Air Pollution Management and ControlMSc / PGDip
- Ranking80thoverall in QS World Rankings
- Delivery formatIn person
- Start dateSeptember 2025DurationMSc: 1 year full-time, 2 year part-time routes available
- AwardMaster of Science / Postgraduate Diploma
- Entry requirements2:1 Honours Degree (or equivalent) in a science or engineering subject
- Fees£10,900 (full-time) / £5,450 (part-time)
Page contents
Course overview
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.
Course Structure
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:
- Air Quality Data Analysis and Interpretation (20 credits)
- Causes and Effects of Air Pollution (20 credits)
- Theoretical Meteorology: Atmospheric Composition and Physics (20 credits)
Course highlights
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).
- Join a leading Russell Group University, with a strong reputation in Atmospheric Sciences
- An established course running successfully for over 10 years by staff who are leaders in their field
- The course is built upon successful air pollution practices in the UK
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.
- Top 100
for Geography and Environmental Sciences (QS World Rankings by Subject 2024)
Course delivery
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.
- Teaching is delivered through lectures, workshops and problem sessions, and off-campus visits to sites with specific air pollution challenges
- A variety of assessment methods are used, including written coursework, video documentary, case studies, oral presentations and standard examinations
- The major research project is assessed through a written dissertation and an oral examination
Module information
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 for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
The following must be taken:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
LH Small-scale and Air Pollution Meteorology | 10 | Semester 2 |
LM Air Pollution Chemistry | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Air Pollution Management and Control Technology | 20 | Semester 2 |
LM Air Quality Data Analysis and Interpretation | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM Carbon Management | 10 | Semester 2 |
LM Causes and Effects of Air Pollution | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM Dissertation/Research Paper | 60 | |
Theoretical Meteorology: Atmospheric Composition and Physics | 20 | Semester 1 |
Entry requirements
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.
- 2:1 Honours Degree (or equivalent)
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.
English language requirements
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.
For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking and 19 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
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 over two or more years, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
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.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
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.
Scholarships
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.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
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.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 31 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non-tier 4 applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
This sought-after qualification is recognised in the UK and internationally. Graduates often become air quality experts in consultancies, industry, or local government.
- CHES and IAQM-accredited
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.
Careers Network
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.
Student experience
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.
Accommodation
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.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham has developed into 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.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of it’s own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Take a virtual tour
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.