School of Environment, Education and Development

Environmental Governance MSc

Year of entry: 2026

Course length: 12 Months Full-Time | 24 Months Part-Time

This MSc addresses some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, examining the complex relationships between environmental governance, policy, and the production, distribution, and consumption of natural resources. The course is designed to develop your ability to critically apply advanced, interdisciplinary theories of sustainability and the environment across a range of geographical contexts and spatial scales.

A field course, Metabolic Manchester, introduces students to the city through its environmental flows, with walks led by a wide range of sector organisations including the National Trust, Greenpeace, the Inland Waterways Association, Carbon Co-op, and more.

You’ll benefit from working closely with internationally recognised experts in environmental governance, political ecology, Marxist political economy, and urban sustainability (see the SERG Research Group). Alongside academic learning, you’ll engage with real-world practitioners and collaborate with external organisations on live policy challenges.

Top 10

We are ranked 2nd in the World for societal and environmental impact (THE Impact Rankings 2025) and a top 10 UK university for Geography (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)

Real-world impact

Critically consider the whole spectrum of approaches to regulating human use of the non-human world, learning from real-world practitioners and liaising with external organisations on live policy problems

Urban Connections

Participate in our field course, Metabolic Manchester, which introduces students to the city region’s hidden environmental flows via guided walks exploring energy, water, transport, waste, and green infrastructure

Hannah Charles

MSc Environmental Governance student

“I did an internal placement at the University in conjunction with the WWF, working with a lecturer to develop a report. I think it has boosted my employability as it is a clear example of my research skills in practice for a client and is publicly available for potential employers to access. Also, it has developed my capacity as a co-author which is useful for employment.”

Valentin Olyang’Iri

Valentin Olyang’Iri, a member of the Maasai tribe from Tanzania, is dedicated to protecting the natural habitat he calls home. Reflecting on his experience at the University, he said: "I was so impressed by the talent and commitment among the University’s staff. I had the opportunity to learn from world-class lecturers with different academic and ideological points of view."

Rebecca Lewis

MSc Real Estate Development student

Rebecca Lewis, a student from the 2024/25 Environmental Governance cohort who joined from a legal background, quickly found she had gained the necessary skills for critical policy and governance analysis:

“The lecturers’ knowledge and passion for their subjects made every class engaging, while the mix of core and optional modules gave me the flexibility to explore my interests. Whatever your academic background, you will feel well-prepared for diverse career paths; this master’s has been a truly worthwhile experience!”

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After Your Studies

This course is ideally suited for those seeking careers in environmental regulation, policy and management across the public, private, and third sectors; individuals aiming to pursue academic research in socio-environmental issues; and environmental professionals looking to deepen their expertise and broaden their perspective.

Information based on graduate data across Geography master's courses, 2017-2021.

Example Roles

Geography graduates have particularly great employment prospects and go on to shape environmental policy and more through positions in the public and private sectors.