Environmental Engineering MSc

Environmental Engineering students at the Experimental rooftop garden at Eastside.
  • Postgraduate taught
  • MSc

Environmental Engineering

Analyse the principles and practices needed to protect the environment and human health.

Analyse the principles and practices needed to protect the environment and human health

Collaborate with leading scientific experts and environmental institutions

Build your research and problem solving skills for further PhD study

Course key facts

Minimum entry standard

  • 2:1 in Civil Engineering, Natural Sciences, Earth Sciences or other numerate subject

View full entry requirements

Course overview

Study this vocational programme, focused on the concepts of sustainability and delivery of engineered solutions to conserve resources and protect the environment and human health.

The course deals with major topics in the provision of environmental services such as water supply, wastewater treatment, sustainable resource management and pollution control – with perspecives on both developed and developing countries.

Practical lab-based training in analytical techniques to measure key parameters and detect pollutants in environmental media is provided. To complete the programme, students will use their knowledge acquired in the taught programme to tackle a challenging research project in key areas of environmental engineering.

All our MSc courses are career-orientated and cover both theoretical background and practical design considerations. Lectures are delivered mainly by full-time staff, but important contributions are made by visiting lecturers eminent in their field, from industry and business practitioners as well as overseas academics.

Many of our students continue their studies to undertake research towards a PhD.

All our MSc courses last one calendar year, comprising two terms of taught examinable material followed by a research dissertation.

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

You’ll take all of these modules.

Core modules

You’ll pick one of these optional modules.

Optional modules

Undertake a specific piece of independent research in the form of a critical review, laboratory- or field-based experimental investigation, modelling/numerical analysis project, or a design-related project. 

Improve your technical, research and communication skills and produce a written research paper and a visual poster.

Professional accreditation

This MSc degree is accredited on behalf of the Engineering Council by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM), comprising:

  • Institution of Civil Engineers
  • Institution of Structural Engineers
  • Institute of Highway Engineers
  • Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation
  • Permanent Way Institution

This degree is recognised as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng accredited undergraduate first degree**. 

Registering as a Chartered Engineer will improve your career prospects and provide higher earning potential. It will also help to demonstrate your commitment to professional standards, the engineering profession and sustainable development.

Our accreditation agreement with members of the Joint Board of Moderators is renewed every five years. The current accreditation agreement is due to be renewed in 2026.

**Candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited IEng degree or a non-accredited Bachelor's degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration.

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures, tutorials, group and laboratory work
  • Independent study

  • 20% Lectures, tutorials, group and laboratory work
  • 80% Independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Practical laboratories
  • Seminars and workshops
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment
  • Field data collection and overseas research
  • A group of people interacting
    Group work
  • Books for research studies
    Individual research project

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Coursework
  • Examinations

  • 55% Coursework
  • 45% Examinations

Assessment methods

  • Coursework
  • Papers from a written report
    Lab reports
  • Group projects and presentations
  • Design project blueprints
    Design projects
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written exams
  • Research dissertation
  • Poster project
    Research poster

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

How to apply

Apply online

You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.

Application deadlines – Round 1 closes on Thursday 16 January 2025

Tuition fees

Home fee

2025 entry

£18,500

Fees are charged by year of entry to the College and not year of study.

Overseas fee

2025 entry

£42,900

Fees are charged by year of entry to the College and not year of study.

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

Teacher in front of classroom

Build essential skills in communication, leadership, technical competence, and project management.

Graduate Cap above rolled Degree

Gain the grounding you need to pursue a PhD through this accredited degree.

Briefcase with a hand below it

You’ll be highly sought after for employment in a range of diverse professions, from public, private and third sector organisations.

Man standing under a sign pointing different directions

Potential career paths could include consultancies, industry, business, and government bodies.

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications