Program Overview

MSc Sustainability and Environmental Management

The MSc Sustainability and Environmental Management is a postgraduate course taught fully online with flexible start dates. This course equips students with the skills and critical insight needed to lead effective sustainability and environmental management strategies.

Why Study Sustainability and Environmental Management?

From biodiversity loss to water security, the world faces urgent environmental challenges. This course combines a broad understanding of sustainability theories and frameworks, preparing students to respond to complex global issues. Whether looking to upskill, change career direction, or enhance impact in their current role, students gain the tools to lead sustainable change.

Why Study with UWE Bristol?

UWE Bristol is a recognized leader in sustainability in higher education, with award-winning institutional practice and a strong track record of postgraduate teaching in this field. Students learn from research-active academics whose work informs current policy and practice, from behavior change and climate action to air and water quality management.

Course Structure

• The course is delivered entirely online with a flexible learning format.
• There are no timetabled sessions, allowing students to study at their own pace within each eight-week block.
• Each module is built around a structured learning journey, using the five P's approach: Prepare, Practice, Participate, Produce, and Ponder.
• Students engage with curated content, real-world case studies, and applied assessments that help connect theory with practice.

Modules

Year One

Students take six of the following compulsory modules (the order depends on the intake month):

• Sustainable Development: Principles and Practice
• The Sustainable Organisation: Vision into Practice
• Climate Change and Climate Action: a Multidisciplinary Perspective
• Environmental Assessment
• Creating Systems and Behaviour Change for Sustainable Development
• Air Quality Management
• Renewable Energy and Carbon Futures
• Sustainable Water Management: Issues and Challenges

Year Two

Students study the remaining two modules not taken in Year One and complete a Masters Project.

Learning and Teaching

• The course is designed for maximum flexibility, with multiple start dates and no fixed timetables.
• Students can structure their studies around personal and professional commitments while working towards set deadlines for assessments.
• The University continually enhances its offer by responding to feedback from students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up to date.

Assessment

• All assessments are coursework-based, using formats such as professional reports, narrated presentations, and reflective tasks that develop critical thinking and communication skills.
• There are no exams or live sessions; instead, students work to structured, manageable deadlines within each module.
• Assessments are supported by feedback to help students improve and build confidence.

Fees

• Home Award Fee: ｣7,950
• Home Module Fee (15 Credit): ｣795
• Home Module Fee (60 Credit): ｣1,590
• International Award Fee: ｣7,950
• International Module Fee (15 Credit): ｣795
• International Module Fee (60 Credit): ｣1,590

Eligibility and Admission

Entry Requirements

• Normally, an honors degree of 2:2 or above is required.
• The course is generally suitable for graduates of degrees from any academic background, but particularly social sciences, physical sciences, environmental studies, geography, and planning.
• For those who do not meet the above grade requirements but have at least 12 months of relevant professional experience and/or equivalent qualifications, applications are considered on an individual basis.

English Language Requirement

• International and EU applicants must have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with no component below 5.5 (or approved equivalent).
• Exemptions may be offered based on specific criteria, such as completing at least three years of high school in an English-speaking country or obtaining a higher educational or professional qualification in English.

Careers

The MSc Sustainability and Environmental Management prepares students to lead and implement sustainability strategies in diverse industries. Graduates are equipped with practical skills, critical awareness, and confidence to tackle environmental and organizational challenges. Potential career paths include:

• Sustainability practitioner or advisor
• Environmental consultant/manager
• Climate action officer
• ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) analyst
• Corporate social responsibility (CSR) manager
• Sustainability lead in public, private, or third-sector organizations

The course supports progression to professional recognition, with content aligned to IEMA and IES accreditation. Students develop transferable leadership and consultancy skills valued across sectors, benefiting from support through online student services and careers tools.