MRes Environmental Sciences

This MRes Environmental Sciences programme aims to produce graduates specialised in different areas within the environmental sciences. Modules cover the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills relevant to the field. The combination of taught modules and a large research project will produce a coherent and comprehensive degree. Students entering this programme can:

• gain in-depth interdisciplinary knowledge and necessary cognitive, practical, communication, and professional skills for future career development;
• work with a number of energetic, collegial, and intellectual colleagues from multiple countries;
• take advantage of over 20 million RMB cutting-edge research equipment and more than 2000 m² lab, and outdoor research space on campus;
• produce a high-quality, potentially publishable thesis to increase the competitiveness during PhD applications and job hunting; and
• earn a globally recognised master’s degree from the University of Liverpool, a member of the Russell Group of leading UK universities.

Potential research areas include (but not limited to):

Ecology

• Biodiversity: Maintenance and Driving Mechanisms, Human-Nature Interactions, and Ecosystem Services;
• Landscape Ecology: Spatial Patterns and Processes, Urbanisation Impacts and Ecological Restoration, and Organic Agriculture;
• Community Ecology: Species Interactions, and Trophic Dynamics; and
• Ecological Big Data and Cloud Computing: Global Change and Ecosystem Response, AI and Geospatial Big Data Applications, and more.

Environmental Sciences

• Soil Environment: Interactions of Nutrients/Pollutants with Organisms, and Biochar and Soil Remediation;
• Atmospheric Environment: Global Warming and Extreme Weather, Aerosol Processes, and Air Quality and Human Health;
• Aquatic Environment: Pollutant Transport, Water Quality and Human Health, and Low-Carbon Water Treatment;
• Cross-Interface Processes: Soil/Air/Water/Organisms/Humans;
• Environmental Policy & Management: Carbon Management, Environment, Society, and Governance (ESG), and Environmental Impact Assessment; and
• Environmental Big Data and Numerical Modelling: Atmospheric and Hydrological Modelling, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Applications, and more.

Why study MRes Environmental Sciences at XJTLU?

The MRes Environmental Sciences programme at Xi¡¯an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) offers a unique opportunity to learn and conduct research within a truly international and interdisciplinary environment. Led by world-renowned avian community ecologist Professor Eben Goodale, the research team includes energetic young researchers specialising in ecology and environmental science. This diverse creates a rich setting where theory meets cutting-edge research.
With an exceptionally low student-to-staff ratio close to 1:1, every master¡¯s student receives individualised, hands-on guidance directly from frontline researchers. Over two years, you will benefit from close mentoring that guides you step by step into scientific research, helping you develop confidence and your own academic voice. This highly supportive and collaborative environment equips graduates with the skills and experience needed to address complex environmental challenges worldwide and to advance their academic and professional careers.

This programme will provide students with the following:

• in-depth knowledge of the field of environmental sciences;
• cognitive skills required for research, such as evaluating existing studies, identifying research questions, deriving hypotheses, choosing proper research methods, and interpreting and presenting data concisely;
• advanced practical skills, such as data analysis, instrument and equipment operation, questionnaire and experimental design, and project management; and
• communication and professional skills, such as scientific writing and presentation, career development, manuscript preparation, journal selection, peer review systems, and health and safety awareness.