Scholarships
The scholarships below are open to international students and those applying from England, Wales and Northern Ireland with a 2.1 or above for a postgraduate course.
Course detail
Start Date
September and January,January,SeptemberDuration
Full-time: 12 months (Sep start) or 16 months (Jan start) | Part-time: 24 months (Sep start) or 28 months (Jan start)Award Title
MScUCAS Code
Apply DirectProgramme Overview
Our MSc Environmental Health programmes equip you with in-depth knowledge and technical expertise across all areas of environmental health practise. From food safety and microbiology to pollution control and public health promotion, you'll master the scientific principles and regulatory frameworks that underpin modern environmental health protection.
Through strong industry partnerships and research-led teaching, delivered by our Food, Life Science and Engineering staff, our programmes bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practise. You'll engage with real-world case studies, tackle authentic challenges and develop the analytical skills essential for informed decision-making in complex environmental health scenarios.
Programme Pathways
There are two programme pathways: MSc Environmental Health, MSc Environmental Health with Industrial Practise.
At the beginning of Term 2, you'll have the opportunity to apply to undertake a work-based project. Students who are successful in this application will transfer to the REHIS-accredited Industrial Practise pathway.
Learn more about MSc Environmental Health ➟
Learn more about MSc Environmental Health with Industrial Practise ➟
Why Choose Our Programmes?
Industry Connections: Delivered jointly by Food Science, Civil Engineering and Life Sciences groups with extensive industry partnerships – mirroring how those operating in the field of Environmental Health engage with housing, food, water and environmental controls.
Practical Focus: Real-world case studies, authentic assessments, and professional placement opportunities
Research Excellence: Access to cutting-edge facilities and research-active academic staff
Professional Recognition: Alignment with professional body requirements and accreditation pathways
Inclusive Environment: Commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion with support for all students
Flexible Learning: Multiple intake dates and study patterns to suit individual circumstances
MSc Environmental Health
Alongside your taught modules,this programme focuses on developing advanced research capabilities through independent investigation. You'll complete a substantial dissertation project, allowing you to explore a specific area of environmental health in depth whilst contributing original knowledge to the field.
You'll complete an independent research dissertation worth 60 credits, developing strong analytical and investigative skills that are essential for environmental health professionals. With flexible study options including September and January intakes, the programme is designed to enable you to work in the environmental health sector - including as food safety or environmental consultants - or progressing doctoral study or research careers.
MSc Environmental Health with Industrial Practise
Alongside your taught modules, this professionally focused route includes an industrial placement component, providing direct experience within the environmental health sector. This course is accredited through the Royal Environmental Health Institute Scotland (REHIS) and allows you to join an Environmental Health Team to undertake your work-based experience. This route is designed for those planning careers in Environmental Health within a range of settings.
The programme features an industrial placement integrated into your dissertation worth 60 credits, providing direct industry experience and valuable professional networking opportunities. With a REHIS accreditation programme, the course enhances your employability through hands-on practical experience, while industry-aligned case studies and assessments ensure you're learning skills that employers want.
Please note: placements are limited and may require a criminal record check. If a placement is not secured, you'll remain on the MSc Environmental Health pathway.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have
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A minimum of a lower second-class honours degree (2:2), or equivalent, in a relevant scientific discipline such as biosciences, chemistry, food and nutritional sciences, zoological sciences, or related fields. Your previous studies should demonstrate a solid foundation in scientific principles appropriate to environmental health.
- Applicants with non-standard qualifications are welcome to apply and will be considered on an individual basis. Assessment will take into account prior academic study, professional qualifications, work experience, and references.
We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants across the world.
Typically, international applicants should have:
A minimum of a lower second-class (2:2) honours degree in as biosciences, chemistry, food and nutritional sciences, zoological sciences, or related fields.
Applicants with non-standard qualifications are welcome to apply and will be considered on an individual basis. Assessment will take into account prior academic study, professional qualifications, work experience, and references.
All courses at Abertay University are taught in English. If your first language is not English, you will need to demonstrate that you meet our English language requirements.
Please see English Language Requirements for the full list of accepted qualifications and further details.
For questions about specific entry requirements, please contact admissions@abertay.ac.uk.
For more information on the application process, tuition fees and scholarships, studying in Scotland, and to contact our International Team, please visit our International Students page.
How the Course Works
Full-time students will complete the degree in one year: The academic year consists of three terms with the Master’s dissertation module completed in term three.
Part-time students typically complete the degree over a 24-28 month period. However, this can be flexible – to a maximum of four years.
The culminating dissertation or consultation project will be undertaken with the guidance of academic supervisors.
Learning and Assessment
Our programmes feature blended learning approaches combining traditional lectures with:
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Interactive workshops and seminars
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Laboratory-based practical sessions
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Industry-led guest lectures
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Virtual learning environments
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Real-world problem-solving exercises
Assessment is designed to reflect the demands of professional environmental health practise through a comprehensive approach that combines traditional coursework and examinations with practical portfolios and project work. You’ll also complete a viva examination, engage in industry-relevant case study analysis, and demonstrate your learning through research presentations and reports, ensuring graduates develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for success in the environmental health profession.
