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Course overview
Develop your skills and knowledge to kickstart your career as an environmental health practitioner. Our MSc course equips you with the expertise to tackle global environmental challenges and promote public health sustainability.
Our MSc in Environmental Health meets the academic requirements for becoming a graduate Environmental Health Officer, empowering you to start your professional journey immediately after graduation.
My favourite parts of the course are the real-life inspections and site visits, where you get a chance to apply your classroom learning.
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.
You should expect to attend four-five days per week in the autumn and spring terms. There is little teaching in the summer term with time set aside for completing assignments, examination preparation, and undertaking the Dissertation.
In Semester 1, you will study:
- Environmental Protection and Climate Change (20 credits)
- Food Microbiology and Safety (10 credits)
- Health Protection Module (10 credits)
Course highlights
Students benefit from being taught in a research-intensive environment and are encouraged to develop their critical thinking and research skills. The course supports building the foundation of competence through the knowledge and skills required by the CIEH curriculum.
- Our students regularly win awards and recognition for their work from Environmental Health organisations
- Apply to be an Affiliate member of the CIEH
- The course supports building the foundation of competence through the knowledge and skills
Course delivery
The course is taught using formal lectures; workshops; group work; case studies and student centered learning, recognising the importance of technical and practical skills as well as academic excellence.
- The course is led by experienced Environmental Health Practitioners
- It is supported by external lecturers who are recognized specialists in their fields
Module information
There are 6 compulsory modules at 20 credits each, with a final Dissertation and Research project module that equates to 60 credits, meaning an overall total of 180 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.
Any 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 |
|---|---|---|
| LM Dissertation/Research Paper | 60 | |
| LM Environmental Protection and Climate Change | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Food Control and Hygiene Management | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Health Protection Module | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Housing and Law | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Public Health Integration | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Occupational Health and Safety | 20 | Semester 2 |
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
in a science-based subject
A relevant 2:2 degree will be considered for entry where the applicant has relevant work experience.
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 that are longer than one year, 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.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring 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
Environmental Health plays a crucial role in maintaining public well-being by ensuring that workplaces are safe and free from hazards, the air we breathe is clean and free from pollutants, the food we consume is safe and hygienic, and the housing we live in is of high quality and free from health risks,
By addressing these critical areas, Environmental Health helps to prevent illnesses and injuries, ultimately keeping people out of hospitals and promoting a healthier community overall.
- CIEH Accredited
The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)
Graduates can sign up to either the new Environmental Health registration scheme or Chartered Environmental Practitioner Programme (CPP), both of which are run by the CIEH.
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 its 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.