About the programme
The environmental sustainability of society is the major challenge facing humanity in the 21st century.
The MSc in Environmental Sustainability explores questions such as:
- How can we improve the situation of the world's poor without threatening the ecological processes that support human well-being?
- How should we restructure our economy and energy systems to combat climate change?
- What policies foster sustainability?
- How can we encourage the necessary changes in the behaviour of businesses and individuals?
The programme encourages you to link knowledge from different disciplines to gain a holistic view of sustainability and how it can be achieved. It will equip you to work effectively in a wide range of roles in environmental consultancy, government, NGOs, or education.
You will typically have a background in a social science or a natural science subject, including strong writing and critical thinking skills in English developed through your undergraduate or professional experience.
You will typically have proven work or volunteer experience at the community, regional, national or international scale demonstrating your interest in environmental sustainability in a range of environmental, social and technological development contexts.
Your 'Personal Statement' for your application to this programme will illustrate how your background and interests are relevant to the MSc in Environmental Sustainability and how this particular MSc will help you advance your personal and professional career goals.
Teaching and Assessment
MSc teaching is executed through a range teaching and assessment modes which are designed to prepare the student for competency in doing a master's dissertation.
Teaching modes vary with courses but may include:
- formal lectures on targeted topics and case studies from around the world
- informal lectures with questions and group discussion
- reading lists from key peer-reviewed social and natural science literature;
- practical classes including computer and decision tree modelling on some courses
- verbal feedback and written feedback on assessed work
Assessment modes vary with courses but may include:
- short written responses and reviews of key readings and literature
- formal written essays challenging critical thinking and analytic of complex social and environmental topics;
- essay based exams on key content of courses
- group and individual visual and verbal presentations on case study topics
- group and individual poster session materials on case study topics
Programme Secretary
For general enquiries about applying for the MSc programme, please contact the Programme Secretary:
Programme Director
This article was published on Jan 6, 2011