Direct answer
The University of Manchester requires applicants for the MSc Pollution & Environmental Control to hold an Upper Second (2:1) Class Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant scientific or technological discipline. For Chinese applicants, this typically means a good bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, or an overall average of 80%, from a recognised university, preferably a 211 or 985 institution. All applicants must also demonstrate English proficiency, with the course requirement falling between IELTS 6.0 and 7.0.
Academic qualification required
The programme requires an Upper Second (2:1) Class Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification. The degree must be in a natural science, environmental science, environmental engineering, water science engineering, or another related scientific or technological discipline. The university confirms that it assesses applications by considering the grades achieved, the academic references provided, and the standing of the institution where the qualification was studied.
China-specific academic requirements
The University of Manchester publishes specific guidance for Chinese applicants to its postgraduate taught courses. A good bachelor’s degree is required. The university defines this as a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, or an overall average score of 80%. The awarding institution must be a recognised university in China, and the university states that a 211 or 985 institution is preferred.
English language proficiency
All students must demonstrate English proficiency. The university states that English language requirements for postgraduate courses typically range from IELTS 6.0 to 7.5. For the MSc Pollution & Environmental Control, the specific requirement will fall between IELTS 6.0 and 7.0. Approved alternative English language qualifications are also accepted. English language test results are generally valid for two years and must remain valid on the course start date.
How the university assesses your application
The official evidence confirms that the university’s assessment of an applicant’s academic record considers three elements: the grades achieved, the academic references submitted, and the standing of the institution where the qualification was studied. This means that meeting the minimum grade threshold does not, on its own, determine the outcome of an application.
What the official page does not yet confirm
The precise IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or Pearson PTE score required for the MSc Pollution & Environmental Control for 2026/27 entry is not explicitly detailed in the current official evidence. The university confirms the band within which the requirement sits, but the exact score must be checked directly on the full course page. The official evidence also does not provide a percentage equivalence that is specific to China for this course; the stated 80% average is the university’s general postgraduate taught guidance for Chinese applicants.
Understanding the UK degree classification equivalence
The University of Manchester equates this to a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 or an 80% average for Chinese applicants. This equivalence applies to postgraduate taught courses and is the benchmark used for the MSc Pollution & Environmental Control. The university does not provide a separate, course-specific percentage for China beyond this general rule in the supplied evidence.
FAQ
What subject background do I need for this MSc?
You need a degree in a natural science, environmental science, environmental engineering, water science engineering, or another related scientific or technological discipline.
What is the minimum grade for a Chinese bachelor’s degree?
The University of Manchester typically requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, or an overall average of 80%, from a recognised Chinese university.
Does the university prefer graduates from certain Chinese institutions?
Yes. The university states that a recognised university is required, and that a 211 or 985 institution is preferred.
What is the English language requirement for this course?
The requirement will fall between IELTS 6.0 and 7.0. The exact score must be confirmed on the full course page.
How long are my English test results valid for?
English language test results are generally valid for two years and must be valid on the course start date.
Official sources
The information in this article is drawn from the University of Manchester’s official published entry requirements for the MSc Pollution & Environmental Control and its general guidance for Chinese applicants to postgraduate taught courses. For further context on studying in the UK, you can read our University of Exeter 2026 guide and our Queen Mary University of London 2026 guide. If you are exploring how to choose support for your application, see our analysis on Related guide 1 and Related guide 2.