MSc Sustainability & Environmental Studies at University of Strathclyde

Study with us

• carry out an industrial project
• suitable for graduates for any background 
• examine strategies and policy options for achieving sustainable development
• offers a cross-disciplinary approach to the study of environmental management, policy, the circular economy, sustainability and sustainable development in both developed and developing countries

Why this course?

This course, which has been established for more than 25 years, offers a cross-disciplinary approach to the study of environmental management, policy, the circular economy, sustainability and sustainable development in both developed and developing countries. It is suitable for applicants from all academic backgrounds and our wide range of subject options enables you to choose classes to suit your background.

You’ll learn about major environmental issues and the circular economy and gain an understanding of the methods in which environmental considerations and climate change are used in development and planning decisions. You'll be expected to probe, for example, strategies and policy options for achieving sustainable development without increasing the ecological footprint of economic activities.

What you'll study

You'll take three compulsory classes and choose a further nine from a wide range of optional classes.  Each class is normally taught for two hours per week over eight to 11 weeks. Following successful completion of the taught classes, you'll undertake a dissertation from June to August.

Facilities

Our £6 million state-of-the-art laboratory facilities are well-equipped with high-technological instrumentation and available space to investigate:

• environmental & molecular microbiology
• environmental chemistry
• analytical chemistry
• geomechanics & soil quality
• structural design & material science

Careers

After graduation, many of our graduates get an Associate membership of IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment) by doing the online exam. Becoming an Associate member of IEMA allows you to use the AIEMA suffix after your name — a way to prove to employers, clients and colleagues that you’re on the great career path that the MSc has given you

Most of our students also become members of the IAIA (International Association for Impact Assessment) as the University offers a bulk discount membership for students. The IAIA launched IAIA Work Experience Program in 2017, which is only available to IAIA members (including student members). This innovative programme allows members who complete specific projects of benefit to the IAIA to be recognised through:

• a Certificate acknowledging the work
• the ability to include that project as professional work on their CV

This programme enhances the professional capacity of our students who take on a project; gaining skills that are complementary to the MSc programme.

There’s a strong demand for graduates with environmental management and policy making skills. As a graduate, you may find yourself in a range of positions in:

• Private consultancies
• Government agencies
• Local authorities
• Environmental regulators, businesses and agencies