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Overview
If you're interested in becoming part of the global network of professionals who understand and prepare for geological and environmental hazards such as earthquakes or volcanic activity, this Geological and Environmental Hazards Master's course will give you the technical skills, training and fieldwork experience you'll need.
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Earth systems and environmental sciences at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 4th of all post-1992 universities for research quality
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
Read more about our amazing earth systems and environmental sciences research
The course focuses on the physical processes that take place in the Earth that cause geological hazards. You'll be trained by experts in hazard identification, terrain evaluation, hazard modelling and risk assessment techniques. You'll learn how to manage – and mitigate – the impact of floods, earthquakes, landslides, volcanoes and coastal erosion.
You'll use our geotechnics and rock mechanics labs to analyse and charactorise geological materials. You'll use spatial analysis tools, simulation software and data analysis to assess the risks of natural hazards. And, you'll design and implement an advanced research project, and produce a detailed report.
A field trip to Sicily is an integral part of the Volcanology and Seismology module, where you'll record and report field data related to volcanic activity, seismology and earthquake geology in the Mediterranean region.
When you graduate, you'll have the vocational skills you need to work in this specialist field – and the educational qualifications to progress to Chartered Geologist (CGeol) or Chartered Scientist (CSci) status.
Scholarships for international students
The School of Environment, Geography and Geosciences offers a limited number of scholarships for international postgraduate students
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
Course highlights
- Become skilled in the application of specialist techniques including numerical hazard modelling and simulation, catastrophe modelling, field reconnaissance and geomorphological mapping, geotechnical testing, spatial analysis and remote sensing
- Learn about physical processes that affect and control natural hazards, including volcanology and earthquakes, flooding and hydrological hazards, coastal erosion, slope instability and landslides
- Take part in research-based field trips, both locally and to Sicily where you’ll research volcanics and active tectonics
- Complete your own independent research project with opportunities to work with industrial partners on a joint project
Accreditation
Our MSc Geological and Environmental Hazards degree course is accredited by The Geological Society of London. It provides advanced professional and scientific training, and an accelerated route for you to attain Chartered Status, such as Chartered Geologist (CGeol) or Chartered Scientist (CSci) when you graduate.
Number 1 in the UK for student satisfaction and support
Our geography, earth and environmental studies courses are ranked first in the UK for student satisfaction and support, and second for teaching, in the 2024 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES)
Learn more about this MSc Geological and Environmental Hazards degree
Hear from Dr Malcolm Whitworth
Malcom: We, obviously, cover topics on each of the natural hazards that we deal with so things like environmental, hydro, meteorological hazards, obviously volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides, flooding. And then we focus on how we might essentially model them, understand them better and try to predict them.
The best thing about this course is it provides students with an opportunity to really look at matters in-depth and ultimately go on to have a career where they're making a real difference.
The MSc course has a number of field excursions. We go to the Isle of Wight, we also go to the Cotswolds, and we also spend eight days in Sicily, in southern Italy to look at varied types of natural hazards in the field setting.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsChat to your course leader
Whether you want to ask about modules, assessments or your career prospects come graduation, our academics are on hand to help. Book in a one-to-one session with your course leader and get your questions answered.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students.
September 2026 start (indicative)
- A second-class honours degree or equivalent in Geology, Earth Science, Applied Geology, Civil Engineering, Geography, Environmental Science or a related discipline. Industrial experience will also be considered on an individual basis.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
Note these fees are based on courses starting in 2025. We'll confirm 2026 fees here soon.
- Full-time: £10,900
- Part-time: £5,450 per year
- Full-time: £10,900
- Part-time: £5,450 per year
(including Transition Scholarship)
- Full time: £19,200
- Part time: £9,600 per year
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
Environment, geography and geosciences scholarships
International students may be eligible for the School of the Environment, Geography and Geosciences (SEGG) Scholarship.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Explore Master's funding options, including loans, scholarships, bursaries and more.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees, so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: Accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages.
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: Such as photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Modules
Full-time (indicative)
All modules on this MSc Geological and Environmental Hazards course are core.
Critically review how soil characteristics are derived and quantified, learning how to specify, analyse and interpret laboratory and field tests to appropriately characterise soil.
You'll analyse the deformability and strength of soils while considering the importance behind the principle of effective stress, as well as intact rock under a range of different stress regimes.
Determine how intact rock characteristics are derived and quantified, and be able to specify, analyse and interpret laboratory and field tests to appropriately characterise rock. You'll also critically evaluate the importance of stress and strain analysis and to use this to evaluate how intact rock responds to a change in stress state.
You'll also evaluate the movement of water through particulate materials and the implications this has on effective stress conditions and soil mass behaviour.
You’ll use spatial analysis tools, simulation and software development, and qualitative and quantitative methods to the identify, delineate and assess different types of geological and environmental hazard processes.
