The published course and module descriptions were accurate when first published and remain the basis of the course, but the University has had to modify some course and module content in response to government restrictions and social distancing requirements
Environmental Impact Assessment and Management
MSc
Key facts
Start dates
September 2022 / January 2023 / September 2023
Course length
Full time: 12 months (Sept start), 17 months (Jan start)
Part time: 24 months (Sept start), 29 months (Jan start) (distance learning only)
Department
Accreditation(s)
Accredited by Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) as a Specialist Programme. Full RTPI accreditation is available when combined with the Postgraduate Diploma in Spatial Planning or any RTPI partially accredited UG programme such as: BA Urban Design, Development and Planning, and BSc Property Development and Planning. Accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) for candidates wishing to pursue the Environmental Surveyor pathway to chartered membership.
Overview
We have designed our MSc Environmental Impact Assessment in close consultation with industry. You'll gain the knowledge and skill-set needed to work effectively with diverse project stakeholders and multi-disciplinary teams.
The course is aimed at those seeking to develop a career as practitioners working in:
- environmental consultancy
- local government
- regulatory agencies
- statutory consultees
- environmental NGOs
- major development companies
- engineering firms.
You will learn to devise innovative solutions that maximise the potential for sustainable outcomes by:
- drawing on the latest concepts in the field
- harnessing the potential of digital technologies.
Our teaching is informed by the latest developments in theory and practice. We have strong links with the professional practitioner community. This allows us to shape the course design and bring real-world experience to the programme.
How to apply
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
The course is open to applicants who hold a 2.1 undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent).
We will actively consider applications from candidates with lower degrees, who can evidence relevant experience (or an alternative qualification) that demonstrates ability to study at postgraduate level.
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English you will require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all components.
OR
An equivalent English language qualification acceptable to the University.
Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for your postgraduate course and also familiarise you with university life in the UK.
Take a Pre-Master's course to develop your subject knowledge, study skills and academic language level in preparation for your master's course.
If you need to improve your English language, we offer pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements of your chosen master’s course.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Application process
We advise applying in advance to secure places, and allow sufficient time for applications to be reviewed.
There is no formal application deadline (recruitment closes when teaching capacity is reached).
Applicants should also factor any time needed to meet offer conditions, arrange accommodation, and obtain a UK Student visa (if applicable).
Tuition fees
Please see the fees note
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
2022 / 23
Home (UK) full time
£8,350
Home (UK) part time
£4,175
Home (UK) distance learning part time
£4,175
International full time
£15,900
International distance learning part time
£7,950
2023 / 24
Home (UK) full time
£9,800
Home (UK) part time
£4,900
Home (UK) distance learning part time
£4,900
International full time
£16,500
International distance learning part time
£8,250
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year your fees will increase each year.
Financial support and scholarships
For general sources of financial support, see our Fees and funding pages.
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.
Field trips
All course participants can participate in an optional UK-based residential field trip in early January, between Semester 1 and 2. This is a great learning opportunity which we anticipate will be attended by the majority of the class.
Partially subsidised by the University, participants need to cover the cost of travel, and make a contribution to accommodation and food. These costs are additional to the programme fee reflecting the fact that some students prefer not to participate. The total additional cost will be in the region of £150-200. This does not include any flight and visa costs from the participant's location to the UK.
Intensive Study Periods
Twice a year open-learners are invited to join full-time students on campus for a three-day intensive study period.
Open-learners must find their own accommodation and need to cover expenses for:
- Travel
- Accommodation (to give an indication of the cost- the University's Scott House offers single ensuite rooms with self-catering facilities at £50.40 per night subject to availability (2018 rates). Alternatively, B&B accommodation or rooms in Oxford University Colleges can be found starting from approximately £40 per night or hotel accommodation starting from approximately £100 per night.
Learning and assessment
We have developed the modules in close consultation with leading practitioners, so course content:
- responds to key industry drivers
- follows the latest conceptual thinking
- reflects international best-practice.
The MSc consists of:
- four core modules
- the Research Methods module
- a final dissertation.
The PGCert and PGDip are offered as 'exit' awards. If you would like to graduate with one of these awards, please apply for the MSc in the first instance.
It is also possible to take individual modules as an associate student, either for personal or professional development (CPD).
Start this course in January
You have the option to start this course in January. You will study a range of modules between January and May. During the summer months of June, July and August you will study further modules and begin work on your dissertation. Between September and December you will complete your final modules and focus on your dissertation.
Study modules
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Learning and teaching
We use an 'applied' approach to learning, sometimes called 'problem based learning' or PBL. You will work in groups and learn by actively puzzling through problems. These are adapted from complex real situations and case studies.
Full time students
Our teaching methods include:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- workshops.
Study time during the semester usually consists of:
- two x 2 hourly sessions per week for each of the two core modules
- a weekly 2 hour session for research methods (reducing to approximately two class sessions in the semester 2)
- independent learning and work on coursework assignments.
Open (distance) learning mode
Online learning material is provided via our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Teaching methods include:
- webinars
- recorded lectures
- discussion forums
- Question and Answer sessions.
You will have the opportunity for face-to-face contact within the Intensive Study Periods.
Field trips
Participants can participate in a UK-based residential field trip, in early January, and one intensive study period per semester.
The intensive study periods take place at our Oxford campus in Week 3 of each semester, typically lasting three days.
Please note that, although subsidised by the University, there are additional costs associated with the UK residential field trip and intensive study periods to reflect the fact that some students prefer not to take up these options. See the additional costs section of this page for more details.
Assessment
Assessment methods used on this course
You will be assessed solely by coursework. There are no examinations on the programme due to the problem-solving nature of our teaching methods.
You will develop and practice different skills based on the range of assessment methods which include:
- report writing
- verbal presentations
- essays
- journal entries
- quizzes
- collaborative group assignments.
Research
The School of the Built Environment has an impressive list of funders and clients covering UK and EU government, research funding councils and industry.
- the European Commission
- UK Government/Agencies
- local government
- the commercial sector.
Research areas and clusters
Infrastructure and energy continue to be a key focus as they are the essential components of a rapidly urbanising world.
Research groups:
- Smart Construction and Impact Assessment (SC&IA)
- Land Design and Development (LDD)
- Planning, Policy and Governance (PPG)
We have links with universities worldwide so there are exciting opportunities for collaborative research, exchanges and study overseas.
After you graduate
Career prospects
Previous graduates on our postgraduate courses in this field have gone on to develop careers such as:
- environmental consultancy and environmental planning practice e.g. working for companies such as WSP, Ramboll, AECOM, ERM, RPS Group, Savills Ltd, Amec Foster Wheeler, Golder Associates, Nicholas Pearson Associates, Pegasus Group, Waterman Group, Arcadis, Mott MacDonald, amongst many others
- environmental managers and EIA / Sustainability officers with regulatory agencies and government departments, both in the UK and internationally
- environmental officers within industry e.g. the mining sector, power generation, automotive sector
- officers with regulatory and non-statutory bodies and NGOs.
Full-time students have the opportunity to make contact with our distance-learning students, who are typically in full-time employment in the field. All students are encouraged to become part of our virtual alumni network which is hosted on LinkedIn.
Our Staff
Dr Bridget Durning
Dr Bridget Durning is an academic, sustainability and impact assessment specialist.
Read more about BridgetDr Graham Wood
Graham's teaching interests include environmental assessment and management; GIS and information technology in environmental planning and management; environmental decision-making; and research methods.
Read more about GrahamProgramme Changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.