12 monthsProgramme duration
19 Aug, 2026Application Deadline
SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Environmental Sciences
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Master's
Study Mode
On Campus
Course summary
How do we stop pollutants in our air and water from causing lasting harm? And how can science help us monitor pollution accurately and control its impact?
If you want to build the scientific and professional skills to tackle pollution, MSc Environmental Pollution Control is for you.
At Southampton, you’ll explore the science behind air, water and waste pollution and investigate practical approaches to monitoring and controlling it. You’ll learn how to identify pollution sources, understand their effects and consider how harmful impacts on the environment can be reduced.
You’ll also look beyond the science. Explore the social and economic context of environmental problems and the legal frameworks that regulate them, helping you understand why effective pollution control needs different disciplines and perspectives working together.
Your learning will connect with practical environmental challenges through case studies, field exercises, group work and activities with external organisations. Depending on your module choices, you can explore areas including air quality, water pollution, biodiversity, waste management, environmental consultancy and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
You’ll finish the programme with an independent research project, with opportunities to work alongside an external organisation or potential employer and apply your skills to a real environmental problem.
We are in the top 10 in the UK for Geography and Environmental Sciences (Times and Sunday Times 2026). Build the expertise to help understand, monitor and reduce the impact of pollution.
Key features of this course
**Understand pollution from source to impact.** Explore the scientific processes behind air, water and other forms of environmental pollution, learning how pollutants can be identified, assessed and controlled.
**Put water pollution under the microscope.** Examine the physical, chemical and biological processes involved when water becomes contaminated and explore approaches to monitoring and controlling its effects.
**See environmental problems from different perspectives.** Consider the social and economic context of pollution alongside environmental regulation, science, engineering and communication.
**Shape the course around your interests.** Choose from options covering areas such as biodiversity and restoration, GIS, freshwater ecosystems, waste resource management and environmental consultancy.
**Learn through real environmental challenges.** Take part in case studies, field exercises, group activities and work involving external organisations, helping you connect academic knowledge with professional practice.
**Turn research into practical outcomes.** Complete an advanced research project, with opportunities to collaborate with an external organisation through a Policy, Practice or Industry project and respond to a real brief.
Your future career
Managing pollution needs environmental scientists who can understand complex systems, work confidently with evidence and develop practical responses.
You’ll graduate with specialist knowledge of air, water and waste pollution alongside skills in environmental monitoring, research, analysis and communication.
The programme can prepare you for careers across environmental consultancy, environmental public bodies, government research organisations, local councils, wildlife conservation and pollution control.
Roles directly connected with the course can include environmental monitoring officer, water quality scientist, environmental consultant, air quality consultant, ecological consultant and researcher.
Whether you move into professional environmental work or continue into further research, you’ll leave Southampton better equipped to investigate pollution, understand its causes and consequences and contribute to its responsible management.
Further information
This is a 1-year, full-time MSc based at Highfield Campus.
You’ll complete taught modules during the first 8 months before spending the final 4 months on your independent Advanced Research Project with one-to-one supervision.
Compulsory study includes Academic and Research Skills, Air Quality and Environmental Pollution, Water Pollution and your MSc Research Project.
Learning includes lectures, seminars, case studies, field exercises, group exercises and activities with external organisations.
Instead of a traditional dissertation, your research project is communicated through an article of up to 7,000 words written in the style of a peer-reviewed journal.
Applicants normally need a 2:2 degree in a relevant subject. Applicants with alternative qualifications and experience in the environmental sector may also be considered.
How do we stop pollutants in our air and water from causing lasting harm? And how can science help us monitor pollution accurately and control its impact?
If you want to build the scientific and professional skills to tackle pollution, MSc Environmental Pollution Control is for you.
At Southampton, you’ll explore the science behind air, water and waste pollution and investigate practical approaches to monitoring and controlling it. You’ll learn how to identify pollution sources, understand their effects and consider how harmful impacts on the environment can be reduced.
You’ll also look beyond the science. Explore the social and economic context of environmental problems and the legal frameworks that regulate them, helping you understand why effective pollution control needs different disciplines and perspectives working together.
Your learning will connect with practical environmental challenges through case studies, field exercises, group work and activities with external organisations. Depending on your module choices, you can explore areas including air quality, water pollution, biodiversity, waste management, environmental consultancy and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
You’ll finish the programme with an independent research project, with opportunities to work alongside an external organisation or potential employer and apply your skills to a real environmental problem.
We are in the top 10 in the UK for Geography and Environmental Sciences (Times and Sunday Times 2026). Build the expertise to help understand, monitor and reduce the impact of pollution.
