Program Overview

MSc in Sustainability Programme Overview

The Master of Science in Sustainability Programme is a two-year programme, which provides students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to contribute to solving challenges of sustainability. Drawing on an innovative, interdisciplinary approach, the programme integrates methods and resources from the natural and social sciences, as well as the humanities.

Programme Structure & Language

The programme is offered on a full-time basis only. The academic year starts in September. The standard period to complete the degree requirements is 24 months or four academic semesters, excluding time spent on study leave of absence from the university. The Master of Science in Sustainability degree is awarded upon satisfactory completion of 30 credits and a master's thesis project. The language of instruction is English.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for the Master of Science in Sustainability Programme are required to have met the following requirements by the application deadline in order to be considered:

• A completed bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from a recognized university or institution of higher education in a field related to sustainability in accordance with the UNU-IAS thematic areas.
• A GPA of 2.8 or above on a 4.0 scale (equivalent to 70% on a 100% scale) for the bachelor's degree earned.
• English language proficiency:
  • 600 on TOEFL Paper-Based Testing (PBT)
  • 100 on TOEFL Internet-Based Testing (IBT)
  • 7.0 on IELTS Academic format Please note that TOEFL and IELTS test scores are valid for two years. Invalid test scores will not be accepted.

Key Dates

• 1 February 2026: Application form submission deadline
• 27 February 2026: Deadline of submission of supporting documents
• Mid-March 2026: Interview invitation email (shortlisted applicants only)
• Late March to early April 2026: Interviews (shortlisted applicants only)
• Late April 2026 onwards: Application results announced to successful applicants only

Fees

• Application processing fee: None
• Tuition fee: USD 12,000 per year To secure admission, successful applicants will be required to pay at least 50% of the tuition fee for the first academic year (USD 6,000, non-refundable) by the due date on the invoice issued after the result announcement and prior to enrolment.

Scholarships

Eligible students who have been accepted for enrolment in the MSc in Sustainability programme may be awarded scholarships. There is no separate application form for the scholarships as it is part of the main online application form for admission.

Courses

The curriculum is reviewed on a yearly basis and the course offerings may not be identical to the ones listed below.

Overview Courses (Compulsory)

• Trans-disciplinary Graduate Research Seminar I & II
• Sustainability Science Research Seminar I & II

Elective Courses

• The United Nations System and Sustainable Development
• Global Change and Planetary Boundaries
• Principles of International Development Project
• Water Resources Systems
• Education for Sustainable Development: From Global Agendas to Local Actions
• Understanding the Mechanism to Implement the Paris Agreement to the UNFCCC
• Enhanced Climate Action through High Integrity Carbon Markets: Practicum on the Implementation of the Paris Agreement Article 6
• The Law and Practice of the United Nations
• Climate Justice and the Right to Education
• Remote Sensing, Geographical Information Systems and Analysis: Theory and Application
• Environmental Statistics and Research Methods
• Studies of Socio-Ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes
• From SDGs to Climate Change: Integrating SDGs into Climate Change Actions
• Climate Change Mitigation through the Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Practicum on the Implementation of the Paris Agreement
• Internship

Diploma Programme for Specialization on the Paris Agreement (SPA)

UNU-IAS offers the SPA Diploma Programme focusing on the implementation of the Paris Agreement mechanisms. By strengthening national capacity in these areas, it aims to become an essential means of implementation of the agreement and develop future leaders who will be at the forefront of these vital efforts.

Double Degree with the University of Tokyo

UNU-IAS and the Department of Urban Engineering in the Graduate School of Engineering at the University of Tokyo offer a double master's degree programme. Students first spend two years at the University of Tokyo, obtaining a Master of Engineering degree. After graduating from the University of Tokyo, students enroll at UNU-IAS for one year to obtain a Master of Science in Sustainability degree.

Fast-track for a Second Master for Sophia University Graduates

UNU-IAS and Sophia University implemented a Fast-Track for a Second Master at UNU-IAS initiative. This track is available to applicants who hold a master's degree from Sophia University and want to pursue a UNU-IAS MSc in Sustainability within three years of graduation.

Joint Diploma Programmes

Students of the UNU-IAS master's degree programme are also encouraged to pursue one of two joint diplomas in sustainability science, which are offered in partnership with the University of Tokyo Graduate School of Frontier Sciences (UT-GSFS) and with Sophia University. These diploma programmes require students to gain 34 credits, of which eight must be from courses specified by UNU-IAS and the partner university under the respective joint diploma programme.