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
This programme is designed to help advance your existing career in the Environmental Health industry. It equips 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, you'll master the scientific principles and regulatory frameworks that underpin modern environmental health protection.
Accredited by the Royal Environmental Health Institute Scotland (REHIS) and delivered by our Food, Life Science and Engineering academic staff, the programme features strong industry links providing practical experience, industry-led assessments, and real-world case studies. You'll engage with authentic challenges and develop the analytical skills essential for informed decision-making in complex environmental health scenarios.
Blended Learning
The programme requires 3-4 hours per week of concurrent remote learning, complemented by a one-week in-person campus block each semester.
Why Choose This Programme?
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Industry Connections: Delivered jointly by Food Science, Civil Engineering and Life Science groups with extensive industry partnerships.
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Practical Focus: Integrate your learning with projects in your workplace.
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Research Excellence: Access to cutting-edge facilities and research-active academic staff.
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Professional Recognition: Alignment with professional body requirements and accreditation pathways.
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Flexible Learning: Multiple intake dates and study patterns to suit individual circumstances, with online delivery complemented by intensive practical sessions.
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Inclusive Environment: Commitment to promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion in all aspects of teaching, learning, and assessment.
How the Course Works
The programme includes 3-4 hours per week of concurrent remote learning, supported by a one-week face-to-face campus block each term.
Part-time routes are available and can be negotiated on an individual basis.
The culminating dissertation or consultation project will be undertaken with the guidance of academic supervisors.
Applicants from Local Authorities: This MSc programme is designed to allow you to register as a graduate/student trainee EHO with REHIS, working towards the REHIS Diploma in Environmental Health; the qualification necessary to work as an EHO in Scotland.
Learning and Assessment
Our blended learning approach combines traditional lectures with interactive workshops, laboratory-based practical sessions, and industry-led guest lectures. The programme is delivered primarily online, complemented by intensive block teaching sessions for practical activities.
Assessment mirrors the diverse demands of environmental health practise through a comprehensive approach that combines:
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Traditional coursework and examinations
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Practical portfolios and project work
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Viva voce assessments
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Industry-relevant case study analysis
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Research presentations and reports
This ensures graduates develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for professional competency.
Academic Excellence
The MSc Environmental Health with Professional Practise is a Level 11 qualification within the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF), aligned with Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) standards for postgraduate study. The programme embeds industry engagement, research-led learning, and analytical skills development whilst aligning with professional expectations, including those of REHIS.
Accreditations
What You'll Learn
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Develop expertise in environmental health – Gain in-depth knowledge and technical skills to address challenges in food systems, industrial processes, and wider environmental health contexts, whilst considering economic and societal impacts.
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Understand environmental health legislation – Learn to critically assess laws and regulations that govern environmental health practice, including food safety, workplace health, housing, and environmental protection, from both national and global perspectives.
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Conduct independent research – Design and carry out a research project in the field of Environmental Health, developing problem-solving and investigative skills.
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Have enhanced analytical and decision-making skills – Apply advanced data analysis and evaluation techniques to assess processes, designs, and operations, supporting informed decision-making in environmental health.
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 (SCN) (SCN510)
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 (SCN) (SCN411)
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 (SCN) (SCN512)
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 (SCN) (SCN513)
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 (SCN) (SCN514)
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, Waste Water Management and Climate Change (SCN) (SCN515)
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.
Entry Requirements
- 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.
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You must also be able to supply a reference from your current employer as evidence of your employment within the environmental health industry.
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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 biosciences, chemistry, food and nutritional sciences, zoological sciences, or related fields.
You must also be able to supply a reference from your current employer as evidence of your employment within the environmental health industry.
International applications will be reviewed by Abertay Admissions departments and colleagues within the Faculty of Social and Applied Sciences.
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.
Career Opportunities
This qualification gives experienced practitioners the knowledge and skills to move into more senior roles such as principal environmental health officer, lead food safety consultant, or environmental consultancy manager. Career progression opportunities include public health policy development, strategic industrial environmental management, and senior research positions..
Professional Development
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REHIS accreditation pathway
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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
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.
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
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Fee Status |
2025/26 |
2026/27 |
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£7,900 |
£7,900* |
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£10,400 |
£10,400* |
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£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.x
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