Among other areas of focus, you’ll design and develop advanced software algorithms and construct software code to analyse and model natural hazard processes.Upon completion, you'll have versatile skills not only to analyse diverse hazards, but also to develop science-based solutions that strengthen our understanding of how they form.
You'll formulate hypotheses, collect and critique data, honing analytical abilities to generate original insights. Prepare a comprehensive literature review and critically evaluate and discuss the research literature in the context of your research project.
You’ll build versatile skills for managing complex research investigations, finally reporting your scientific results through different media including a thesis report using publication-quality diagrams and figures.
You’ll critically analyse the nature of hazard systems including input, response, storage, outcome and feedbacks for a range of natural hazard scenarios. Working in the field, you’ll also implement your own advanced terrain evaluation and field-based techniques to identify and assess natural hazards.
You’ll then design your own risk management or remediation schemes for different hazard scenarios based on a behaviour model generated from your desk and field investigation. Finally, you’ll analyse and communicate your results through written reports, field maps and academic style articles.
You’ll develop a critical understanding of the occurrence, products and nature of volcanism and associated hazards, of seismology and earthquake geology, and the associated topics of seismotectonics and earthquake hazards.
On your fieldcourse, you’ll examine the field expression of volcanological, seismic and other geohazards, and hone your skills in recognising, recording and reporting field data. You’ll learn how to work effectively in volcanic and active tectonic terrains, gathering and critically evaluating published information relevant to geohazard assessment.
Part-time (indicative)
Optional modules
On this course, you'll study two optional modules in year 1.
Critically review how soil characteristics are derived and quantified, learning how to specify, analyse and interpret laboratory and field tests to appropriately characterise soil.
You'll analyse the deformability and strength of soils while considering the importance behind the principle of effective stress, as well as intact rock under a range of different stress regimes.
Determine how intact rock characteristics are derived and quantified, and be able to specify, analyse and interpret laboratory and field tests to appropriately characterise rock. You'll also critically evaluate the importance of stress and strain analysis and to use this to evaluate how intact rock responds to a change in stress state.
You'll also evaluate the movement of water through particulate materials and the implications this has on effective stress conditions and soil mass behaviour.
You’ll use spatial analysis tools, simulation and software development, and qualitative and quantitative methods to the identify, delineate and assess different types of geological and environmental hazard processes.
Among other areas of focus, you’ll design and develop advanced software algorithms and construct software code to analyse and model natural hazard processes.Upon completion, you'll have versatile skills not only to analyse diverse hazards, but also to develop science-based solutions that strengthen our understanding of how they form.
You’ll critically analyse the nature of hazard systems including input, response, storage, outcome and feedbacks for a range of natural hazard scenarios. Working in the field, you’ll also implement your own advanced terrain evaluation and field-based techniques to identify and assess natural hazards.
You’ll then design your own risk management or remediation schemes for different hazard scenarios based on a behaviour model generated from your desk and field investigation. Finally, you’ll analyse and communicate your results through written reports, field maps and academic style articles.
You’ll develop a critical understanding of the occurrence, products and nature of volcanism and associated hazards, of seismology and earthquake geology, and the associated topics of seismotectonics and earthquake hazards.
On your fieldcourse, you’ll examine the field expression of volcanological, seismic and other geohazards, and hone your skills in recognising, recording and reporting field data. You’ll learn how to work effectively in volcanic and active tectonic terrains, gathering and critically evaluating published information relevant to geohazard assessment.
Core modules
On this course, you'll study one core module and two optional modules in year 2.
You'll formulate hypotheses, collect and critique data, honing analytical abilities to generate original insights. Prepare a comprehensive literature review and critically evaluate and discuss the research literature in the context of your research project.
You’ll build versatile skills for managing complex research investigations, finally reporting your scientific results through different media including a thesis report using publication-quality diagrams and figures.
Optional modules
Critically review how soil characteristics are derived and quantified, learning how to specify, analyse and interpret laboratory and field tests to appropriately characterise soil.
You'll analyse the deformability and strength of soils while considering the importance behind the principle of effective stress, as well as intact rock under a range of different stress regimes.
Determine how intact rock characteristics are derived and quantified, and be able to specify, analyse and interpret laboratory and field tests to appropriately characterise rock. You'll also critically evaluate the importance of stress and strain analysis and to use this to evaluate how intact rock responds to a change in stress state.
You'll also evaluate the movement of water through particulate materials and the implications this has on effective stress conditions and soil mass behaviour.
You’ll use spatial analysis tools, simulation and software development, and qualitative and quantitative methods to the identify, delineate and assess different types of geological and environmental hazard processes.
Among other areas of focus, you’ll design and develop advanced software algorithms and construct software code to analyse and model natural hazard processes.Upon completion, you'll have versatile skills not only to analyse diverse hazards, but also to develop science-based solutions that strengthen our understanding of how they form.
