MSci (Hons) Environmental Science Integrated Master's degree at Lancaster University

This module introduces atmospheric and climate science, combining theory with observations, to help you develop an understanding of the physical behaviour of the atmosphere and the Earth’s climate system. You’ll explore the structure and characteristics of the atmosphere, the physical principles that govern its behaviour and how these lead to the everyday weather we observe. The module also covers the broader role of the atmosphere and the greenhouse effect in regulating Earth’s climate. You’ll gain an overview of the different components of the climate system, their interactions and feedback, explore evidence of past climates and consider how human activities may influence future climate.

Conservation of biodiversity is crucial in a rapidly changing world. This module explores how biodiversity is generated, maintained and distributed across the planet, providing a foundation in biodiversity patterns and processes. You'll examine ecological and evolutionary drivers of biodiversity, from speciation and extinction to ecosystem dynamics. In the ‘threats and responses’ part, you’ll assess human-induced pressures such as climate change, habitat loss, pollution and overexploitation, alongside species’ ecological and evolutionary adaptations to these challenges. Finally, the solution section explores conservation strategies, including habitat restoration, species management, sustaina

Gain the practical environmental skills needed to make the transition from school or employment to studying environmental science or Earth science at university. You’ll learn how to accurately record both qualitative and quantitative observations when working in laboratory, field and computer-based settings. Numerical aptitude, scientific proficiency and visualisation techniques will then help you interpret your observations for assessment and other purposes.

Whether studying climate change, habitat loss, or sustainable development, these fields require the ability to identify relevant information, organise data, draw meaningful inferences and communicate findings effectively. This module introduces you to some of the essential skills that you will need to support your studies, including how to access and critique existing information, present findings to a variety of audiences and consider ethical issues related to research design. We introduce you to key software programs that can be used to store and process information, produce figures and summaries from datasets and map spatial data. Mastering these skills will help you to maximise your lear

Study the dynamic way in which the Earth works and gain the tools to interpret the Earth processes that have formed the planet on which we live. This module gives you an understanding of the processes that create the solid outer surface of our planet. Minerals, rocks and sediments are critical natural resources that underpin the resilience and survival of the human population and we consider these in the context of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The way in which minerals, rocks, sediments, landforms and fossils are initially created and subsequently change or deform, is taught in the framework of the geological timescale, plate tectonics and igneous, metamorphic, and sedi

The movement of nutrients and pollutants through catchments is controlled by soils, water flows and pollutant transformations. Improving the water quality of lakes and rivers requires an integrated catchment-based approach. Building on knowledge of water flows, soils and nutrient cycling, this module applies this approach to the Windermere catchment. You’ll visit the Lake District to study lake inflows, the soils of the catchment and water quality parameters. You’ll learn how to describe complex systems using simple models and how to carry out field measurements, followed by laboratory analyses of the samples collected in the field.

Deepen your understanding of the atmospheric physics and chemistry that govern weather systems, atmospheric composition and air pollution. You will explore the physical and dynamic properties of the atmosphere and how they influence air movement - from small-scale flows to global circulation patterns such as monsoons and El Niño. You will examine the factors affecting important atmospheric trace gases and study the key chemical processes behind urban air pollution, acid rain and stratospheric ozone depletion. Practical sessions and a field trip to our Hazelrigg meteorological station will introduce you to observing and reporting atmospheric conditions. You will also learn how these observati

This module provides a strong foundation in the data analysis and programming techniques essential for environmental and Earth scientists. You’ll be introduced to computer programming as a tool for analysing and visualising environmental data. You’ll develop the skills to work with large data sets and modelling systems, which are now central to environmental science. The module covers the fundamental tools of programming: running code in interactive development environments, editing, commenting, debugging and using variables, loops, conditional statements and functions. You’ll then apply these tools to carry out statistical analysis, test hypotheses and visualise data in a way that supports

Develop your key environmental and Earth science field skills that bring together laboratory, analytical and interpretative approaches. This will allow you to critically examine a contemporary environmental challenge, such as the potential contamination of water courses by historic mining activity. You will learn important field skills that span a range of relevant disciplines including geology, hydrology and erosion, and apply these during a residential field trip to the Lake District. Subsequent laboratory analysis will allow you to measure water chemistry to determine the extent of contamination and you will apply a range of statistical techniques to process and interpret your results. Yo

Employers in the UK and internationally are increasingly looking for graduates with professional skills in hydrology and water quality. These include environmental consultancies, water companies, government regulators and environmental or humanitarian charities. In this module, you'll learn how water and pollutants move through surface and subsurface environments. You'll also explore the latest theories and technologies professionals use, including monitoring tools and modelling techniques. Real-world examples show how these approaches are applied. Topics include the impact of climate change on water resources, flood mitigation through natural methods and the nitrate time bomb in groundwater

