MSc Sustainable Development in Practice

A highly-topical course that focuses on the urgent challenges organisations, communities and government face in bringing about sustainable change in individual behaviour, business practice and wider society - all studied in the European Green Capital 2015.

Businesses, governments and communities are taking on the practical challenges that come with creating a sustainable future. Innovation is a big part of overcoming these challenges thinking differently, and finding new ways to reconcile the needs of people and businesses with those of our planet.

Sustainable development is now a mainstream agenda, with implications for every area of society:

• Businesses and organisations ensuring sustainability informs every aspect of their operations, from the environmental and social impacts of product design, logistics, manufacturing and waste management, to communicating with shareholders, the workforce and consumers.
• Governments, policy makers and NGOs to create the frameworks of innovation that will ensure pro-sustainability changes. 
• Individuals making better choices about things like food sourcing and waste, to energy use, transport and buying goods and services.

Employer Enhancing Skills

You'll get to work on live briefs and real world projects, and have invaluable access to the organisations and case studies we offer through UWE Bristol's research activities, and its thriving network of sustainability partners. You will learn to apply your skills and knowledge to enhance your employability.

You'll also benefit from the expertise and experience our multi-disciplinary team brings from consultancy, policy and practice.

"The course's focus on transforming individual behaviour, business practice and wider society will be absolutely crucial to effect change."

Lynne Ceeney, Director of Corporate Sustainability EuMENA, Parsons Brinckerhoff

European Green Capital

You'll be studying in a pro-sustainability setting as Bristol is European Green Capital 2015, and is home to the largest number of environmental organisations outside London. These organisations include sustainability consultancies, sustainable businesses and leading NGOs such as Sustrans, The Soil Association, Forum for the Future and the Centre for Sustainable Energy.

We normally require an honours degree of 2.2 or above.

If you meet the academic requirements but require additional support to take your language skills to the required level, you may be able to attend one of our pre-sessional English courses. Students who successfully complete the pre-sessional course can progress onto their chosen degree course without retaking an IELTS or equivalent.

This course offers the blend of skills, knowledge and thinking to develop your career in a wide range of private and public sector businesses and organisations.

You might choose to lead change in multi-national corporations, international organisations, national, regional and local governments, or to plan and implement sustainable development with organisations in specialist sectors, such as business, environmental or project management, or in planning, transport, construction, waste or energy.

You could get involved in campaigning, development or aid work, or as an advisor in bodies such as the UN, EU or the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Or you might want to help develop government policy, set up your own consultancy, go on to a PhD, or go into teaching.

"I find myself using the knowledge I acquired, on this course, around behaviour change theory, sustainability frameworks and communications evaluation in my day-to-day workings where the different elements cross over everything I do. The learning around visioning and innovation has changed the way I initiate and manage projects." Matt, Senior Fund Assembly Officer, Sustrans