This MSc enables students to develop critical learning and applied skills in the field of contemporary sustainability.

Develop your knowledge and understanding of sustainability theory, principles and practice and be empowered to influence and progress policy and planning solutions for the environmental and sustainability challenges faced by government, business and regulatory bodies.

Our MSc in Sustainability, Planning and Environmental Policy (partially accredited by the RTPI), addresses three key dimensions that will provide you with the skills and knowledge to contribute to future policy development and help tackle sensitive environmental and sustainability issues. We will consider:

• Principles and process - asking how policies may, or may not, achieve more sustainable development.
• Resource sector studies – comparative and in-depth analysis of sustainability issues in key economic sectors (including food, transport, renewable energy and housing).
• Research training – helping you to develop sustainability-relevant research skills ideal for academic progression, and professional practice.

You’ll benefit from teaching which links together theoretical debates about sustainability at different spatial scales, informed by the latest social science research around environmental problems, with the practical dimensions of policy formulation and implementation. The planning system is given particular attention because it provides one of the most sophisticated contemporary mechanisms for regulating environmental change.

Accreditations

Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)

Career prospects

This course offers the knowledge and expertise for developing a research career or taking advantage of the increasing professionalisation of environmental jobs in the private and public sectors, including government departments and environmental agencies; the business sector; consultancy, and environmental non-governmental organisations.