Cranfield University

What you'll study

This taught master's combines core engineering principles with applied environmental technologies and systems analysis. You will study process design, monitoring and management for water, wastewater and waste streams; contaminated land characterisation and remediation; air quality and emissions control; and environmental risk and impact assessment. The programme emphasises practical skills in laboratory and pilot-scale testing, data analysis, modelling and design, and applies these through case studies and project work.

• Core topics: water and wastewater treatment processes, environmental systems modelling, environmental chemistry and microbiology, hydraulics and hydrology for engineers.
• Applied topics: contaminated land investigation and remediation technologies, waste treatment and resource recovery, air pollution control and monitoring, environmental monitoring and instrumentation.
• Tools and methods: process design and optimisation, numerical modelling (e.g. contaminant transport, fate and hydraulic models), GIS and data analysis, life-cycle thinking and environmental assessment techniques.
• Project work: an integrated group design exercise or industrially focused design project plus an individual research thesis or industrial project, carried out using Cranfield’s laboratories, pilot facilities or partner organisations.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a good undergraduate degree (equivalent to a UK upper second-class honours or above) in engineering, environmental science, chemistry, geology or a closely related discipline. Candidates with relevant professional experience or vocational qualifications may also be considered. Selection looks for evidence of quantitative skills, practical laboratory or field experience where appropriate, and motivation for applied environmental engineering.

• Academic: a relevant bachelor’s degree with a strong technical component. Specific module background in mathematics, physics or chemistry is advantageous.
• Experience: practical experience in environmental monitoring, laboratory work, site investigation or engineering projects strengthens an application, particularly for candidates with lower formal grades.
• English language: international applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency through an accepted test at the level normally required by Cranfield for postgraduate programmes.

Career prospects

Graduates move into technical and managerial roles across industry, consultancies, utilities and public agencies. Common career paths include environmental engineer, remediation specialist, water and wastewater process engineer, air quality analyst, waste resource manager, environmental consultant and project manager. The programme also prepares students for research roles or for further academic study, including PhD programmes.

• Employment with environmental and engineering consultancies working on site investigation, remediation, compliance and permitting.
• Roles in water companies and utilities focusing on process design, operation and optimisation of treatment works.
• Positions in regulators, local authorities or NGOs involved in environmental assessment, monitoring and policy implementation.
• Technical roles in industry managing emissions, waste and resource recovery, or delivering sustainability and circular economy projects.

Why study at Cranfield University

Cranfield is a specialist postgraduate university with a strong focus on applied engineering and environmental technologies. The university hosts dedicated laboratories, pilot-plant facilities and field-test sites that allow students to gain hands-on experience with processes at scales relevant to industry. Teaching is delivered by academics who work on industry-funded research and by practitioners, and many projects are carried out in partnership with companies, government bodies and international organisations.

• Access to specialist facilities and pilot plants for water, waste and remediation technologies.
• Strong industry links that provide opportunities for industrial projects, placements and networking with employers.
• An applied, problem-based curriculum that emphasises practical skills, project delivery and professional development.
• Support for career development, including exposure to real-world challenges and pathways to professional recognition through relevant bodies.