MRes Integrated Pollution Prevention & Control
ApplyKey facts
- Start date: September
- Application deadline: August
- Study mode and duration: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time; 36 months part-time (online distance learning)
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Study with us
- Masters by Research (MRes) postgraduate research degree in Integrated Pollution Prevention & Control
- further your knowledge and develop your research skills on topics relating to environmental pollution
- tailor your studies to suit your own research interests and career objectives
Why this course?
This MRes provides advanced study in Integrated Pollution Prevention & Control, within Europe and globally. The course is largely research and project-based but there is also a taught element to it.
This course is ideal if you are looking to further your knowledge and develop your research skills, contribute to new knowledge on environmental pollution and related topics.
An MRes offers a unique and bespoke experience; you can tailor your studies to suit your own research interests and career objectives. You will be taught by an interdisciplinary group of professionally qualified civil engineers, environmental scientists, geoscientists, and chemists. The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering has strong industrial links which contributes to the overall student experience, too.
An MRes takes one year full-time or two years part-time to complete. While full-time study is available to UK and international students, part-time study on-campus is only available to students from the UK or EU. You can also study this course part-time through online Distance Learning, over 36 months, offering a flexible mode of study. Distance Learning is available to UK and international students.
What you’ll study
This degree combines a number of subjects including:
- Human and environmental health
- Water & wastewater management
- Land and air pollution
- Contamination remediation
- Environmental engineering
- Environmental microbiology
- Geochemistry
- Research skills
You'll complete six taught modules. Four classes are compulsory and you then choose two optional. The bulk of your study will focus on the MRes dissertation project, which will develop your independent research skills.
MRes thesis
You can choose from a wide range of topics for your research. Your choice of topic should be shaped by your research interests, the skills you wish to develop, and the opportunities and expertise within the department.
You can explore potential supervisors and research topics by browsing the Supervisor list, taking a look at the research conducted within the Research Centres within Civil and Environmental Engineering, through discussion with potential supervisors and by liaising with the MRes Director.
Learning & teaching
Taught classes are delivered via a mixture of approaches that may include lectures, online quizzes, tutorials, workshops, and research seminars.
The dissertation represents independent study to deliver new research in a relevant field that interests you, and that develops the skills you wish to acquire. Your independent study will be supported by the supervisor(s), research groups, and the MRes Director.
Assessment
You'll be assessed via a mixture of methods that may include assignments, online quizzes, formal exams, practicals, presentations or team projects.
The final MRes thesis is typically assessed orally in a viva voce examination.
Facilities
You'll have access to laboratory facilities providing the hands-on experience essential to develop skills and design and develop new research into environmental wellbeing. Our £6 million state-of-the-art laboratory facilities are with high-technological instrumentation and available space to investigate:
- environmental & molecular microbiology
- environmental chemistry
- analytical chemistry
- geomechanics & soil quality
- structural design & material science
Discover more about our laboratory facilities.
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There are four compulsory classes. All are run by the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering. You must choose an additional 30 credits of classes.
Research methods for quantitative & qualitative approaches (10 credits)
In this class, dedicated to the MSc and MRes students in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, students will acquire familiarity with, and practice of, research techniques, and examine different ways of, and gain experience in, presenting research results. The course discusses the key principles, and practical exercises, on both quantitative and qualitative research methods, such as observation methods, survey methods, interviewing techniques and statistical methods. The course also includes discussion of ethical issues. Finally, the course covers writing skills and use of literature, which is relevant to all classes.
Waste management & landfill design (10 credits)
This class introduces students to the organisational and regulatory aspects of waste management practice in the UK: legislation, composition of domestic and industrial wastes, storage, collection, reception, and disposal of solid wastes, clinical wastes, sewage sludge disposal, recycling and recovery.
Environmental pollution management (10 credits)
The class develops knowledge & skills regarding the science, engineering & management of environmental pollution control to protect public health. These aims are addressed through study of the interface between environmental science and environmental engineering, including risk-based methods. The class includes industrial & government case studies in contemporary air quality management practice. Student interaction is encouraged through directed reading, project work, student-led question sessions, and structured feedback.
Environmental geochemistry (10 credits)
In this class, students will explore the controls of the chemical composition of the lithosphere and hydrosphere. Students will develop an understanding of geochemical thermodynamics, an understanding of different weathering processes and the impacts of environmental pollution on the lithosphere and hydrosphere.
