Environmental Engineering and Project Management MSc (Eng)

Course overview

There are many challenges we face globally. But one of the most pertinent is how to protect and maintain our environment. That’s why governments worldwide are looking for environmental engineers to provide solutions in areas such as public health, air pollution, waste and water.

Our Environmental Engineering and Project Management MSc will deliver the core foundations in environmental engineering, including key issues in water resources, solid waste and controlling emissions. You’ll also be trained in project management, equipping you with a professional skill set that can contribute to providing environmentally sound solutions and economically sustainable systems.

You’ll study in the School of Civil Engineering which ranks highly globally and is actively involved in developing ‘internationally excellent’ research — much of which shapes the course.

This means you’ll be learning industry-relevant knowledge and developing transferable skills sought after by almost every industry worldwide, opening the door to many career paths in areas like engineering, environment, construction, energy, transport and education.

Why study at Leeds:

• This Masters degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators.
• Master the most up-to-date practices and techniques recognised in industry on a course that has been directly informed and advised by the Institution of Civil Engineers.
• Enhance your career prospects and become part of our successful alumni who have pursued careers in related positions, working for organisations like ARUP, Thames Water and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.
• Experience excellent practical and theoretical teaching delivered by a programme team with a wealth of expertise and industrial experience across many relevant areas such as microbiology and aerobiology.
• Access research-grade equipment and facilities including our public health laboratories, a class II microbiology laboratory and specialist software you’ll need throughout the course.
• Conduct your own individual research project as part of your course and gain industry experience in managing a project that focuses on a real-world problem, whilst building professional skills in research, decision making and planning.
• Advance your knowledge and skills in critical areas sought after in industry such as project and asset management, water resource management, air quality, groundwater pollution and environmental microbiology.
• Our globally-renowned research conducted right here in our School feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in engineering and sustainability.

Course details

Modules that run throughout each semester will develop your knowledge in a wide range of topics.

You’ll explore the diversion of organic wastes from landfill and how energy is recovered from them, as well as water supply systems, the challenges of water resource management and the different landfill, mechanical-biological and thermal treatment options available for solid waste.

You’ll also consider wastewater treatment, solid waste management and issues such as controlling emissions. The ways in which legislation is used to protect the environment and the role of public health engineers are also among the topics you’ll cover.

Course Structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Environmental Engineering and Project Management MSc (Eng) in the course catalogue.

Compulsory modules

Water Resource Management – 15 credits

Explore the principles of integrated water resources management and the tools necessary to undertake and regulate water resources management. The module covers the design of water systems and water treatment, including point source development, network design and distribution, operational and management issues.

Indoor and Urban Air Quality – 15 credits

This module introduces sources, dispersion and health and environmental impacts of a range of airborne contaminants, including microorganisms, in the urban and indoor environments. You’ll gain an understanding of the issues of poor air quality, the regulatory environment, approaches to analysing exposure and risk, and operational and engineering approaches to controlling and mitigating impacts.

Advanced Wastewater Management – 15 credits

You’ll gain deeper insights into engineering processes and systems for wastewater management, including energy and resource recovery. You’ll then apply your knowledge to a real-world problem culminating in the submission of a design coursework.

Solid Waste Management – 15 credits

Cover the key challenges associated with the generation of municipal solid waste and its collection, recycling and ultimate disposal. You’ll consider landfilling, thermal treatments and mechanical-biological treatment options, including outline designs of the key unit processes.

Groundwater Pollution and Contaminated Land – 15 credits

This module is about engineering responses to complex groundwater and soil pollution. You’ll focus on the appropriate understanding of interactions between soils/groundwater/pollutants. You’ll also cover the link between engineering, earth science, environmental management and sustainable development.

Environmental Microbiology – 15 credits

A practical introduction to the classification of microorganisms, their importance in a range of environments and the impact they can have on the environment and human health. The module also provides an overview of key legislation for environmental protection and methods for assessing the impact on the environment.

Circular Economy and Resource Recovery from Waste – 15 credits

A comprehensive introduction to the emerging theory and core practical aspects of engineering application of recovering of resources and value from waste, within the context of a circular economy.

Project and Asset Management – 15 credits

Develop an understanding of the implications of whole life management concepts on infrastructure asset management. You'll explore the most common project management concepts, tools and techniques. The module also focuses on the relationships between Capital Investment Delivery, Maintenance, Renewal and Disposal.

Dissertation – 60 credits

You’ll work with your supervisory team to complete your independent research project which is one of the most satisfying elements of this course. It’s a chance for you to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you’ve gained, focusing on a real-world problem that explores your specific interests and/or relates to your career ambitions.

To support your project, we’ll teach you theories and practices you’ll need to conduct your project efficiently. You’ll examine how to define research problems and gaps in understanding. Alongside, you’ll learn how to critically review relevant literature to your given problem and explore the research methods and instruments you’ll need to collect and analyse data effectively.

Example projects by Environmental Engineering and Project Management MSc students have included:

• Potential impacts of climate change on wastewater treatment
• Membrane bioreactors for industrial applications
• Modelling infection transmission onboard long-haul flights
• Measuring and predicting indoor air quality in domestic housing

Learning and teaching

Our groundbreaking research feeds directly into teaching, and you’ll have regular contact with staff who are at the forefront of their disciplines. You’ll have regular contact with them through lectures, seminars, tutorials, small group work and project meetings.

Throughout your studies, you’ll also benefit from a structured support system, with a personal tutor who will offer help and advice about your approach to studying and how to become adept at independent learning.

Independent study is also important to the programme, as you develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge.

Specialist facilities

You’ll benefit from using our specialist facilities, such as our public health laboratories with separate areas for solid waste, water and wastewater, and a class II microbiology lab and clean room. We have all the specialist software you’ll need for your programme. Plus, you’ll have access to a dedicated study suite for Masters students.

Programme team

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques including case studies, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, assignments and exams.

Applying

Entry requirements

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Civil Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Civil Engineering  (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional.

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

Application deadlines

Please read our How to Apply page for full details, including application deadlines and what to include with your application.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

30 June 2025 – International applicants

12 September 2025 – UK applicants

Click below to access the University’s online application system and find out more about the application process.

If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Civil Engineering

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: pgcivil@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £14,500 (Total)

International: £33,000 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

Standard travel and accommodation costs associated with compulsory field trips are covered by the University. However, you must pay for subsistence, incidental or personal expenses such as suitable clothing and footwear.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Career opportunities

Studying this MSc will build your technical knowledge in an exciting and relevant profession, whilst helping you develop a holistic professional skill set that is largely transferable across almost every industry and sought after by corporations worldwide.

From water to energy, transport to engineering, the career opportunities open to you with the experience you’ll learn on this course are wide-ranging and will give you a lot of options when you graduate.

Plus, the University of Leeds is in the top 5 most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2024 report.

Our graduates from this course have secured positions at companies such as:

• Water Engineer, Federal Ministry of Water Resources
• Project Practitioner, Primetals Technologies
• Environmental Analyst, Riverside Environmental Services Ltd
• Project Coordinator, EFC Group
• Sustainability Engineer, ARUP
• Catchment Planner, Thames Water
• Construction Engineer, Parsons Corporation
• Business Development Engineer, Amazon Energy Limited
• Process Engineer, Veolia Water
• Water, Sanitation and Environmental Engineer, Air Water Earth (AWE) Ltd Consulting Engineers
• Project Engineer, Aquatec-Maxcon

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability Team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles. 
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.

Find out more about career support.