Soils are one of the most important, yet often overlooked, resources on the planet. Almost all our food relies on soil - it is the largest active store of carbon. The water we drink is stored and filtered through soils and they support over half of the planet’s biodiversity. In this module you will explore how soils are formed and the underpinning chemical, physical and biological processes that support the major biogeochemical cycles and life itself. We go on to explore some of the threats to soils, including soil erosion and salinisation and what we might do to mitigate them and then consider how soils are linked to the wider environment. You will be taught through a combination of lecture

Explore the scientific foundations of conservation biology and ecosystem ecology by examining how species, communities and environments interact. You'll develop an understanding of the significant threats to global biodiversity, such as habitat loss, climate change, invasive species and overexploitation and learn the ecological reasons why conservation is vital. Through a mix of theory, real-world case studies and practical work, you'll learn how to quantify biodiversity, assess population sizes and threats and apply conservation strategies at the genetic, species and ecosystem levels. Key topics include ecosystem resilience, habitat connectivity, conservation prioritisation and designing pr

Building on your earlier introduction to glacial systems, this module takes a deeper dive into how glaciers shape landscapes and interact with people and ecosystems. You’ll explore glacial processes in greater detail and begin to see how they connect across space and time. As you progress, you’ll be encouraged to critically engage with current research and understand how physical geographers interpret and contribute to this growing body of knowledge. By the end, you’ll be better equipped to identify how glaciology can inform environmental management and benefit both society and the natural environment.

Conduct an independent research project on a specific topic within your field of study and present your findings in an extensive report. Throughout your project, you will receive one-to-one support from a member of academic staff. This is the largest piece of work that you will complete during your degree and, depending on your subject area, it will enable you to develop skills including formulating a research question; contextualising it within research literature; identifying and using appropriate research methods and techniques with which to address your question; collecting and analysing data; and interpreting your findings. Overall, the aim is to demonstrate your ability to conduct rigo

The science and policy landscape around climate change, widely regarded as humanity’s biggest challenge, is rapidly evolving. This module covers climate change causes and effects, equipping you with a rounded understanding of underpinning processes and the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate and debate key contemporary issues. Fundamental carbon and energy balance concepts are introduced to explore how natural and anthropogenic forces (e.g. greenhouse gases) have shaped Earth’s climate since the industrial revolution and throughout geological time. Using real data, you will learn how changes to Earth’s climate are observed and modelled, appreciating uncertainties and how research

The cryosphere holds a significant portion of Earth's fresh water, yet it faces growing threats from a warming climate. In this module, you'll explore the cryosphere as part of a wider environmental system, drawing on current research to understand how these frozen regions function and why they matter. Starting with the physical processes that influence the behaviour of ice masses, such as meltwater production and its effect on ice flow, you'll then examine the cryosphere's far-reaching impacts on downstream environments. By viewing glaciers as ecosystems, you'll uncover their role in sea-level changes, ecological interactions and climate feedbacks. You'll also gain insight into how scientis

Environmental pollution from metals, nutrients, radionuclides and emerging organic contaminants such as pharmaceuticals and microplastics has received a lot of attention across the media. Their effects on humans, wildlife and the environment are the subject of exciting and novel research. However, the sources of pollution and their pathways through the environment are still poorly understood. In this module, you’ll take a case study approach to explore where different pollutants come from, how they move through and impact the environment, and what this means for the world around you. But understanding the impacts is only half the story, you’ll also investigate how to monitor, manage and reme

This field module focuses on the governance of dynamic and rapidly changing socio-ecological systems in tropical South East Asia – places often conceived as utopias. You will explore the concept of ‘utopia’ and how it relates to environment and development challenges, considering why they succeed or fail. Visit a range of sites that reflect a continuum of different management trajectories. Through these cases, you will explore related trade-offs and approaches to natural resource management. Engage with different stakeholders (e.g., policy makers, tourists, local farmers) to explore their differing views of utopia and preferred development and conservation trajectories and their implications

How are we transforming the way we supply and use energy to achieve our climate targets? In this cross-disciplinary module you will look at the major changes underway within our energy system. You will examine decarbonisation pathways in electricity, transport and heat, whilst considering supply and demand dynamics and carbon removal. Investigate real-world challenges including how to govern the energy system, economics, societal engagement and energy security. Through a combination of lecture, workshop and field-based activities, you will gain a ‘whole system view’ cutting across disciplines, enabling you to refine your critical thinking skills and ability to weigh up the opportunities and

Despite delivering abundant cheap food, farmers and society have economic, environmental and social concerns about our modern resource-intensive agricultural systems. Explore the strengths and weaknesses of current intensive and proposed extensive agricultural systems by examining their food production, resource use, efficiency and environmental impacts. You’ll be introduced to key sustainability metrics such as carbon and water footprints and delve into the biological mechanisms behind a range of agronomic techniques. The module also looks at how agriculture contributes to ecosystem services. Through hands-on workshop sessions, you’ll compare microbial inoculants (bio-fertilisers) with synt

