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MSc/PGDip/PGCert Sustainable Development (Online)

MSc/PGDip/PGCert Sustainable Development (Online)

Different course options

Study mode

Online

Duration

2 years

Start date

APR-24

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

MSc - Master of Science

Subject areas

Sustainability

Course type

Taught

Course Summary

Overview

The global community faces problems of poverty and profound environmental change that are interconnected in complex and dynamic ways. As the Sustainable Development Goals acknowledge, in an increasingly integrated world, any development agenda must be a global one with shared responsibilities for all countries. However, the idea of sustainable development, that underpins the post-2015 development agenda, is also a controversial concept that requires critical examination.

The rationale for this innovative programme of study lies in the global environmental and development challenges that have been articulated in the Sustainable Development Goals. It is clear that solutions to the challenge of sustainable development require holistic, integrated and co-ordinated actions across a very wide range of sectors, and will increasingly require a multidisciplinary approach. This programme aims to provide students with a broad grounding in the main concepts associated with sustainable development, but also provides the opportunity to specialise in one area in greater depth.

This programme provides a theoretical basis for understanding the evolution, meanings and use of the concept of sustainable development and it will help you to gain practical research experience. You will also acquire the skills needed to understand current environmental, development and sustainability issues and debates.

The aims of the programme are:

  • to provide students with the skills necessary to analyse and interpret current issues and debates related to sustainable development
  • to enhance knowledge and understanding for decision- and policy-making on sustainable development issues
  • to enhance students' critical, analytical, and integrative skills for responding to sustainable development challenges
  • to provide research training and experience in relation to sustainable development.

Who is this programme for?:

This programme is designed to assist both existing professionals working within environment and development spheres, and people moving into international and national-level organisations and agencies promoting sustainable development.

For existing professionals, the programme provides the opportunity to upgrade and update their expertise, and to reflect systematically and in depth on their accumulated experience in the light of up-to-date theory and literature.

Graduates of this programme will have a wide range of backgrounds and will typically find work in:

  • government ministries and other public sector organisations concerned with policy analysis in the fields of sustainable development and environmental planning
  • international organisations, such as UN agencies, concerned with the sustainability of economic change
  • Non-governmental organisations NGOs
  • private sector organisations concerned about the social and environmental impact of their operations
  • consultancy organisations providing advice on issues of sustainability
  • applied research and teaching in institutions of research and higher education.

The programme also prepares students to apply for further academic research in this field (for instance, a PhD).

Modules

Dissertation Sustainable Development (Stage 2) - Core
Dissertation Sustainable Development (Stage 1) - Core
Dissertation Sustainable Development (Stage 4) - Core
Dissertation Sustainable Development (Stage 3) - Core

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

£5,135

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

For this course (per year)

£5,135

Entry requirements

We will consider all applications with a 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher in a relevant subject.

University information

At SOAS University of London, students are encouraged to challenge conventional views and to think globally. SOAS is the leading higher education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East, offering over a hundred postgraduate programmes, all taught by world-class specialists. The central London campus is home to a large postgraduate community, with 45% of students studying towards a...more