Academic Excellence
All programmes are Level 11 qualifications within the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), aligned with Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) standards for postgraduate study. Our curriculum reflects current professional expectations and industry best practice.
Accreditation
What You'll Study
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Understand how microbes spread and cause disease, and how food safety systems (like HACCP) are applied to protect public health.
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Explore the links between diet, nutrition, and health at both individual and population levels, and how behaviour, culture, and policy shape eating habits.
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Gain knowledge of health, safety, and environmental management frameworks relevant to inspections, regulation, and compliance.
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Develop skills in research design, data analysis, and innovation to support evidence-based enforcement and policy.
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Study waste and wastewater management, and their role in safeguarding communities and addressing climate change impacts.
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Build practical laboratory and critical thinking skills for food, water, and environmental sampling and analysis.
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Learn how to interpret legislation, standards, and codes of practice that underpin EHO decision-making.
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Apply ethical, professional, and communication skills when engaging with businesses, communities, and policymakers.
Professional Skills Development:
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Critical evaluation of environmental health legislation
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Data analysis and assessment techniques
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Risk assessment and management
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Research design and implementation
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Professional communication and presentation
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Project management and leadership
About your modules
All modules shown are indicative and reflect course content for the current academic year. Modules are reviewed annually and may be subject to change.
Modules
Food Safety and Microbiology (FOD508)
The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of the principles and the application of food safety and hygiene management systems and methodologies.
Public Health Nutrition and Health Promotion 2 (FOD401)
Methods used in assessing nutritional epidemiology with its limitations and benefits. Information related to design, implementation and analysis of epidemiologic studies that address questions of dietary intake and nutritional status. Module content: Nutritional and physical activity assessment methods; Nutrition epidemiology – an overview; Study designs in nutritional epidemiology; Biomarkers in nutritional epidemiology; Methods to establish link between diet and chronic diseases; Measuring exposure and outcomes; Biostatistics (applied to nutritional epidemiology); Significance of evaluation of nutrition in maintaining and driving public health agendas.
Health, Safety and Environmental Management (EEM500)
Increasingly many organisations have recognised that the environment is a management issue and not just a matter of legislative compliance. This module presents a series of practical management tools with which environmental issues can be managed, within both the public and private sector. This module enables those interested in the role of project management to examine the policy, legal & ethical framework in which projects operate and to develop the necessary skills to manage diverse teams in a sustainable manner.
Research Methods (ANF514) (ANF514)
This module is designed to introduce you to research methods and statistical analysis. Theoretical, historical and statistical concepts are taught in lectures, with hands-on practical lab sessions using both quantitative and/or qualitative techniques that allow you to put theory into practice.
Innovation in Design (EEM516)
This project module focuses on the theory and practice of identifying and implementing innovation of products and systems in organisations. It provides an opportunity for students to critically reflect on analytical, design, planning and evaluation tools that have been included in the programme and to apply these to the design and construction processes of a project that requires innovation and mimics the real-world feasibility design stage of a Civil and Environmental Engineering project.
Waste, Wastewater Management and Climate Change (EEM523)
This module will develop an enhanced understanding of applied environmental management and its relation to climate change. Environmental management examples, specifically waste and wastewater management, will be addressed in terms of regulatory and technical applications and environmental standards. These applications are contextualised within wider challenge of mitigating and adapting to climate change. Climate models and their implications (and uncertainties) are presented and discussed in relation to applied management of the environment. The subjects are delivered through a combination of lectures, self-study and supervised practical classes.
MSc Dissertation (EEM517) (EEM517)
Individual in-depth investigation of a particular aspect of their own specialism. An opportunity to undertake individually an in-depth investigation in a relevant area of interest within an applied context in industry, consolidating theory and examining practice and providing a basis for the writing of a substantial dissertation.
Food Safety and Microbiology (FOD508)
The aim of this module is to provide you with an understanding of the principles and the application of food safety and hygiene management systems and methodologies.
Public Health Nutrition and Health Promotion 2 (FOD401)
Methods used in assessing nutritional epidemiology with its limitations and benefits. Information related to design, implementation and analysis of epidemiologic studies that address questions of dietary intake and nutritional status. Module content: Nutritional and physical activity assessment methods; Nutrition epidemiology – an overview; Study designs in nutritional epidemiology; Biomarkers in nutritional epidemiology; Methods to establish link between diet and chronic diseases; Measuring exposure and outcomes; Biostatistics (applied to nutritional epidemiology); Significance of evaluation of nutrition in maintaining and driving public health agendas.
Health, Safety and Environmental Management (EEM500)
Increasingly many organisations have recognised that the environment is a management issue and not just a matter of legislative compliance. This module presents a series of practical management tools with which environmental issues can be managed, within both the public and private sector. This module enables those interested in the role of project management to examine the policy, legal & ethical framework in which projects operate and to develop the necessary skills to manage diverse teams in a sustainable manner.
Research Methods (ANF514) (ANF514)
This module is designed to introduce you to research methods and statistical analysis. Theoretical, historical and statistical concepts are taught in lectures, with hands-on practical lab sessions using both quantitative and/or qualitative techniques that allow you to put theory into practice.
