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MSc Environment and Geography (by Research)

Explore your own environmental research project, supported by leading academics.

  Length Start dates (semester dates)
MSc by research

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

Apply for MSc in Environment (by research)

January
April
July
September

Gain experience of independent research to solve current environmental challenges, guided by an expert in the field.

Your research

The focus of your work will be an independent research project. This will take 12 months to complete when taken full-time, or 24 months when taken part-time. Our academics are working on a wide range of projects suitable for research students to join.

Assessment

You will write up the results of your research project in a thesis of up to 40,000 words which will be examined by at least two examiners. In some cases an oral examination may be requested, but this is at the discretion of the examiners.

Although there are no formal taught modules for an MSc by research, as a research student, you'll be required to complete our researcher graduate training programme.

Choosing a project

You would usually apply to work with a supervisor in your chosen area of interest, who would help you develop a research project. We also offer projects for PhD students, some of which may be appropriate for the MSc by research.

Training and support

When you start your postgraduate journey with us, you'll receive a warm welcome, a desk space, and a supervisor to guide your research. You'll have the option to attend non-examined modules, known as auditing. This offers valuable insights and knowledge to support your research. While participation isn't mandatory, these sessions can enhance your work and deepen your understanding in relevant areas.

Progress is monitored through regular meetings with a Thesis Advisory Panel. This will be every six months for full-time students and annually for part-timers. The panel offers feedback and guidance. You'll also attend an annual two-day departmental conference with opportunities to contribute at each stage of your studies.

Course location

This course is run by the Department of Environment and Geography.

You will be based on Campus West where all of our facilities are housed. 

Careers and skills

There are opportunities to gain experience of demonstrating to undergraduate and taught Masters students, and receive practical advice on career planning. We hold a series of research seminars across all disciplines which are open to all researchers. There are also opportunities to present your own work through posters and talks.

A research degree is essential if you plan a career as an independent researcher with responsibility for your own research programme, whether in academia, research institutes or industry.

Our dedicated careers team offer specific support including a programme of professional researcher development and careers workshops and 1:1 career support sessions. They will help you to build up your employability portfolio and to engage in activities that will build up your skills and experience within and outside of your research work.

Career opportunities

  • Government environmental consultancy positions
  • Careers in environmental services
  • Scientific research
  • Postdoctoral positions
  • Teaching and lecturing

Entry requirements

Applicants should have, or be expecting to achieve, a 2:1 undergraduate degree in a relevant, related discipline. International equivalent qualifications are accepted. We have research students from a range of backgrounds on a variety of projects. A 2:1 is the minimum requirement to be considered for a Masters by Research, funded studentships are very competitive and it is likely that you would need to be predicted a high 2:1 / First-class degree.

If you are an international applicant, please check the entry requirements for your country.

International entry requirements

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must provide evidence of your ability.

Check your English language requirements

Applying

Apply for the MSc in Environment (by research)

Take a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.

How to apply

  • Take a look at the research interests of our staff and our list of PhD projects to identify some specific members of staff with whom you would like to work. Please feel free to contact potential supervisors directly. You may wish to discuss your plans before starting your application.
  • Complete the online application for your chosen research degree by selecting the appropriate link above. Only one application per PhD programme should be submitted. You can apply for more than one project on the same application by listing the projects in the Research Proposal section.
  • Include the name(s) of the supervisor(s) whose research groups you are interested in joining, and the project title if you are applying for a specific project. You can list more than one.
  • There is no need to provide a full research proposal, although applicants not applying for advertised projects should give an indication of areas in which they would be interested in working.

Find out more about how to apply.

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Accommodation

We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to deluxe.

Discover more about our researchers, facilities and why York is the perfect choice for your research degree.

Graduate Research School

Connect with researchers across all disciplines to get the most out of your research project.

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