Sustainability MSc

Introduction

Be part of our next MSc Sustainability cohort and become an agent of change in society, business or government. The course is run by ARU’s Global Sustainability Institute and the Eden Project in Cornwall.

In this Masters degree you will learn about key sustainability challenges, and how we can address the complexity and uncertainty inherent in them all and make the best possible practical and policy decisions.

This course is available full-time or part-time and is open to graduates from all disciplines. It attracts students of all ages and cultural backgrounds. You can combine online learning with face to face ‘residentials’ in Cambridge and Cornwall*. Alternatively, you can study the course completely online (choose a distance learning option).

As an MSc Sustainability student, you'll gain practical experience of addressing sustainability challenges and meet inspirational leaders who are already doing just that. You'll also practice using your new sustainability skills in a research context and through a work placement.

Whether you want to start a new career or continue in your existing sector, you’ll be able to apply the knowledge, skills and mindsets you develop on this Masters degree to help create a more sustainable future. You will also be able to join our growing alumni of passionate sustainability leaders.

This Masters course is designed as a single learning journey split over 5 modules. You will gain a grounding in social and ecological systems and their interconnectivity within the first module, ‘Introduction to Sustainability and Systems’. In ‘Methods and Tools for Complex Systems’, you will explore different tools and methods that can aid sustainability decision-making. You will examine the growing business case for sustainability and understand the pressures and levers for change within different sectors in the module ‘Leading Systems Change’. You are then provided with the structure and support to evaluate your sustainability leadership skills and potential in the module ‘Working Towards Change’. Lastly, you will have the opportunity to design and undertake your own research within a dissertation.

Although you will be predominantly or wholly studying online, our MSc Sustainability is a very interactive course in which you will be learning from each other as well as your tutors and guest experts. You will be supported to provide your own insights developed from your research and experiences to contribute to online and real-time discussions.

First degree at 2.1 or above. Prospective students with non-standard entry qualifications are advised to discuss their personal position with the course tutor before applying. The University may require submission of appropriate documentary evidence before any particular application is considered. The diversity of the student group is an important part of the learning process and is a reflection of the wide scope of the subject material.