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MSc Environmental Change and Management
Admissions
This page contains all the information you need to know for applying to the MSc. Please read to the end where you will find all relevant material related to your application. If you still have questions after reading through this material, please check our frequently asked questions pages, or contact the MSc Course Coordinator in the last instance.
We are attempting to find about 30 students for the course. For the 2009/2010 course we had approximately 300 applications and made 38 offers.
What are we looking for in the applicants?
Firstly, academic excellence as expressed in exam results and referees' opinions. An outstanding dissertation might be a crucial factor. An important consideration is the applicant's ability to write English and to articulate and argue a case. We expect that most students admitted to the course will have a first degree equivalent to a good 2i at a UK university.
Secondly, we look for students with relevant environmental experience and/or deep interest in the environment. Many things can help us in forming an opinion: career to date; vacation jobs, placements; dissertation topics, voluntary work etc.
Thirdly, we are interested in what the applicant can bring to the course, such as useful skills and experience? For example, someone with a commercial or industrial background and a deep interest in the environment would be able to positively contribute to the course.
Fourthly, the personal qualities of enthusiasm and ability to work in and with a group are vital. This is important because we do teach in small groups and the overall size of the intake means that an ability to co-operate is essential.
Fifthly, we have to make sure that the applicant is suitable for the course and vice-versa. We may decide that despite an applicant's worth we do not think that they are a good match for this particular course. For example, we put emphasis on interdisciplinarity and an ability to see connections which may not suit all candidates.
Evaluations are based on the application form, on what referees tell us, on the applicant's statement of study plans, and on any casual interviews.
We are not attempting an absolute valuation of an applicant's worth, we are trying to rank the candidates, and therefore to offer places to the most suitable.
How to Apply
To apply for the MSc follow the instructions in the University's Graduate Admissions Application Guide.
Early applications are strongly encouraged, as places will be allocated on an ongoing basis throughout the year. Early applications will also to help you to secure a college place and funding.
For information on choosing a college please consult the SoGE International Graduate School's information on Choosing a College.