Environment and Sustainable Development

The MSc in Environment and Sustainable Development at University College London (UCL) offers students a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between environmental issues and sustainable development practices. Designed for individuals seeking to address global environmental challenges, the program combines interdisciplinary approaches from the fields of geography, policy, economics, and social sciences to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Throughout the course, students explore key topics such as climate change, natural resource management, environmental policies, urban sustainability, and the socioeconomic dimensions of sustainable development. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical techniques, and the application of innovative solutions to real-world problems.

Students benefit from UCL’s renowned research environment and expert faculty, gaining exposure to cutting-edge research projects and policy debates. The program incorporates a mix of lectures, seminars, case studies, and fieldwork, fostering both academic rigor and practical experience. Additionally, students have opportunities to engage with practitioners from governmental agencies, NGOs, and the private sector, enhancing their understanding of the complexities involved in implementing sustainable development initiatives. The MSc prepares graduates for careers in environmental consultancy, policy analysis, sustainable development planning, and research. It also provides a solid foundation for further academic pursuits, including PhD studies. With its global perspective and emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, the Environment and Sustainable Development program at UCL aims to empower students to become innovative leaders committed to creating a more sustainable and resilient future worldwide.

The focus of this degree is the complexity and variety of current environmental problems in urban regions, their causes and impacts, and the possibilities and limitations of environmental planning and management. Students learn how to respond to processes that generate social and environmental change, and how to develop strategies to steer urban environmental planning towards sustainability and environmental justice.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of three core modules (90 credits), one or two optional modules (30 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma, three core modules (90 credits), one or two optional modules (30 modules), full-time nine months, is offered.

Core modules

• The Political Ecology of Environmental Change
• Environment and Sustainable Development in Practice
• Urban Environmental Planning and Management in Development

Optional modules

• Adapting Cities to Climate Change in the Global South
• Disaster Risk Reduction in Cities
• NGOs and Social Transformation
• Food and the City
• Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture: Knowledge Systems in the Global South
• Sustainable Infrastructure and Services in Development
• Urban Water and Sanitation, Planning and Policy
• Socially Sensitive Development in Practice
• Social Development and Poverty Reduction: From Theory to Practice
• Managing the City Economy
• Housing policy, programme and project alternatives
• The City and Its Relations
• Urban Development Policy, Planning and Management

Not all modules may be available.

Dissertation/report

All MSc students submit a 10,000-word dissertation on a topic related to the main themes of the programme. The topic can be chosen to enhance career development or for its inherent interest.

Teaching and learning

The programme comprises reading, essay writing, critical discussion and project work, facilitated through lectures, seminars, workshops, extensive fieldwork and discussions with practitioners covering theoretical and practical tasks and case study analysis. Assessment is through coursework, examinations, and the dissertation.

The normal minimum qualifications are a good second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard; and a demonstrated interest in the subject matter of the programme. Candidates who do not meet the above requirements may be considered if they are able to demonstrate substantial relevant work experience and an ability to engage academically with the subject matter of the course. Applicants who do not hold a recognised undergraduate degree may, in exceptional cases, be admitted to the programme if they are able to demonstrate considerable senior-level professional experience in planning or a related field.

The Environment and Sustainable Development program at University College London offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees vary depending on whether students are UK, EU, or international students. For UK students, the annual tuition fee is approximately £9,250, while for international students, fees can be around £21,000 per year. These fees cover lectures, coursework, access to university facilities, and registration for assessments. In addition to tuition, students should budget for additional expenses such as accommodation, living costs, study materials, and personal expenses. UCL offers various scholarships and bursaries to assist eligible students financially. These include merit-based scholarships for outstanding students, need-based bursaries, and country-specific awards aimed at supporting students from different regions. Many students also finance their studies through government student loan schemes, such as the UK Student Loan Company for UK residents, which can cover tuition fees and provide maintenance loans for living costs. For international students, various scholarships are available, often requiring an application process and demonstrating academic excellence or financial need. UCL also provides information and guidance on external funding opportunities, including private scholarships, sponsorships, and grants from external organizations. Students are encouraged to explore part-time work opportunities within or near the university to supplement their income during their studies. The university has an integrated career service that can assist students in finding appropriate employment or internship opportunities, which can be valuable for gaining experience and offsetting costs. Overall, financing an Environment and Sustainable Development program at UCL involves planning for tuition fees, living expenses, and potential financial aid, enabling students to pursue their academic goals with appropriate support mechanisms in place.

The MSc Environment and Sustainable Development at University College London is a comprehensive postgraduate program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address pressing environmental challenges and promote sustainable development worldwide. This program explores the complex interactions between natural systems and human activities, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to environmental issues. Students will engage with topics such as climate change, resource management, environmental policy, and sustainable urban development, fostering an understanding of how economic, social, and environmental factors intersect.

The curriculum combines rigorous academic coursework with practical applications, including case studies, policy analysis, and project work. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills and the ability to formulate innovative solutions to environmental problems. The program is suitable for graduates from diverse backgrounds, including environmental sciences, social sciences, economics, and engineering, aiming to prepare them for careers in policy-making, environmental consultancy, international development, and research.

UCL's location in London provides students with unique opportunities for engagement with governmental agencies, NGOs, and industry partners involved in sustainability initiatives. The program also benefits from UCL's strong research culture, with access to cutting-edge facilities and expertise from leading academics and practitioners in the field of environment and sustainable development. Students will have the chance to participate in seminars, workshops, and field trips, gaining practical experience and networking opportunities.

Graduates of this MSc program are well-positioned to influence environmental policy and contribute to sustainable practices both locally and globally. They will be equipped with advanced analytical skills, knowledge of sustainable development frameworks, and an understanding of environmental governance, making them valuable assets in their future employment sectors. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, critical engagement with current environmental debates, and a commitment to fostering sustainable solutions that balance ecological integrity with human development needs.