MSc by Research Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences: The University of Manchester

Course description

An MSc by research degree takes place over a single year, during which you will carry out research into the area you have chosen and finish with the publication of your own dissertation. Throughout the course you will receive supervision from a member of academic staff in the School which takes the form of regular meetings about your work.  You also study on a small number of Masters level taught modules, as appropriate to your research area.

The Atmospheric Science Group is active in many areas of atmospheric science, covering physical, chemical and electrical processes. Current research projects cover the areas of radiative transfer, precipitation and cloud electrification, boundary layer processes, aerosol properties, cloud physics and chemistry and atmospheric pollution in the urban environment. Research carried out in these areas includes field observations, laboratory investigations, theoretical studies and numerical modelling. Field experiments and the interpretation of field observations form the largest part of this unique group's activities. Recent field experiments have been held in various UK locations, including: Norfolk; Essex; Edinburgh; Birmingham; and Manchester, and further afield including: Greece; Norway; the Netherlands; Denmark; Tenerife; Germany; South Korea; Australia; USA and Finland.

Career opportunities

A research degree in Earth, Atmospheric or Environmental Sciences is highly regarded by employers as evidence of a thorough training in numerate problem-solving and opens a wide range of possible career choices. In addition to continuing Earth, Atmospheric or Environmental Science research in industry, an MSc provides the entry level training to undertake a PhD in this area.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview: Applications are welcome from students with a good first degree (minimum 2.1 or equivalent) in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Environmental Science.

English language: Overseas students would need to demonstrate competence in English Language, for example, IELTS score of 6.5.