Course structure
This course can be studied full- or part-time. The course consists of taught and research components. To be awarded the MSc you must obtain 180 credits. Six taught modules at 20 credits each, plus 60 credits from the dissertation. A typical 20-credit module requires a total of 200 hours of study time.
You will study core modules and complete a dissertation. You will also choose option modules enabling you to specialise in the areas of the course that interest you the most.
Working closely with your supervisor you will plan, research and produce your masters dissertation in an area that reflects your interests Examples of subjects our students have completed their research project on include:
- an analysis of novel treatment technologies
- assessment of the potential for re-use of treated wastewater
- management of water resources in the UK and overseas.
Alongside core modules and the dissertation you will also choose option modules.
Syllabus
Water Quality and Assessment Management
This module introduces water quality assessment and management, through the practical development of skills related to field and laboratory experimental design, measurement of water quality, data analysis, critical interpretation of results and reporting to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
The module provides practical experience in the management and presentation of large datasets. The roles of water safety planning, risk assessment, nature-based management and water treatment are introduced in the context of UK and international legislation and regulation. Analysis of water samples are performed in the Centre for Aquatic Environments laboratory suite.
Hydrology and Pollutant Transport
This module introduces the fundamentals of surface and groundwater hydrology, focusing on precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff, discharge, groundwater recharge, groundwater storage, and groundwater flow. Pollutant transport dynamics are explored with a focus on anthropogenically derived pollutants in surface and groundwaters.
The module places these topics in the context of the structure of the UK water industry, international legal and policy frameworks, and integrated catchment management. The module provides essential skills for careers involved in science, engineering, environmental and water sectors.
Water Recycling Technology
Drinking water is essential for human societies and our ability to identify, treat and distribute water safely is critical. However, expanding populations and more varied weather patterns are increasing water scarcity both nationally and globally. The need for new water sources means wastewater is now being viewed as a precious resource. The module aims to review traditional water and wastewater treatment as well as advanced water recycling processes to enable selection and design of the most sustainable economic and environmental processes; also providing skills in carbon accounting.
Masters Research Skills and Dissertation
The module allows students to engage in a systematic investigation by critically reviewing existing work and methodologies to develop their own research project. The project provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their capacity to work at masters level as independent researchers in their chosen area of expertise.
Option modules*
- Introduction to GIS
- Contested Natures and Social Justice
- Issues in Ecology and Conservation
- Planning Theory and Practice
- Case Studies in Environmental Assessment and Management
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Independent Study
- Applications in GIS
- Applied Remote Sensing
- Sustainable Urbanism in Coastal Communities
- Environmental Management in Organisations
- Environmental Policy and Law
- Plant and Invertebrate Taxonomy
- Microbiology, Ecotoxicology and Environmental Remediation
- Water, Sanitation and Health
- Environmental Placement (supported by the Green Growth Platform)
- Industrial Placement
*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.
Meet the team
Dr Sarah Purnell, course leader
"I did my undergraduate degree and PhD at the University of Brighton. I loved the university and the city so much I chose to return first as a researcher and then as a lecturer in the School of Applied Sciences.
"My research addresses global water quality challenges and focuses on protecting human and environmental health. I work a lot with the water industry, regulators, public bodies and NGOs, translating the scientific research I undertake into positive societal impact and environmental improvement. I bring this up-to-date research and case studies into the modules I teach. Students benefit from opportunities to conduct their own research projects with this network of employers.
"I am always very proud of each student who qualifies with their MSc, every one is undertaking their own personal journey. We are here to support you from the first day of your course to when you graduate and are looking towards your future career."