2025/26 entry Applications also open for 2024/25
MSc Water Energy and the Environment
About this course
Study fundamental engineering and scientific principles at postgraduate level on this CIWEM accredited MSc in Water, Energy and the Environment from LJMU.
- Study a curriculum informed by the School's close partnerships with industry and professional practice expertise
- Follow a curriculum accredited by the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM)
- Benefit from the internationally acclaimed research of the Built Environment and Sustainable Technologies Research Centre (BEST)
- Follow in the footsteps of graduates who have won CIWEM sponsored national prizes for excellence and achievement
This Masters programme is designed to help you become a competent environmental engineer and manager. It will give you a sound knowledge of fundamental engineering and scientific principles, together with the ability to apply these to design, construction, assessment, analysis, operation and management.
The programme has two principal aims. First, to equip you with the necessary competencies and skills to analyse, assess and manage all principal aspects within the fields of water, energy and the environment. Second, to give you the professional skills, knowledge and experience to both meet the current demands of industry and influence possible future trends.
As a student on this programme you will acquire the necessary techniques to analyse and solve environmental problems. You will critically evaluate the environmental impact of human activities and demonstrate knowledge of national and international environmental policy and regulation. In addition, you will gain the ability to critically evaluate design and operations and use appropriate mathematical models for environmental modelling and assessment.
Professional body recognition
The accrediting body for this degree is the Joint Board of Moderators for the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, and the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation.
This degree is accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Visit our website for further information.
Ultimately, with relevant work experience and a masters-level degree, the degree can lead to the professional qualification of Chartered Engineer (CEng) and the equivalent European Qualification of EurIng.
This programme is also accredited by IStructE.
The degree also is accredited by the JBM but as a non-technical MSc. It therefore could provide the educational base for CEng but only with a JBM accredited Engineering undergraduate degree.
Fees and funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
Employability
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
Common roles of graduates on this programme include: Civil Engineer, Project Coordinator, Project Manager, Regulator Analyst and Surveyor, primarily at United Utilities and also at The Environment Partnership.
The student experience
Discover life as a postgraduate student at LJMU.
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Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Your programme is made up of a number of core modules which are part of the course framework. Some programmes also have optional modules that can be selected to enhance your learning in certain areas and many feature a dissertation, extended report or research project to demonstrate your advanced learning.
Core modules
Research Project
60 credits
This module will develop and test your ability to prepare a dissertation based on a study in appropriate depth, of a subject of some significance in relation to your own discipline within the built environment.
Research Methodology
10 credits
This module will provide you with an understanding of the academic research process understanding the differing techniques, strategies and methods used to undertake research in the built environment.
Water and Wastewater Treatment
20 credits
This module critically assesses current practices in water and wastewater treatment, focusing on the design and operation of treatment plants. It also contextualizes water and wastewater treatment within the broader management of public water supply and sanitation.
Environmental Systems
20 credits
This module aims to foster an understanding of environmental systems and their susceptibility to human activity. It focuses on ecosystems, resources, and human impact on the environment, equipping students to make informed technical and management decisions based on this knowledge. The module delves into the environmental background, its complexities, and the quantitative assessment of human impact, encompassing both resource issues and pollutant effects.
Sustainable Infrastructure
20 credits
This module will help you develop an understanding of the operation, design and management of infrastructure in both the Developing World and the Developed World. From this you will develop the capability for critical assessment of the sustainability of infrastructure in a wide variety of situations.
Energy and Carbon Management
20 credits
This module develops students' ability to undertake a comprehensive review of energy supply, use and efficiency measures, in order to make informed decisions on energy use in the construction industry and business.
River Basin Management
10 credits
This module aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of river basin management in accordance with the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). It delves into the WFD, the establishment of monitoring programs for water bodies, the formulation of "programs of measures," and the creation of River Basin Management Plans. Furthermore, it evaluates the sustainable utilization of water and critically assesses advancements in sustainable use measures. The module also covers contemporary developments in pollution control and the process of granting permissions for the discharge of contaminated water and water impoundment.
Collaborative BIM Project
20 credits
The module is an opportunity for students to follow BIM protocols and practice in a collaborative multidisciplinary project team to achieve project success.
Teaching
An insight into teaching on your course
Teaching methods
You will be taught via lectures, seminars and problem solving sessions each week.
Applied learning
The Department of Civil Engineering partners many local, national and international organisations. It enjoys strong business relationships, predominantly through the DTI Knowledge Transfer Partnership Scheme.
During your studies you will have the opportunity to carry out fieldwork, site visits and laboratory sessions to develop your practical skills. Activities such as attending professional body talks and visits are also part of the learning process.
Assessment
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Assessment methods on this programme include unseen written examinations, assignments and reflective learning journals.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Dr Ed Loffill
Programme Leader
My teaching role is in the civil engineering suite of programs where I mainly teach soil mechanics, geotechnics and project modules on HNC and undergraduate programs along with environmental subjects on the Water, Energy and the Environment MSc program.My PhD research was a collaboration between industrial partners (Hydro International Plc and United Utilities Plc) focussed on assessment and improvement of a tertiary wastewater filtration process. This project involved combining the findings from laboratory (university based) and practical based fieldwork (United Utilities field site) into a numerical dataset from which I developed a predictive mathematical model of efficiency for the process. The research led to a number of publications and speaking at a number of conferences and this research is ongoing with several new PhD students continuing this research line where I am actively involved in supervising this research.
School facilities
What you can expect from your School
The Department of Civil Engineering is situated in the Byrom Street complex of LJMU 's City Campus. Here you 'll find high quality lecture theatres, meeting and seminar rooms plus social spaces and a large café. The Avril Robarts Library is just minutes away on Tithebarn Street.
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
- a minimum 2:2 in an appropriate subject
Alternative qualifications considered
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a professional qualification with considerable relevant work experience
International requirements
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IELTS
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IELTS English language requirement: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each component)
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Further information
- Extra Requirements
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RPL
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RPL is accepted on this programme
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Application and selection
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.