Postgraduate study in the environment
The environmental sector encompasses such a broad range of areas that you will need to research your chosen field to find out whether postgraduate study is necessary. It’s worth undertaking postgraduate study if you have a burning interest in the subject or if it will be useful for your future career. Don’t just jump into it as a way to put off career decisions. Postgraduate study is a major investment of time and money so make sure it’s the right choice for you before you commit.
What qualifications can I study for?
Many universities offer a range of full- and part-time environmental courses that cover a broad spectrum of interest. These include areas such as development, politics, monitoring, modelling, management, energy, waste management, climate change and the built environment. Some subjects lend themselves more naturally to further study, and for some careers postgraduate qualification is essential. Civil and structural engineers, for example, will almost certainly require a masters degree. Courses on offer include: one-year masters degrees, usually taught; research-based PhD programmes that typically last three years; and the four-year engineering doctorate, EngD, carried out in conjunction with a sponsor company. Whatever you do, make sure you choose a project that will hold your interest, even through the tough times. For all your investigations, it’s worth visiting your university careers service for information and advice.
Where can I do postgraduate study?
Check the research rating of the departments you’re considering and the research reputation of supervisors. It’s important to study at an institution with a good reputation. If you are interested in research, then staying at your current university may be the best option, as you could work with lecturers and supervisors that you know already. There are also long-distance learning programmes through the Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST), based at Loughborough University, and the Open University, for example.
How can I get funding for my further study?
Check with your university department to see if scholarships or awards are available. They may also know of project placements that could ease your financial burden. Scholarships are more likely to be granted for doctorate-level courses but there are some awards available for masters degrees. Each sector has its own research council responsible for providing grants to university departments – funds from which are passed on to students. Talk to lecturers and supervisors to find out about application procedures and dates. Look at the councils’ websites below for more information:
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council: www.bbsrc.ac.uk
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council: www.epsrc.ac.uk
- Economic and Social Research Council: www.esrc.ac.uk
- Medical Research Council: www.mrc.ac.uk
- Natural Environment Research Council: www.nerc.ac.uk
- Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council: www.pparc.ac.uk
- Research Councils UK: www.rcuk.ac.uk.
For projects within the built environment field your university might obtain funding from the Ove Arup Foundation. There may also be scholarships available from the British Council, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, and the Commonwealth Scholarship & Fellowship Plan.
Many students find it necessary to take out a career development loan (CDL) to fund their studies. Loans of up to £8,000 are available to help fund up to two years’ learning (or three if the course includes one year of relevant practical work experience). CDLs are available through an arrangement between the Learning and Skills Council and three high street banks – Barclays, the Co-operative Bank and Royal Bank of Scotland.
