About this course
The MSc Sustainability gives you a chance to explore sustainability issues in different societies. It addresses critical global challenges including food delivery, water and energy. You’ll graduate ready for a range of careers, including national and international agencies such as the United Nations and the Department for International Development.
Become an expert in sustainability on this master’s degree at the University of Southampton. You’ll study your chosen specialism on this flexible course to meet your career or further study goals.
You could choose to focus on consultancy, population and geographical information systems (GIS) or to gain a broader experience across the disciplines.
A focus on applied research and field-based methods will leave you well equipped to tackle sustainability challenges in the real world after your studies.
Course lead
Professor Craig Hutton has worked in sustainable development for 25 years. His research bridges the gap between the implications of environmental change and management for sustainable development. Visit Professor Hutton's staff profile to learn more about his work.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a relevant subject.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
We assess all applications on an individual basis.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This is a full-time master’s course. You’ll study for 12 months, from September to the following September.
In the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course. This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options, allowing you to fit the course to your interests and career aspirations.
You’ll also begin preparing for your research project during semester 1, and continue this work in semester 2.
For the last 4 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently on your research project. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
You must also choose from the following modules:
Learning and assessment
Learning
On the master’s in sustainability we adopt a teaching approach that enables you to relate your learning to real-life problems and situations. You’ll learn about resource management, community relationships and local and global economic impacts.
A number of teaching and learning methods that are particularly effective in supporting more traditional methods include:
- case studies
- computer-based workshops and simulations
- experiential project work
- problem-based learning
- field work
Assessment
Assessment will involve:
- tasks that enable the development of critical thinking and problem-solving
- problem-solving of real-world scenarios
- activities covering values, attitudes and behaviours towards sustainability
Dissertation
In the final part of the year, you’ll focus on your individual research work. You’ll complete an advanced research project and we’ll encourage you to work with industry and potential employers to apply your newly developed knowledge.
You don’t have to submit a dissertation but will instead write a research article of up to 7,000 words in the style of a peer-reviewed journal, for submission in September. This article contributes one-third of the marks towards your MSc degree.
Academic Support
You’ll have access to:
- introductory sessions for your programme
- research seminars and invited lectures from external speakers
- a personal academic tutor to help you with any personal problems and advise on academic issues
- module leaders to discuss your current modules
- module handbooks and outlines including information about learning outcomes, assessment methods, relevant background material and reading lists
- admin support from your Student Office, which deals with student records and general queries about your degree
Careers
With this degree you’ll have great career potential in local government, the private sector, national and international organisations, and public and private research institutions.
Our graduates have the skills to manage complex problems, work with diverse stakeholders and understand the challenges of interdisciplinary working. They are sought after for roles in:
- environmental monitoring
- water resource management and pollution control
- carbon management
- sustainable waste management
- sustainable energy
- wildlife conservation and ecological management
You’ll also be in demand in wider sectors such as the food, buildings, energy, telecoms and water industries.
All these sectors need to think about environmental sustainability either through choice or legislation. Employers look for graduates with skills in communication, problem-solving, leadership, and team-working, which is why they form a core part of our assessment process.
You’ll also be in a great position to continue your studies at PhD level.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £23,000.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
Funding your postgraduate studies
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
We may invite you to an interview, which will take place by phone if you live abroad. You'll get an email from the admissions tutor if we'd like to talk to you before offering you a place.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000