School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

ResM Environmental Sciences

Prime yourself for further study at PhD level; this 18 month research intensive course allows you to strengthen your knowledge and build an area of your own expertise. Benefit from the support of our expert academic and technical staff, unique location and ISO accredited labs to assist you in the undertaking of your research project. You may have an area of interest that you’d like to build on further from your dissertation, or be passionate about an emerging area of environmental science.

A research masters degree incorporates both taught elements and an extended research project which culminates in the submission of a thesis. This programme is governed by research degree regulations and you engage fully in professional and research skills development.

Laguna Colorada view, Bolivia

Course details

  • Programme overview

  • The ResM Environmental Science programme will provide you with the opportunity to conduct research alongside staff at the forefront of the environmental science subject discipline. Research project opportunities, in the following contemporary areas, include combinations of laboratory and field work with access to high specification analytical facilities and excellent field sites: 

    • sources fate and impact of chemicals in the environment 
    • mine site restoration 
    • air quality and human health 
    • peatland habitat restoration 
    • marine pollution from plastics 
    • application of social and economic techniques to nature conservation 
    • public engagement and communication of environmental issues.
    Working with a supervisor the programme offers you the flexibility to shape your research in an area of particular interest to you, alongside the opportunity to gain research skills from our taught modules.

Entry requirements

For entry to postgraduate level, you should normally possess:

  • a first or upper second (2:1) degree with honours or professional qualification, recognised as being equivalent to degree standard; or
  • an ordinary degree, foundation degree, higher national diploma, or university diploma, accompanied by substantial experience in an appropriate field.

If you are an overseas applicant you can check the comparability of your qualifications with Ecctis, which provides an advisory service.

English language requirement

If English is not your first language, you must have proficiency in written and spoken English (normally a minimum test score of 6.5 for IELTS, or equivalent). Given the nature of the programme, you’ll be expected to read and engage with complex theoretical texts and debates for which fluency in English is essential.

English language requirements.

Fees, costs and funding

Please visit tuition fees for postgraduate research for information about fees. The ResM Environmental Sciences is in Band 2 for fees purposes.

If you are a full time student, you will pay full time fees for one year. If you have not submitted your thesis by the end of this period, then you will have to pay for an optional six month 'writing up' period to complete your thesis (that is, half of the 'writing up' fee indicated on this page).

If you are a part time student, you will pay part time fees for two years. If you have not submitted your thesis by the end of this period, then you will have to pay for an optional one year 'writing up' period to complete your thesis.

You are responsible for meeting all of the costs related to your own research project, beyond the resources available in the department.

This programme is eligible for a postgraduate loan.


How to apply
In addition to completing the online application form (which includes space for a personal statement), you must also upload a research project proposal. Your research proposal should outline your research topic, your key aims and the research question/problem you are addressing, a brief literature review, your proposed methodology, and an explanation of why this topic is significant or important.
Your personal statement should briefly explain why you have chosen to apply to our programme and what you feel you can offer our research community.
Submitting your application
Complete your application and upload supporting documents to the Doctoral College by completing our online application form.
Questions on the application process?
We're here to help. Please contact the Doctoral College and we'll be happy to assist you.
More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.
If you have a disability and would like further information on the support available, please visit Disability Services.
International Student Advice (ISA) provides support for our international students.
Find more information about How to apply for a research degree.

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Scientists working with a University of Plymouth team on sea ice in the Arctic (credit: Simon Belt/University of Plymouth)
<p>Image of a glass jar with saving written on a label, full with coins.</p>
<p>Postgraduate research students listening to a talk</p>

Academic staff