Introduction to the MSc International Sustainable Development

The MSc International Sustainable Development is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and understanding required to address the complex challenges of sustainable development. This program is ideal for those who wish to deepen their understanding of sustainable development and prepare to make a difference on the ground.

Qualification(s) available: MSc

The MSc International Sustainable Development is a postgraduate degree that can be completed in one year full-time or up to four years part-time.

Fees

The fees for the MSc International Sustainable Development are as follows:

• UK fee: £12,500 full-time degree per annum (academic year) and £12,900 full-time degree per annum (academic year)
• International fee: £25,500 full-time degree per annum (academic year) and £26,300 full-time degree per annum (academic year)

Scholarships available

Scholarships are available for students who meet the eligibility criteria.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for the MSc International Sustainable Development are:

• A 2:2 honours degree with a minimum of 55% (or equivalent international qualification) in social science, humanities, or associated subject.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to provide details of alternative qualifications or relevant professional or voluntary work experience as this will also be considered.

Full-time

The full-time program is one year in duration.

Part-time

The part-time program is up to four years in duration.

Location

The program is located in London.

Start date

The start dates for the program are October 2025, January 2026, or October 2026.

Department

The program is offered by the Institute for Diplomacy and International Affairs.

Program structure

The program consists of compulsory and optional modules, including:

• Sustainable and Resilient Development
• Sustainable Innovation (15 credits)
• Global South and International Development (15 credits)
• Grand Challenges (15 credits)
• Disaster Risk Management
• Research Approaches in International Affairs, Development and Social Change (15 credits)
• Dissertation (60 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • The Global Economy in Flux
  • International Relations and Security in the Age of Polycrises (15 credits)
  • Media and Communication for Development and Social Change (15 credits)
  • Collaborative Project (15 credits)
  • Learning from the Global South: Field Trip (15 credits)
  • Managing Sustainability (15 credits)

How you'll be assessed

You can expect to complete essays and reports of varying lengths, as well as presentations, projects, and exams.

How you'll study

As well as your regular timetabled teaching, you’ll have the chance to take part in guest lectures and projects on a range of topics, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Independent study
• Group work
• Practical sessions

Where you'll study

Based on our vibrant London campus, you’ll have access to all our on-site facilities, as well as opportunities to learn off campus.

Entry requirements for international students

The entry requirements for international students vary depending on the country of origin. The University uses the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities to identify the required final mark.

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.

Fees and funding

The fees for the program are as follows:

• UK fee: £12,500 full-time degree per annum (academic year) and £12,900 full-time degree per annum (academic year)
• International fee: £25,500 full-time degree per annum (academic year) and £26,300 full-time degree per annum (academic year) Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.

Your development

At Loughborough University London, you’ll get the strong grounding you need to move forward confidently along your chosen career path. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to develop your skills, take part in career-focused activities, and tap into all the support you need along the way.

Our academics

The program is taught by leading academics, including:

• Dr Ana Cristina Suzina
• Professor Thomas Tufte
• Dr Jessica Noske-Turner
• Dr Cristian Nitoiu

Your future career

This master’s is a natural next step if you’re looking to deepen your expertise of sustainable development and want to gain practical skills to address disaster risks, resilience, inequality, security, migration, and citizen engagement. You’ll graduate equipped to join the vital and urgent work of international NGOs, development consultancies, international organizations, and foundations, government aid agencies, social enterprises, academia, and think tanks.

Related master's degrees

Related master's degrees include:

• International Development MSc
• Digital Media and Creative Industries MA
• Communication, Media, and Development MA

Program outcomes

By the end of the program, you’ll be able to:

• Critically evaluate and apply concepts of sustainable development.
• Understand the links between sustainability, resilience, and socio-economic development.
• Interpret sustainable development assessments.
• Adopt a multidisciplinary approach to sustainable development projects and policy.
• Critique past and current international development programs and sustainable development goals.
• Critically analyze institutional, social, economic, environmental, and technical constraints and compare possible solutions.
• Investigate emerging challenges in sustainable development.
• Apply appropriate techniques and research methods.
• Analyze and adapt theoretical concepts of sustainable development to a variety of socio-economic, environmental, and political contexts in the Global South.

Loughborough University

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Overview:

Loughborough University is a public research university located in Loughborough, Leicestershire, England. It is renowned for its strong academic programs, particularly in sports science, engineering, and business. The university boasts a vibrant campus life and a strong focus on research and innovation.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Loughborough University offers a diverse and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, societies, and volunteering opportunities. The university has a strong sporting heritage and is home to world-class facilities. Students can also enjoy a vibrant social scene with numerous bars, restaurants, and events happening on campus.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class facilities:

Loughborough University boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated sports village, a modern library, and cutting-edge research labs.

Strong academic reputation:

The university is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK for its academic excellence.

Vibrant campus life:

Students can enjoy a lively and diverse campus community with numerous opportunities for social interaction and personal development.

Focus on research and innovation:

Loughborough University is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on tackling real-world challenges.

Excellent career prospects:

Graduates from Loughborough University are highly sought after by employers, with strong career prospects in various fields.

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Academic Programs:

Loughborough University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Engineering:

Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and more.

Business and Economics:

Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, and more.

Sport Science:

Exercise Science, Sports Coaching, Sports Management, and more.

Humanities and Social Sciences:

Psychology, Sociology, History, and more.

Science and Technology:

Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, and more.

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Other:

Loughborough University has a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. The university is actively working towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions and promoting inclusivity and diversity within its community.