Do you want to entertain and inspire children and the public in STEM? With an introduction to teaching as well as wider engagement opportunities, learn how to understand your audience and how to engage and enliven them. You will also learn how to balance this with educating them and presenting science in a way that’s appropriate to your audience. We include an introduction to pedagogy, how to inspire school pupils and how to use traditional and new media for science communication. You will deliver an activity of your choosing to an audience. This could be a lesson at school, engaging with children at a large outreach event or delivering a public lecture. In addition, you will also reflect on

Water is a critical natural resource for you and for all ecosystems. Successfully managing water resources is one of the most fundamental challenges facing society today. If you're aiming for a career in the water sector, you'll need to understand the policy and regulatory frameworks, technologies, and monitoring and classification approaches used to develop, conserve and restore water resources. This module gives you that understanding, drawing primarily on core material from the UK water sector and supported by global case studies where relevant. You’ll explore the management of both surface water and groundwater, tackling issues related to water quality and water availability. Your learni

Conduct an independent research project on a specific topic within your field of study and present your findings in an extensive report. Throughout your project, you will receive one-to-one support from a member of academic staff. This is the largest piece of work that you will complete during your degree and, depending on your subject area, it will enable you to develop skills including formulating a research question; contextualising it within research literature; identifying and using appropriate research methods and techniques with which to address your question; collecting and analysing data; and interpreting your findings. Overall, the aim is to demonstrate your ability to conduct rigo

Global food security means ensuring that everyone, everywhere, always has access to an affordable supply of safe and nutritious food. Today, up to a billion people remain undernourished, while many others face health issues linked to over-consumption. This interdisciplinary module explores the wide range of local and global factors that influence food availability, accessibility and utilisation. You’ll examine what makes a diet healthy and how access to key nutrients can be improved, for example through fish consumption or crop biofortification. The module also looks at how climate change affects food production, by influencing key biological processes like photosynthesis and reproductive de

How do we make the decisions that will stop climate change, reverse the biodiversity crisis, keep our rivers clean and cope with a host of other environmental issues while providing the jobs, houses, renewable energy and other things we need for a high quality of life? This module will introduce you to the fast-moving world of environmental decision making through Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) and the new approach of Environmental Outcome Reports (EORs). We take a practical approach, including site visits, to see how information is gathered and processed on plans, programmes and projects that may have a significant effect on the environment, and we explain the process, law, and key

We introduce you to the fundamental principles of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing and demonstrate how these complementary technologies may be used to capture/derive, manipulate, integrate, analyse and display different forms of spatially-referenced environmental data. We blend theory-led lectures with hands-on practical sessions using state-of-the-art software. Alongside core subject knowledge, you'll build transferable skills in synthesising geographical data, developing problem-solving strategies, managing your time effectively and presenting analysis through innovative graphical formats.

Geological hazards, especially earthquakes, landslides and volcanic eruptions, endanger lives and livelihoods – disproportionately in vulnerable areas – and cause economic losses and infrastructure damage. Effective hazard management requires detailed understanding of the underlying physical processes, use of appropriate monitoring techniques to assess hazards and rigorous policymaking. In this module you’ll learn, via numerous case studies, how the boundaries of our knowledge of geological hazards are advanced by ongoing research. You’ll gain understanding of why landslides occur and the geomechanical models underpinning slope failure analysis and why faults slip. You will look at the proba

Take a critical, yet hands-on approach to exploring the role of eco-innovation as a pathway towards sustainable development. Through action-learning, you will identify and address complex real-world sustainability challenges by developing your own eco-innovation proposals – viable ideas with the potential to reduce human impact on the environment whilst simultaneously delivering the economic and social ambitions of the global sustainable development agenda. Working in small teams, you will combine key sustainability concepts and business planning approaches to develop effective eco-innovations. Throughout, you will gain valuable transferable skills including team working, problem analysis an

This field-based, interdisciplinary module puts you at the heart of environmental sustainability case studies right on our doorstep in Lancaster. These may include: Pollution at Windermere Habitat restoration in the Cumbrian Lake District The energy transition from coal mines to renewables Innovative waste management schemes Local food initiatives With each case study, our academic and research staff work alongside external stakeholders in the identification, assessment, and remediation of environmental challenges. Our most pressing environmental sustainability challenges include biodiversity loss, climate change, waste and pollution management, uncertain food security and dwindling resource

Explore fundamental soil processes, from the physical, to the chemical and biological, the value of sustainable soil management, and the challenges faced by soils in the light of global change. You will gain an advanced understanding of the research that underpins our knowledge of soil formation, soil structure and soil chemistry, together with the cycling of nutrients, water and carbon within soils. You will additionally examine soil biology and biodiversity, and the interaction between soil microbes, and soil biota and plants with respect to soil processes. Finally, you will critically assess the role of soils in addressing sustainability challenges, such as climate mitigation.