Environmental Engineering

Entry requirements

A 2:1 Bachelor (Honours) degree or international equivalent in engineering, sciences (physics) or a relevant related subject.

Months of entry

September

Course content

If you're looking to build a career that will make a meaningful impact on real-world environmental challenges, the MSc in Environmental Engineering could be the right choice for you. Developed by subject specialists with current research experience, the course will equip you with critical knowledge and practical skills in environmental research, the latest technologies and applied problem-solving. You'll explore sustainable, nature-based solutions and learn how to apply them across industries and communities, making a meaningful impact where it matters most.

Drawing on the latest environmental science and engineering principles, you will develop an understanding of the key disciplines that underpin modern environmental engineering, including environmental economics, pollution control, hydrology and water resources, environmental microbiology, project planning and the assessment and management of environmental impacts.

As well as traditional taught modules, you will build important collaborative skills, working with fellow students on advanced design work including nature-based solutions. Working in groups, you will apply techniques that meet the appropriate design standards and use complex engineering analysis tools, which will develop your ability to work cooperatively and share ideas effectively.

You will also have the opportunity to develop your innovation and problem-solving skills through a major research and development project, where you’ll demonstrate how to address challenges in sustainable infrastructure and environmental systems by working with nature, not against it.

The MSc in Environmental Engineering equips you with the knowledge and skills to tackle critical global challenges, while deepening your understanding of the technical, economic and social issues associated with sustainable infrastructure and environmental systems.

The course is designed around a series of core concepts which are arranged into a modular structure. The majority of modules are compulsory, with opportunities to customise your learning through a research project and an option module aligned to your interests. Optional modules change from year to year, but some possible choices are listed below.

Course structure

Year 1 modules

Core modules:

Environmental Engineering

introduces you to the fundamental principles and practical skills needed for a career in environmental engineering and management. It combines technical knowledge of air quality control, water treatment and wastewater treatment with insights into environmental economics, law and policy.

Hydrology and Water Resources

develops an in-depth understanding of hydrological systems and the skills to apply fluid mechanics and mathematical principles to a variety of water resource problems. You’ll learn about essential hydrological measurements and modelling techniques used to analyse groundwater flow, evaporation, soil water and rainfall-runoff processes.

Fundamentals of Environmental Sustainability

lays a solid foundation for the more advanced topics studied later in the course, offering a broad overview of key sustainability challenges, development frameworks, and practical concepts. It covers essential topics such as global environmental challenges, sustainable development goals and the circular economy.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology

focuses on developing practical microbiological techniques and water quality analysis relevant to environmental engineering. Through hands-on laboratory sessions using advanced equipment, you will learn to prepare, analyse and interpret environmental samples while developing strong skills in laboratory practice, data recording and critical analysis.

Environmental Impact Assessment and Management

provides a comprehensive understanding of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as a vital tool for sustainable development, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to design, conduct and evaluate EIAs in diverse contexts. The module emphasises practical application through real-world case studies, stakeholder engagement and multidisciplinary approaches.

Group Design Project

In the group project, you’ll tackle a complex engineering system design task that builds your understanding of system design and develops your interdisciplinary teamwork. You’ll apply what you’ve learned in lectures to solve a challenging engineering problem, working with nature, not against it.

Research and Development Project

provides an exciting opportunity to deepen your environmental engineering knowledge. With guidance from a supervisor, you’ll choose a topic, apply the appropriate research methods, and gather and analyse data. You will then present your recommendations and findings in a detailed report.

Optional modules:

Optional modules may include:

• Environmental Earth Science Fieldwork
• Planning and Net-Zero
• Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning
• Renewable Energy Technologies
• Decarbonisation of Heating and Cooling

Information for international students

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

Fees and funding

More information is available here: Tuition fees - how much are they - Durham University