Key features of this course
**Understand pollution from source to impact.** Explore the scientific processes behind air, water and other forms of environmental pollution, learning how pollutants can be identified, assessed and controlled.
**Put water pollution under the microscope.** Examine the physical, chemical and biological processes involved when water becomes contaminated and explore approaches to monitoring and controlling its effects.
**See environmental problems from different perspectives.** Consider the social and economic context of pollution alongside environmental regulation, science, engineering and communication.
**Shape the course around your interests.** Choose from options covering areas such as biodiversity and restoration, GIS, freshwater ecosystems, waste resource management and environmental consultancy.
**Learn through real environmental challenges.** Take part in case studies, field exercises, group activities and work involving external organisations, helping you connect academic knowledge with professional practice.
**Turn research into practical outcomes.** Complete an advanced research project, with opportunities to collaborate with an external organisation through a Policy, Practice or Industry project and respond to a real brief.
Your future career
Managing pollution needs environmental scientists who can understand complex systems, work confidently with evidence and develop practical responses.
You’ll graduate with specialist knowledge of air, water and waste pollution alongside skills in environmental monitoring, research, analysis and communication.
The programme can prepare you for careers across environmental consultancy, environmental public bodies, government research organisations, local councils, wildlife conservation and pollution control.
Roles directly connected with the course can include environmental monitoring officer, water quality scientist, environmental consultant, air quality consultant, ecological consultant and researcher.
Whether you move into professional environmental work or continue into further research, you’ll leave Southampton better equipped to investigate pollution, understand its causes and consequences and contribute to its responsible management.
Further information
This is a 1-year, full-time MSc based at Highfield Campus.
You’ll complete taught modules during the first 8 months before spending the final 4 months on your independent Advanced Research Project with one-to-one supervision.
Compulsory study includes Academic and Research Skills, Air Quality and Environmental Pollution, Water Pollution and your MSc Research Project.
Learning includes lectures, seminars, case studies, field exercises, group exercises and activities with external organisations.
Instead of a traditional dissertation, your research project is communicated through an article of up to 7,000 words written in the style of a peer-reviewed journal.
Applicants normally need a 2:2 degree in a relevant subject. Applicants with alternative qualifications and experience in the environmental sector may also be considered.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Environmental Sciences
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Master's
Study Mode
On Campus
Course summary
How do we stop pollutants in our air and water from causing lasting harm? And how can science help us monitor pollution accurately and control its impact?
If you want to build the scientific and professional skills to tackle pollution, MSc Environmental Pollution Control is for you.
At Southampton, you’ll explore the science behind air, water and waste pollution and investigate practical approaches to monitoring and controlling it. You’ll learn how to identify pollution sources, understand their effects and consider how harmful impacts on the environment can be reduced.
You’ll also look beyond the science. Explore the social and economic context of environmental problems and the legal frameworks that regulate them, helping you understand why effective pollution control needs different disciplines and perspectives working together.
Your learning will connect with practical environmental challenges through case studies, field exercises, group work and activities with external organisations. Depending on your module choices, you can explore areas including air quality, water pollution, biodiversity, waste management, environmental consultancy and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
You’ll finish the programme with an independent research project, with opportunities to work alongside an external organisation or potential employer and apply your skills to a real environmental problem.
We are in the top 10 in the UK for Geography and Environmental Sciences (Times and Sunday Times 2026). Build the expertise to help understand, monitor and reduce the impact of pollution.
Key features of this course
**Understand pollution from source to impact.** Explore the scientific processes behind air, water and other forms of environmental pollution, learning how pollutants can be identified, assessed and controlled.
**Put water pollution under the microscope.** Examine the physical, chemical and biological processes involved when water becomes contaminated and explore approaches to monitoring and controlling its effects.
**See environmental problems from different perspectives.** Consider the social and economic context of pollution alongside environmental regulation, science, engineering and communication.
**Shape the course around your interests.** Choose from options covering areas such as biodiversity and restoration, GIS, freshwater ecosystems, waste resource management and environmental consultancy.
**Learn through real environmental challenges.** Take part in case studies, field exercises, group activities and work involving external organisations, helping you connect academic knowledge with professional practice.
**Turn research into practical outcomes.** Complete an advanced research project, with opportunities to collaborate with an external organisation through a Policy, Practice or Industry project and respond to a real brief.
Your future career
Managing pollution needs environmental scientists who can understand complex systems, work confidently with evidence and develop practical responses.
You’ll graduate with specialist knowledge of air, water and waste pollution alongside skills in environmental monitoring, research, analysis and communication.
The programme can prepare you for careers across environmental consultancy, environmental public bodies, government research organisations, local councils, wildlife conservation and pollution control.
