University College London (UCL)
Environmental Modelling MSc
London, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
The MSc in Environmental Modelling introduces students to the principles and practices of using computer-based models to understand and predict environmental changes. The program covers key areas like climate systems, hydrology, land use, and ecosystems, helping students develop skills to analyze complex data and create models that simulate real-world environmental processes. Through a mix of lectures, practical activities, and projects, you'll learn how to apply these models to solve pressing environmental issues and support sustainable decision-making.
Students will explore a wide range of modelling techniques, including statistical, spatial, and process-based models. The course emphasizes hands-on experience with industry-standard software and tools, preparing grads to work in various sectors like research, consultancy, or government. Collaboration and communication are also core parts of the program, ensuring students can effectively share their findings and contribute to policy and management strategies. Overall, the MSc aims to equip future environmental professionals with practical skills and a solid understanding of modelling approaches to address global environmental challenges.
UCL Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to postgraduate students, including our UCL Masters Bursary for UK students and our UCL Global Masters Scholarship for international students. You can click the link below to search via the scholarships finder for awards that you might be eligible for. Your academic department will also be able to provide you with more information about funding.
External Scholarships
Online aggregators like Postgraduate Studentships, Scholarship Search, Postgraduate Funding and International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search contain information on a variety of external schemes.
If you have specific circumstances or ethnic or religious background it is worth searching for scholarships/bursaries/grants that relate to those things. Some schemes are very specific.
Funding for disabled students
Master's students who have a disability may be able to get extra funding for additional costs they incur to study.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and laboratory and computer-based practical classes.
Assessment is through independent project work, practical-based and written coursework, written examinations and the dissertation.
Each 15 credit module involves 150 hours of learning, including lectures, practicals, pre-recorded lectures, independent study, peer-to-peer learning, tutorial support, and assessment and assessment preparation. This will be supplemented by voluntary in-person activities including research seminars and assessment and feedback hours.
For full-time students, this is typically around 12 hours per week contact time. Outside of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, you will typically study the equivalent of a full-time job, using your remaining time for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments. Additionally, you will be expected to complete a dissertation, worth up to 60 credits. You will have regular contact with your supervisor(s) who will guide and support you throughout your work.
Modules
Full-time
You will undertake eight taught modules and the research dissertation.
- Term One: you will take four compulsory modules which will include lectures, computer practical work and interactive group exercises.
In addition to the three fixed modules, you will choose either GEOG0118 Climate Dynamics or GEOG0044 Mitigation and Adaptation to Environmental Change as your fourth compulsory module. - Term Two: you will take four optional courses from a list of Geography modules available that year. You may also select up to 15 credits from a list of relevant modules from other UCL Departments, depending on availability.
- Term Three: the dissertation planning commences in Term Two with the research and writing conducted in Term Three and the summer with the dissertation submitted at the end of August.
Part-time
- Year One: You will normally take two compulsory modules in Term One and two optional modules in Term Two.
- Year Two: You will normally take the remaining two compulsory modules in Term One and two optional modules in Term Two. In Term Three and over the summer, you will complete the research dissertation.
Compulsory modules
- Models in Environmental Science
- Analytical and Numerical Methods
- Scientific Computing
- Mitigation and Adaptation to Environmental Change
- Climate Dynamics
- Research Project and Dissertation
Optional modules
- Environmental GIS
- Surface Water Modelling
- Ocean Circulation and Climate Change
- Climate Change Impacts to Hydro-Ecological Systems
- Terrestrial Carbon: Modelling and Monitoring
- Climate Modelling
- Coastal Geohazards
- Designing and Managing Citizen Science
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Environmental Modelling. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Environmental Modelling. Upon successful completion of 60 credits, you will be awarded a PG Cert in Environmental Modelling.
What this course will give you
The Environmental Modelling MSc is run by UCL Geography, which enjoys an outstanding international reputation for its research and teaching. Research groups contributing to the MSc include those concerned with environmental modelling and observation, past climates, and recent environmental change and biodiversity.
The programme draws on the unrivalled strengths of UCL in environmental modelling. Our expertise encompasses state-of-the-art global climate models, regional ocean models, advanced hydrodynamic and hydrological simulations, palaeoclimate reconstruction over geological to recent historical timescales, earth observation-derived vegetation and carbon cycle modelling, and model-based assessment of climate change impacts on coastal, estuarine and freshwater systems.
The foundation of your career
The programme has been designed to provide an ideal foundation for PhD research, or for employment with environmental monitoring and protection agencies, industry and environmental consultancies. Graduates have gone on to careers as environment professionals, management consultants, business analysts and university researchers. (Graduate Outcomes survey 2017-2022)
Employability
There is growing need for expertise in understanding and applying models to complex environmental challenges. Graduates will be well-prepared for roles in environmental consultancies, government agencies, and international organisations. This course also provides a strong foundation for PhD research, giving students the skills needed to explore advanced topics in environmental modelling, including climate dynamics, hydrological systems, and environmental impacts on ecosystems. The programme's focus on practical and technical skills ensures that graduates can engage with real-world environmental issues, making a significant impact on both policy and practice.
Networking
Students will benefit from the expertise of our world-class researchers and due to the inter-disciplinary nature of our work, you can develop your knowledge across subjects, learning from academics not only in Geography but the wider UCL community as well. The department also hosts annual careers events where alumni share their experience of post-graduation training and employment across the wide variety of opportunities available to geography graduates.