You can choose two elective classes from a range of postgraduate classes on offer, many of which are available for Distance Learning. Suggested elective classes are shown below, but there are other options, too.
Site investigation & risk assessment (10 credits)
This class explores the complete sequence of site investigation and risk assessment of obstructed, derelict or contaminated land. Students will carry out a complete sequence of a site investigation, from desk study, sampling assessment, sample and survey design, data collection and, finally, analysis and reporting – which includes modelling and interpretation using risk assessment models.
Public health studies (10 credits)
This class aims to assist students in the fuller understanding of Public Health, the factors affecting it and the role of Public Health Professionals as part of a multidisciplinary team in taking preventative and proactive action in safeguarding the health of the public.
Hydrogeology (10 credits)
In this class, students will:
- gain an understanding of Hydrogeology as a discipline
- discuss and explore the physical mechanisms of water movement in the subsurface
- undertake experiments in the lab that demonstrate key principals of groundwater movement
- explore hydrogeological issues based on case studies
Global water policy (10 credits)
This class aims to provide the student with the ability to:
- recognise the issues relating to overall global water policy and its interactions with other global issues
- discuss the impact of climate change and economic development on water resources and availability
- explore the different implementation issues based on regional case studies
- explore the role of stakeholders on the acceptance and achievement of policy objectives
Principles of environmental microbiology (10 credits)
This class aims to introduce microbiology in a manner that is of practical importance in environmental engineering and public health.
Emphasis is placed on the microbial ecology and interactions in water, soil, and biological treatment process. Microbial physiology and biochemistry will be discussed in detail as it pertains to environmental systems. Both biodegradation and public health aspects of microbiology are included. The class combines theoretical and fundamental concepts in biology to provide a basic background in microbiology and biotechnology.
Groundwater flow modelling (10 credits)
Students must take the hydrogeology module as a pre-requisite for this module.
This class aims to guide the student to:
- gain an understanding of Groundwater Flow Modelling as a discipline
- provide an introduction to MODFLOW, an industry-standard numerical code for groundwater flow modelling
- provide an introduction to MT3D, an industry-standard groundwater solute transport simulator
- develop groundwater flow modelling skills and understand how groundwater models can be used to refine and understand conceptual models
- learn how to use a Geographic Information System (GIS) to prepare and post-process groundwater flow modelling inputs and results respectively
- develop contaminant fate and transport modelling skills in order to simulate the movements of contaminants in the subsurface
Contaminated land (10 credits)
Within the background of land redevelopment (residential, industrial/commercial and gardens/parks), this class aims to provide insights into the remediation of contaminated land, including contaminant mobility and its impacts on contaminated land management and remediation; site-specific considerations; sampling and analysis; exposure and risk assessment; remediation processes; legislation and policy; and the regulatory framework. These issues will be explored in depth in case studies.
Geographical information systems (10 credits)
This module provides a thorough introduction to the field of Geographical Information Systems and spatial analysis. The course covers the key theoretical principles but it also provides many practical hands-on exercises using current state-of-the-art GIS software. By capturing, manipulating, integrating and displaying digital spatial data, a wide range of different analyses can be carried out, ranging from engineering (e.g. site selection, flood risk, transport planning, impact of construction), environmental science (e.g. soil erosion, health and disease, pollutant transport, hydrology, landscape visual impact assessment, wildlife preservation) to policymaking (e.g. urbanization, deforestation, spatial distribution of crime). The module demonstrates how GIS can be used for spatial query and analysis. Students will develop skills to apply GIS independently to real world datasets and problems.
Fundamentals of environmental forensics (10 credits)
Successful completion of this module should provide the student with an understanding of:
- environmental forensics as a discipline
- a range of contaminants found in the environment, and their fate and transport
- approach and analytical techniques to determine the responsible parties for contamination found in the environment
- real-world applications of environmental forensics
Vertically Integrated Project water and sanitation hygiene (10 credits)
This module aims to develop skills of working within a large cross-disciplinary group, on a substantial project over a sustained period of time. The group should consist of individuals at different stages of their studies and from different backgrounds working collaboratively on a common task.
In addition to the group working skills, the participants should apply and further develop specialist skills in their own discipline as well as gaining knowledge of another field. The research outputs should also emphasis and develop the student’s ability to conduct independent research to a high standard.
