This course is open for applications
Page last updated 12 September 2024
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:
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.
You can find out more about MSc Sustainable Development in Practice by following us on Facebook and Twitter.
The course's structure and content is informed by extensive research with potential employers, as well as publications and policies from organisations including government. Sustainability needs graduates with the knowledge, tools and abilities to bring about pro-sustainability change in a wide range of contexts and settings.
You will study:
A wide range of options allows you to tailor your course to your career needs. In addition to modules from the fields of Environmental Management and the Built Environment students may also choose from optional modules which enable them to:
Availability may vary due to timetable scheduling and the number of optional modules needed will depend on credit requirements.
The University continually enhances our offer by responding to feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the real world. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved we will inform you.
We use a variety of learning methods to teach this course, including:
See our full glossary of assessment terms.
Part-time students start the project dissertation during Year two, and complete it in Year three if necessary, with the taught part of the course covering two or three years.
Academic support
Each course has a dedicated course leader. They will support you with any academic issues, and be your contact on any other University matters.
The social side of things
The postgraduate society at UWE Bristol actively promotes and supports a social network for postgraduate students, which shows them what Bristol and the surrounding areas have to offer.
All core modules are available as short courses.
This course is assessed via a combination of coursework and presentations. You'll take a project-based assessment that focuses on real-world challenges, which will help you build a valuable portfolio of work in pro-sustainability change.
See our full glossary of learning and teaching terms.
This course is accredited by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA).
As one of the UK's most advanced and responsive universities, we make sure you have the resources and support you need to help you gain your qualification.
For this programme, you will have access to:
Learn more about UWE Bristol's facilities and resources.
Take a personalised virtual tour of the Geography and Environmental Management facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.
Our support includes access to fantastic facilities, study tools and career consultants, plus practical help to access everything from funding to childcare.
A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.
There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.
We provide support in the way you need it.
Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.
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
For information about funding for postgraduate courses see our funding pages.
We normally require an honours degree of 2.2 or above.
If you do not meet the above grade requirements but have at least 12 months relevant professional experience and/ or equivalent qualifications, we will consider you on an individual basis.
Personal Statement
You are required to complete a personal statement for this course. Please read the personal statement guidance carefully and make sure that you answer the questions on the postgraduate application form within the personal statement tabs, keeping to the advised word count.
UWE Bristol's International College
International students who do not meet the academic or English language requirements to study this course can qualify by completing preparatory study at our International College.
English language support
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.
Read more about our Pre-Sessional English Programme.
International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
*The University accepts a large number of UK and international qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section.
Read more about postgraduate applications.
Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.