You’ll critically analyse the nature of hazard systems including input, response, storage, outcome and feedbacks for a range of natural hazard scenarios. Working in the field, you’ll also implement your own advanced terrain evaluation and field-based techniques to identify and assess natural hazards.
You’ll then design your own risk management or remediation schemes for different hazard scenarios based on a behaviour model generated from your desk and field investigation. Finally, you’ll analyse and communicate your results through written reports, field maps and academic style articles.
You’ll develop a critical understanding of the occurrence, products and nature of volcanism and associated hazards, of seismology and earthquake geology, and the associated topics of seismotectonics and earthquake hazards.
On your fieldcourse, you’ll examine the field expression of volcanological, seismic and other geohazards, and hone your skills in recognising, recording and reporting field data. You’ll learn how to work effectively in volcanic and active tectonic terrains, gathering and critically evaluating published information relevant to geohazard assessment.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
The course has a variety of lab equipment available for thesis work, and various fieldwork opportunities both within the UK and abroad. I’ve greatly increased my geological knowledge, developed new skills in coding … and learned that I am capable of more than I think.
Facilities
Geotechnics Laboratory
Our Geotechnics Laboratory – or Soils Lab – has equipment for analysing fine- and coarse-grained soils.
Rock Mechanics Laboratory
Measure the strength and elasticity of minerals and rocks under simulated geological stress conditions using high-pressure hydraulic apparatus in this lab, and explore properties including fluid-flow permeability, rock and joint friction, and induced seismicity.
GIS and Remote Sensing Laboratory
Discover more about the planet's physical structures and scientific processes, such as glaciers and coastal flooding, using drone data, aerial and satellite remote sensing and geographic information systems.
Crushing Laboratory
Explore our Crushing Laboratory, including equipment that splits, crushes, and mills solid rock samples to fine dust or powder for molecular analysis.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
Course structure
Full-time (1 year)
We recommend that full-time students allocate around 37 hours per week to their studies – equivalent to a full-time job. Approximately:
- 12 hours (2 days) of on-campus, in-person teaching per week
- 25 hours of self-directed study time per week
Part-time (2 years)
We recommend that part-time students allocate around 18 hours per week to their studies – equivalent to a part-time job. Approximately:
- 6 hours (1 day) of on-campus, in-person teaching per week
- 12 hours of self-directed study time per week
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Teaching on this course includes:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- workshops
- practical sessions
- field work
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- coursework
- poster and oral presentations
- project and technical reports
- literature reviews
- lab reports
- essays
- online tests
Teaching staff
These are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course:
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project / dissertation.
January start
Courses that start in January have the same amount of teaching as September-start courses, but they normally run over a longer time period.
January-start courses normally run between 14–18 months, beginning in January and ending in the spring / summer of the following year. There are breaks at Christmas, Easter and in the summer. In the last few months you’ll be writing your project / dissertation.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Career development
Careers this Master’s prepares you for
Once you complete this MSc Geological and Environmental Hazards degree, you'll be able to apply your lab and field experience in small and medium-sized enterprises or in global businesses or non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Alternatively, you could proceed to a research degree in earth and environmental sciences.
Each of the modules that make up this course has been designed with employability in mind, for example, assessment exercises such as presentations and reports are modelled on those that take place in professional settings.
Each year we organise a programme of guest speakers from industry to talk about their work, new developments in their field, careers paths and opportunities.
When you successfully complete this course – and after your first few years of professional work experience – you'll be able to use your Geological Society of London accredited Master's qualification in your application to become a Chartered Geologist (CGeol) or Chartered Scientist (CSci).
Graduates of this course have gone onto areas such as:
- Environmental consultancy
- Marine and offshore consultancy
- Flood risk consultancy
- GIS and remote sensing consultancy
- Engineering geology companies
- Re-insurance and insurance sectors
Graduates of this course have gone onto roles such as:
- Civil engineer
- Geo-environmental consultant
- Geo technical enginner
- Geographic Information Systems Analyst
- GIS Geographical Information Systems Technician
- Junior Catastrophe Risk Analyst
- Project engineer
- Technical integrator
Graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as:
- Fugro
- Radioactive Waste Management
- Gateley
Career outcomes shown are sourced from the latest available graduate outcome surveys. The data shows career outcomes at 15 months after graduation.
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert career support from your tutors and our Careers and Employability Centre – which you can access for up to 5 years after you graduate.
Career support
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- Applied projects with employers
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
Supporting you
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Café offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
How to apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start dates in September and January, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
You can apply for this course in 2026. In the meantime, you can sign up to an Open Day to:
- tour our campus and facilities
- speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- get information about where to live and how to fund your studies
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2024, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.