Sustainable development is the most promising framework for addressing the environmental crises, social inequalities, geopolitical and economic instability that we face. On this MSc, you will explore sustainable development theory and practice, and learn skills needed for sustainability-related careers.

Course information

The MSc in Sustainable Development explores the socio-economic, political, and environmental aspects of the inter-relationships between human development and sustainability.

Highlights

• Introduces key topics in sustainable development, providing a broad-based overview of the field.
• Interdisciplinary character helps you to develop a more rounded understanding of sustainable development questions and concepts.
• Critical study of socio-economic, political, and environmental aspects gives a remarkable richness and depth compared with conventional single-subject degrees.
• Considers sustainability from the perspectives of the public, businesses, and policymakers and the relationships between academia, policy, and society.
• Integrated training programme connects your academic learning with the development of personal and professional competencies.

Using the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals as a common framework, you will:

• engage with critical perspectives on sustainability and related subjects
• gain an interdisciplinary understanding of sustainable development principles and practice
• develop your ability to critically assess sustainable development problems and solutions from multiple perspectives.

The MSc includes an integrated programme of skills workshops that connect your academic learning with the development of personal and professional competencies. Workshops bring together students from other Graduate School for Interdisciplinary Studies Masters degrees, helping you to make new interdisciplinary connections.

Careers

The University of St Andrews’ global reputation makes its graduates highly valued by employers. The MSc in Sustainable Development provides subject knowledge and applied skills relevant to a range of career paths in government and public bodies, non-governmental organisations and charities, and the private sector

In addition to broadening your subject knowledge and applying established techniques of research and enquiry, you will develop and demonstrate essential skills including:

• critical thinking and creativity
• analysis and appraisal
• problem solving and decision making
• personal leadership and project management
• interpersonal communication and team working