Environmental Monitoring, Modelling and Reconstruction MSc
Year of entry: 2026
Course length: 12 Months Full-Time | 24 Months Part-Time
Growing concerns about human impacts on the environment have increased demand from governments and industry for expertise in monitoring, analysing, and modelling natural processes within environmental systems. This MSc is designed to equip you with a deep understanding of past, present, and future dynamic environments.
Through a combination of fieldwork, including a one-week residential fieldtrip, laboratory training, and advanced data analysis, you will develop a comprehensive skill set in environmental investigation and interpretation. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in environmental consultancy and management, or for pursuing further research in the environmental sciences.
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).
Field Experience
Take part in a residential field course to Northumberland, giving you the chance to apply your learning in real-world environments.
Digital Edge
Train in the use of cutting-edge software, and the sourcing of digital data.
Kathryn Hooley
BSc Geography, MSc Environmental Monitoring, Modelling and Reconstruction.
Kathryn Hooley studied BSc Geography, followed by MSc Environmental Monitoring, Modelling and Reconstruction at Manchester. She graduated with her master’s in 2018 and is now a Graduate Consultant in Flood Risk and Hydrology at Arcadis, a global consultancy firm.
“I was particularly drawn to the University because the geography course was really flexible, allowing me to pick the course units that I wanted to study. My courses developed my transferrable skills, like report writing or analytical skills, as well as technical knowledge, especially around rivers, catchment hydrology, flooding and climate change.”
Dr Claire Goulsbra
Dr Claire Goulsbra is a Reader in Physical Geography and has been Programme Director of the MSc Environmental Monitoring, Modelling and Reconstruction since 2016. Her research focuses on the hydrology and carbon dynamics of UK peatlands, the use of novel technologies to monitor environmental processes, and the development of data analysis and modelling techniques.
Claire is also Deputy Head of Geography and Associate Director for Assessment in the School of Environment, Education and Development.
