As an Environmental Consultant I have always been passionate about environmental science and the role it plays in shaping sustainable urban environments. I initially joined Hilson Moran in 2021, after graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University and, after gaining my first few years’ experience in consultancy role, I was keen to further my expertise and improve my technical knowledge. I started the Air Pollution Management & Control (APMC) MSc course at the University of Birmingham in September 2023 and, a little over a year later in December 2024, I was proud to graduate with a Master of Science (MSc).

Choosing the Right Course

I first discovered the APMC MSc course at a conference where it was being promoted by one of the professors. My manager had also completed the same course early in his career and highly recommended it. Given its accreditation by the Institute of Air Quality Management (IAQM) and the Committee of Heads of Environmental Sciences (CHES), it was the ideal choice for expanding my knowledge and taking the next step in my career. Many of the lecturers at UoB are also leaders in their respective fields, within air pollution and atmospheric science.

Hilson Moran’s Support

One of the key factors that made all this possible was the support from Hilson Moran. The company not only covered my tuition fees but also provided flexibility in my workload, especially during crucial periods of coursework, deadlines, and exams. Having a team and manager who understood the demands of balancing study and work made a significant difference in my ability to dedicate my energy to successfully completing the course.

Managing Work and Study

The course was structured for work-release students, with lectures held in Birmingham on Mondays and Tuesday mornings, followed by spending the remainder of the week in Hilson Moran’s Manchester office. This schedule allowed me to maintain my professional responsibilities while dedicating time to academic development. However, managing both commitments was not without its challenges. Weekly travel between the two cities was often tiring, and balancing multiple deadlines required strong time management and prioritisation skills. Looking back, these experiences have strengthened my ability to juggle complex projects efficiently.

Insights from my Dissertation

For my dissertation, I explored ‘A comparison of Gaussian plume and machine learning modelling methods for urban street canyons: A case study of Marylebone Road, London.’ In simpler terms, I compared traditional and AI-driven approaches to modelling air pollution hotspots in dense urban environments such as street canyons. My findings highlighted that AI methods are valuable for understanding and reproducing local air quality patterns, while traditional techniques remain essential for assessing potential changes in air quality, i.e. the impact of air quality management strategies and environmental policy changes. Additionally, working on this project allowed me to develop programming skills in R, which I have since applied to streamline modelling processes at work.

Applying Knowledge at Hilson Moran

The MSc course has significantly enhanced my technical expertise, critical thinking, and ability to contribute to Hilson Moran’s interdisciplinary environmental projects. My deeper understanding of air quality, climate change, and carbon management enables me to tackle complex consultancy challenges with confidence. Moreover, I have shared insights from my dissertation and coursework with colleagues, including a knowledge-sharing presentation in November 2024.

Would I Recommend a Master’s?

Absolutely. Pursuing a master’s degree is a fantastic way to challenge yourself academically while advancing your career. The APMC MSc has been a brilliant experience, and I highly encourage others in the environmental sector to consider it. With the right support system—like the one I had at Hilson Moran—it is possible to successfully balance work and study, gaining invaluable skills that contribute to both personal and professional growth.