Environment and Development MSc at University of Leeds

Sustainable economic development and environmental management are two key challenges facing the Global South. As part of our Environment and Development Masters degree you will be provided with high-quality interdisciplinary training to help you understand the many perspectives of different actors operating in the Global South.

This Masters is led by the Sustainability Research Institute and brings together a wide range of academic expertise from the School of Earth and Environment, the School of Politics and International Studies, and from the practitioner community.

You will investigate the debates and challenges associated with international development that is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable and contribute towards achieving solutions that support this topical, fast-growing field.

You will gain the knowledge, skills and practical experience that national and international employers require to reconcile distinct objectives, such as the need for sustainable economic development and environmental conservation.

The course is ideal if you would like to develop or continue a career in environment and/or development practice, policy, training or research, and/or if you are thinking of working in an international capacity. The Masters will prepare you for work in both the public and private sectors, and within local, national and international institutions. Alternatively, you could pursue a research career or go on to a PhD.

Course highlights

• You have a large degree of flexibility – choose the modules you take and develop your degree in line with your interests and ambitions.

• Have the opportunity to carry out fieldwork in the UK and overseas.

• Learn from experts in the field – our teaching draws on specialist knowledge from practitioner and research communities covering both the natural and social sciences.

• Attend research seminar series run by the School of Earth and Environment, School of Politics and International Studies, plus those organised in Leeds’ Biology and Geography departments.

Career opportunities

The School of Earth and Environment has a strong commitment to enhancing student employability and has its own dedicated Employability Officer. We offer extra support and activities to help you stand out in your chosen field and achieve your career goals.

This course is ideal if you want to continue your undergraduate studies, you are looking for a career change, or if you are looking to increase your skill set to progress in your career in industry or academia.

We typically find that graduates assume, or continue careers, in sustainability, environmental management or development practice. Our alumni work in the research, public and private sectors and within local, national and international institutions.

Our graduates have secured positions including:

• Global Ambassador, Raleigh International

• Environmental Advisor, London Mining PLC , Sierra Leone

• Consultant, Sustainability Consultancy - Canada

• Advisor on Agricultural Pollution, Natural England

• Global Programme Manager, Renewable World

• Sustainability Consultant - BREEAM, EDCM Consulting

• Senior Research Officer, Climate Change Third World Network

• Field Environment Advisor, Tullow Oil Kenya