Gain a sought-after qualification in the UK and international environmental field by mastering the causes and effects of air pollution and climate change.
This course enhances your skills through a blend of taught modules and an independent research project. You’ll have the opportunity to conduct an in-depth investigation into specific aspects of air pollution that interest you, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding and practical experience in the field.
The main reason I chose Birmingham to study is because of the ranking of the University, and the fact [that] it offers the course I want to study.
The course will run over 12 months in full-time mode. There is also scope to undertake this course on a part-time basis.
While the exact course content may vary, here is what you can expect to study each semester. This is based on a full-time Masters course.
In Semester 1, you will study:
The Air Pollution Management and Control MSc is a unique programme in the UK, offering unparalleled expertise and knowledge in the field. Supported by world-leading research, this course is accredited by both the Institute of Environmental Sciences (IES) and the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM).
Students benefit from a cutting-edge curriculum, hands-on experience, and access to a network of industry professionals. This programme not only equips you with the skills to tackle air pollution challenges but also enhances your career prospects in the environmental sector, making you a highly sought-after professional globally.
in the UK for Geography and Environmental Sciences
QS World Rankings by Subject 2025
Our Air Pollution Management and Control course includes a wide variety of learning and teaching. On the research side, we operate a number of Aerosol particle Spectrometers and an Aerosol Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer. For gaseous pollutants, monitors are available to monitor ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, in addition to gas chromatographs which can detect a wide range of organic compounds. The School operates its own weather station, and various meteorological instrumentation is available.
The course comprises of a number of modules, and represents 120 credits in total. The research component of the course comprises an individual research project into an area of the students' choice (60 credits).
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Theoretical Meteorology: Atmospheric Composition and Physics | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Causes and Effects of Air Pollution | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Air Quality Data Analysis and Interpretation | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Small-scale and Air Pollution Meteorology | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Air Pollution Chemistry | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Air Pollution Management and Control Technology | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Carbon Management | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Dissertation/Research Paper | 60 |
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
in a science or engineering subject
A 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in a science or engineering subject, or an unrelated degree or a degree without honours followed by at least two years appropriate postgraduate experience.
2:2 Honours degrees in a science or engineering subject may also be considered depending on individual module marks in key subject areas.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Full-time
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
This sought-after qualification is recognised in the UK and internationally. Graduates often become air quality experts in consultancies, industry, or local government.
Professional accreditation from the Committee of Heads of Environmental Sciences (the education committee of the Institution of Environmental Sciences) and the Institute of Air Quality Management
You could work in air quality management, forecasting, regulation, industrial emission control, environmental and health impact assessment, and sectors like transport, energy, waste, and chemicals.
Graduates secure jobs in environmental consultancy (UK and abroad), local and national government, the Environment Agency, and industry. Some pursue PhD studies.
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