Roles directly connected with the course can include environmental monitoring officer, water quality scientist, environmental consultant, air quality consultant, ecological consultant and researcher.
Whether you move into professional environmental work or continue into further research, you’ll leave Southampton better equipped to investigate pollution, understand its causes and consequences and contribute to its responsible management.
Further information
This is a 1-year, full-time MSc based at Highfield Campus.
You’ll complete taught modules during the first 8 months before spending the final 4 months on your independent Advanced Research Project with one-to-one supervision.
Compulsory study includes Academic and Research Skills, Air Quality and Environmental Pollution, Water Pollution and your MSc Research Project.
Learning includes lectures, seminars, case studies, field exercises, group exercises and activities with external organisations.
Instead of a traditional dissertation, your research project is communicated through an article of up to 7,000 words written in the style of a peer-reviewed journal.
Applicants normally need a 2:2 degree in a relevant subject. Applicants with alternative qualifications and experience in the environmental sector may also be considered.
How do we stop pollutants in our air and water from causing lasting harm? And how can science help us monitor pollution accurately and control its impact?
If you want to build the scientific and professional skills to tackle pollution, MSc Environmental Pollution Control is for you.
At Southampton, you’ll explore the science behind air, water and waste pollution and investigate practical approaches to monitoring and controlling it. You’ll learn how to identify pollution sources, understand their effects and consider how harmful impacts on the environment can be reduced.
You’ll also look beyond the science. Explore the social and economic context of environmental problems and the legal frameworks that regulate them, helping you understand why effective pollution control needs different disciplines and perspectives working together.
Your learning will connect with practical environmental challenges through case studies, field exercises, group work and activities with external organisations. Depending on your module choices, you can explore areas including air quality, water pollution, biodiversity, waste management, environmental consultancy and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
You’ll finish the programme with an independent research project, with opportunities to work alongside an external organisation or potential employer and apply your skills to a real environmental problem.
We are in the top 10 in the UK for Geography and Environmental Sciences (Times and Sunday Times 2026). Build the expertise to help understand, monitor and reduce the impact of pollution.
Key features of this course
**Understand pollution from source to impact.** Explore the scientific processes behind air, water and other forms of environmental pollution, learning how pollutants can be identified, assessed and controlled.
**Put water pollution under the microscope.** Examine the physical, chemical and biological processes involved when water becomes contaminated and explore approaches to monitoring and controlling its effects.
**See environmental problems from different perspectives.** Consider the social and economic context of pollution alongside environmental regulation, science, engineering and communication.
**Shape the course around your interests.** Choose from options covering areas such as biodiversity and restoration, GIS, freshwater ecosystems, waste resource management and environmental consultancy.
**Learn through real environmental challenges.** Take part in case studies, field exercises, group activities and work involving external organisations, helping you connect academic knowledge with professional practice.
**Turn research into practical outcomes.** Complete an advanced research project, with opportunities to collaborate with an external organisation through a Policy, Practice or Industry project and respond to a real brief.
Your future career
Managing pollution needs environmental scientists who can understand complex systems, work confidently with evidence and develop practical responses.
You’ll graduate with specialist knowledge of air, water and waste pollution alongside skills in environmental monitoring, research, analysis and communication.
The programme can prepare you for careers across environmental consultancy, environmental public bodies, government research organisations, local councils, wildlife conservation and pollution control.
Roles directly connected with the course can include environmental monitoring officer, water quality scientist, environmental consultant, air quality consultant, ecological consultant and researcher.
Whether you move into professional environmental work or continue into further research, you’ll leave Southampton better equipped to investigate pollution, understand its causes and consequences and contribute to its responsible management.
Further information
This is a 1-year, full-time MSc based at Highfield Campus.
You’ll complete taught modules during the first 8 months before spending the final 4 months on your independent Advanced Research Project with one-to-one supervision.
Compulsory study includes Academic and Research Skills, Air Quality and Environmental Pollution, Water Pollution and your MSc Research Project.
Learning includes lectures, seminars, case studies, field exercises, group exercises and activities with external organisations.
Instead of a traditional dissertation, your research project is communicated through an article of up to 7,000 words written in the style of a peer-reviewed journal.
Applicants normally need a 2:2 degree in a relevant subject. Applicants with alternative qualifications and experience in the environmental sector may also be considered.
Admission Requirements
67+
92+
120+
3.2+
176+
6.5+
You'll need a 2.2 degree in a relevant subject (Geography, Geomatics, Environmental Science, Ecology, Geology, Biology)
19 Aug 2026
1 Year
Sep
- Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance
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