Circular Economy and Transformations towards Sustainability (10 credits)
This class initially introduces the circular economy as a framework for the development and management of a sustainable 'waste-as-resource' economic system in which production is designed to be restorative and resilient. The class then proceeds to cover a range of contemporary challenges in the practical application of circular economic principles within different sectors, incorporating presentations from leading practitioners in the field.
The implications of the concept of circular economy for research, policy, business practices and societal transformations towards sustainability are explored in detail through a mix of theory, case studies, individual and group project work. This includes consideration of the role of innovation and knowledge production; social trends and consumer behaviour; conservation and sustainable use of energy and material resources; climate change and environmental sustainability; and the design of business models that maximise product life and value retention.
The class discusses the role of individuals and communities in the making and operation of the circular economy. Students are challenged to identify and critically evaluate opportunities to use waste as an economic good and as the basis for commercially, socially and environmentally profitable business initiatives through the application of creative design; as well as the range of business opportunities arising from repair, reconditioning and remanufacturing activities. The class also introduces the key principles of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), carbon measurement and management.
Financial engineering (10 credits)
This class explores the role finance plays in business solvency and sustainability. It will give participants an appreciation of the core issues surrounding finance in business and how to analyse financial data to support decision making. The module aims to:
- explain the need for and role of finance in business
- describes the financial tools that are used for making decisions
- explore different strategies for raising finance and investing
The material will be delivered through a series of online lectures and tutorials (classroom based), supported by background reading available on myPlace.
Environmental impact assessment (10 credits)
Environmental impact assessment (EIA) relates to the process of identifying, evaluating, and mitigating the biophysical, social, economic, cultural and other relevant effects of development proposals prior to major decisions being taken and commitments made. This class, run by the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering but open to all MSc and MEng students across the University, introduces the methods used to predict environmental impacts, and evaluates how these may be used to integrate environmental factors into decisions.
The class draws principally on the UK planning context of environmental impact assessment of individual projects (project EIA), but also takes account of EIA experience in other countries and international organisations. Participants evaluate the quality of Environmental Statements (or EIA Reports) and of the EIA process using the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) methodology.
The class discusses how EIA can be used a pro-active design tool for projects and how it can contribute to the enhancement of environmental, social and health issues. Students are also introduced to key principles of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and biodiversity net gain (BNG). Class has the contribution of key practitioners in the field and includes different case studies, such as proposed onshore and offshore windfarms.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements | A minimum of first or upper second-class Honours degree from a UK institution (or overseas equivalent), and preferably a Masters-level qualification (or equivalent). We accept students from a wide variety of disciplines including (but not limited to):
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English language requirements | For candidates whose first language is not English, minimum standards of written and spoken English are an IELTS minimum overall band score of 6.5 (no individual test score below 5.5). Applicants with slightly lower scores have the opportunity to attend the University's Pre-Sessional English classes to bring them up to the required level. |
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Fees & funding
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually. The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year.
Scotland | £11,900 |
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England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £11,900 |
Republic of Ireland |
If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process. |
International | £30,250 |
Distance learning | £5,100 (per 60 credits) |
Additional costs | International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. |
Available scholarships | Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
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Apply
To apply to the MRes programme, you need to complete an application through the postgraduate research application portal, via the 'submit your own research proposal' avenue.
Your application must be accompanied by a CV and research statement. The research statement is equivalent to a letter of motivation. The content and structure of this mandatory document is largely up to you, but it should be no more than two A4 pages long and must outline what motivates you about this MRes at the University of Strathclyde, any research experience to date, your research interests and career aspirations, the skills you're keen to develop, plus any clarification about how you meet the eligibility criteria.
You're welcome to submit a research proposal for your MRes dissertation project, but this is optional; your thesis topic will typically be developed in partnership with the supervisor and their interests. At the application stage, it can help to list the topics that are of interest to you, or the skills you're keen to develop. You can explore potential research topics by browsing the supervisor list, taking a look at the research conducted within the Research Centres within Civil and Environmental Engineering, through discussion with potential supervisors and by liaising with the Director for MRes Studies. It is possible to be supervised by staff from other departments across Strathclyde, too.
When you apply for the MRes, please select the Director for MRes Studies as one of the supervisors.
Our MRes courses start in September. Although you can apply to the programme at any time, in order to process your application in time for the forthcoming academic year, you'll need to complete your application before the end of July or earlier if you are a non-UK applicant.
For more information about the application, including the documentation you need to provide, see ‘your application and offer’.
Start date: Sep 2025
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