework tasks with individual feedback
site visits and field trips
You will study a variety of taught modules, and work closely with academic mentors throughout the year on an environmental engineering design challenge, followed by a research dissertation project.
Practical training, industrial site visits and field trips are an integral part of the course.
The School of Engineering has an exceptional range of laboratories equipped with a wide range of analytical instrumentation supporting our research, teaching and contract research projects.
After my undergraduate program in Chemical Engineering, I asked myself if I could contribute to solving present technical challenges in my field based on the knowledge I had gained; my ‘yes’ to this question didn’t convince me. I had some doubts and unanswered questions. At this point, it was crystal clear that I needed further training to develop expertise in my chosen field.
The information above is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
A 2:2 honours degree, or an international equivalent, in subjects such as:
engineering
science
physical geography
maths
physics
We will also consider applicants on an individual basis with lower or non-standard qualifications if they have at least two years of relevant experience.
Find out the equivalent qualifications for your country.
You need to submit a personal statement with your application. This should highlight why you would like to undertake the course.
Start dates
The course starts in September. There is no application closing date for this course.
We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.
Deposit
If you live outside the UK/EU you must:
pay a deposit of £1,500
or submit an official letter of sponsorship
The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study at Newcastle University. The deposit is non-refundable, but is deducted from your tuition fees when you register.