Innovation in Design (EEM516)
This project module focuses on the theory and practice of identifying and implementing innovation of products and systems in organisations. It provides an opportunity for students to critically reflect on analytical, design, planning and evaluation tools that have been included in the programme and to apply these to the design and construction processes of a project that requires innovation and mimics the real-world feasibility design stage of a Civil and Environmental Engineering project.
Waste, Wastewater Management and Climate Change (EEM523)
This module will develop an enhanced understanding of applied environmental management and its relation to climate change. Environmental management examples, specifically waste and wastewater management, will be addressed in terms of regulatory and technical applications and environmental standards. These applications are contextualised within wider challenge of mitigating and adapting to climate change. Climate models and their implications (and uncertainties) are presented and discussed in relation to applied management of the environment. The subjects are delivered through a combination of lectures, self-study and supervised practical classes.
MSc Dissertation (Industrial Practise) EEM518 (EEM518)
This modules provides the opportunity to undertake individually an in-depth work-based investigation in a relevant area of interest within the industry, consolidating theory and examining practice and providing a basis for the writing of a substantial dissertation.
Request your Postgraduate Guide
Our Postgraduate Guide contains information about all our postgraduate programmes. It also has pages dedicated to the University, the beautiful city of Dundee, how to apply, support services ... and much more!
Scotland's first Adobe Creative Campus
All Abertay students have access to Adobe Express, empowering you to enhance digital skills with industry-leading tools.
In late 2024, Abertay proudly became the first institution in Scotland to achieve the designation of Adobe Creative Campus.
The Adobe Creative Campus programme is an initiative involving a select group of colleges and universities dedicated to empowering staff and students across all disciplines with essential digital skills for success in both the workplace and the classroom.
Information for International Applicants
Learn more about Abertay's English language requirements, as well as visa information.
English Language Requirements
Explore English language requirements for entry to Abertay University.
Visa Information
All the information you need about visa requirements for studying here at Abertay University.
International Students
Find everything you need to know about applying to Abertay as an international student.
Career Opportunities
You'll be equipped for a range of roles roles across the environmental health sector, including positions as Environmental Health Officers in local authorities, food safety inspectors and consultants, and professionals working in environmental consultancy roles. Career opportunities also extend to public health policy development, industrial environmental management, and research and academic positions. Additionally, graduates find rewarding work with international development organisations and government regulatory bodies, providing diverse pathways to make a meaningful impact in protecting and improving environmental and public health outcomes.
Professional Development:
- Progress to Chartered EHO under REHIS CPD Scheme
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Continuing professional development opportunities
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Alumni network and industry connections
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Further study options including PhD programmes
Fees and Funding
Please note: this course will run over 16 months full-time and 28 months part-time if you begin your studies in January.
The tuition fees you’ll pay and the funding available depend on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you’re studying. If you’re studying a postgraduate taught (PGT) degree, your fee status will be classed as one of the following:
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Scotland
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England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland
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International
Fee Status
Your fee status is typically based on the country where you’ve lived on a regular, non-temporary basis for the three years prior to the start of your course.
We’ll confirm your tuition fees once you’ve applied.
International
International includes applicants from EU countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled Status in the UK. (Students from the Republic of Ireland are not included.)
Annual Tuition Fees
|
Fee Status |
2025/26 |
2026/27 |
|
£7,900 |
£7,900* |
|
|
£10,400 |
£10,400* |
|
|
£17,000 |
£18,950** |
*Tuition fees for 2026/27 are still under review and may be subject to change.
**Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £3,000-£7,000 over the duration of the course.
More information
Find out about grants, bursaries, maintenance loans and living costs in our postgraduate taught fees and funding section.
Abertay Postgraduate Taught rUK Scholarship
This £1,000 award is open to all prospective new postgraduate students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Abertay International Scholarship
An award of up to £3,000 per year for up to a maximum of four years, for prospective new international undergraduate and postgraduate taught students.
Graduate School
Our Graduate School is a dedicated facility located at the heart of the University, providing support, training and professional development opportunities to our vibrant postgraduate community and researchers.
Join us as a Postgraduate
When you join us as a postgraduate student or researcher, you’ll join a community of creative like-minded scholars. You will be working in our dedicated study and social spaces – a forum in which you can meet, work and learn with other researchers and postgraduates from across the University.
You’ll benefit from training and professional development opportunities, as well as support with funding applications, placement opportunities, teaching support, public engagement and outreach activity.
Explore our Dundee Campus
Abertay is conveniently located on a city centre campus, with all of its buildings within a quarter of a mile of each other. Shops, recreational facilities and the main bus and train stations are a short walk away.
Why Abertay?
We're proud of our students and graduates, and we believe there's no better place to study if you're looking for a degree that helps you stand out as an exceptional candidate in an increasingly competitive job market.
Living in Dundee
Dundee is a city of contrasts. It's vibrant and cosmopolitan, but also friendly, compact and affordable. The first UK city to be awarded UNESCO City of Design status, Dundee has a rich history of innovation and creativity, and, in recent years, has become a hub for the digital industries.
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