Master of Science in Sustainability and Environmental Management

Study location	100% Online
Type	Postgraduate, Online
Nominal duration	2 years (180 Credits)
Study language	English
Awards	(Master of Science in Sustainability and Environmental Management)

Tuition fee	£7,950 per programme

Entry qualification

2:2 honours degree (or higher) To be considered for the MSc Sustainability and Environmental Management (online) programme, you will need an honours degree (minimum 2:2) or equivalent. If you do not meet these requirements but have a minimum of 12 months’ relevant professional experience and/or equivalent qualifications, we recommend that you apply. All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Required for your application: We normally require a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or equivalent. Personal identification documents, e.g., passport or other I.D. A personal statement (300-500 words) and/or video presentation (4-5 minutes) about why you want to study this programme. Proof of English (POE) language proficiency where applicable. A CV/Resume or LinkedIn profile are required for applicants who do not meet the Academic requirements above. The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English. Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original.

Language requirements

English International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with no component below 5.5 (or approved equivalent*). *The university accepts a large number of UK and International qualifications in place of IELTS. To find details of acceptable tests and the required grades, please visit our English Language Requirements pages. Read more on the English Language Requirements pages. A Proof of English Language Proficiency (POE) exemption may be offered to you if you meet one of the following criteria: Completed at least 3 years of high school in an English-speaking country. Completed an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in English. Completed an IB diploma in a different language if they obtained a grade of 5 or higher for one of the English courses. Completed a higher educational or professional qualification in English. Working in an English-speaking environment and demonstrably working in English.

Other requirements

A motivation letter must be added to your application. We want to ensure that the course will suit your needs, so we pay especially close attention to the Personal Statement which forms part of your application to the University. Please take particular care over this statement. In a 300–500 word statement or a 4–5 minute video, you should explain: Why you’re interested in a career in sustainability and environmental management What personal attributes and experience you have which make you suited to a career in sustainability An overview of your intended career path in sustainability and environmental management Wherever possible, your statement should draw on relevant personal experience. When describing the personal attributes and qualities which you believe equip you for a career in sustainability, try to give actual, brief examples from your experience where you displayed those attributes and qualities.

Overview

A career that works for you – and the planet

Green careers are in high demand. Develop the knowledge and practical skills to lead in sustainability and environmental management, supporting positive transformation across industries, communities and governments.

What this programme offers you

Offered fully online and part time, this MSc has been created by a multi-disciplinary team and draws on UWE Bristol’s strengths as a leader in sustainability and environmental research.

You’ll study issues such as climate change, air and water quality, carbon futures, renewable energy, and environmental assessment, with a strong focus on organisational change and behaviour.

You’ll be encouraged to align your learning with your own cultural, geographical or organisational context, supported by interactive learning materials, practical assessments, and supervision for a final project tailored to your professional goals.

Educational Aims

• Develop critical expertise in the principles of sustainability and environmental management, with the skills to implement solutions in diverse professional settings.
• Analyse complex systems and evaluate strategic responses to environmental challenges using design thinking, systems thinking and evidence-based approaches.
• Engage in ethical and inclusive practice, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and UWE Bristol’s institutional commitment to climate leadership.
• Enhance leadership, confidence and communication, equipping you to influence and implement change across sectors and regions.

Teaching and learning methods

• Study flexibly, learn globally: Engage with on-demand video lectures, interactive activities and discussion forums, structured around UWE Bristol’s 5Ps framework (Prepare, Practice, Participate, Produce, Ponder).
• Contextualised learning: Apply theories to your own setting, from local governments to international NGOs or private sector enterprises.
• Real-world assessment: Take part in practice-based assignments aligned with workplace scenarios and industry standards.
• Collaborative support: Receive personalised academic and pastoral support, with a focus on reflective learning and continuous development.

Programme structure

Explore modules that tackle real environmental and sustainability challenges, including air and water quality, renewable energy, behaviour change, sustainable development, and organisational transformation.

The programme includes eight core 15-credit modules and a 60-credit Masters Project, for a total of 180 credits. Modules are delivered in sequence, allowing for multiple entry points across the year.

Core modules

Sustainable Development: Principles and Practice (15 credits)

Examine global sustainability issues and explore the roots and consequences of unsustainable development. Learn key theories, frameworks and tools such as the UN SDGs, and understand their practical application. Develop skills to critically analyse sustainability challenges and communicate effective solutions in diverse contexts.

The Sustainable Organisation: Vision into Practice (15 credits)

Analyse how organisations can embed sustainability into their vision and strategy. Using real-world case studies, explore decision-making, accountability, ethics and transformation tools. Learn to propose practical interventions that respond to complex sustainability challenges and communicate them to organisational stakeholders with clarity and impact.

Climate Change and Climate Action: A Multidisciplinary Perspective (15 credits)

Gain a multidisciplinary understanding of climate change and climate action. Examine scientific, political and socio-economic aspects, explore systems thinking and learn to communicate complex climate issues. The module develops holistic, contextual knowledge, preparing students to design or contribute to real-world sustainability and climate strategies in diverse settings.

Environmental Assessment (15 credits)

Understand and apply the Environmental Assessment process from scoping to reporting. Learn to critically evaluate data, propose mitigation strategies, and communicate findings effectively. This module offers essential tools for planning and development professionals working to ensure sustainability and compliance in infrastructure and land use projects.

Creating Systems and Behaviour Change for Sustainable Development (15 credits)

Investigate how systems thinking and behavioural sciences can drive sustainable development. Examine psychological, social and policy-based approaches to changing human behaviour and organisational systems. This module supports critical analysis and practical planning of interventions that create sustainable, meaningful change in society, policy and professional practice.

Air Quality Management (15 credits)

Explore the science, policy and management of air pollution. Learn to assess air quality using monitoring and modelling tools, understand health impacts, and evaluate mitigation strategies. This module prepares students for roles in consultancy, government or planning, with practical skills in air quality assessment and communication of solutions.

Renewable Energy and Carbon Futures (15 credits)

Explore the technologies, policies and politics behind renewable energy transitions. Investigate low-carbon systems, regulatory frameworks and community solutions, with a focus on global and UK case studies. Learn to critically assess sustainability challenges and propose practical strategies for a cleaner energy future.

Sustainable Water Management: Issues and Challenges (15 credits)

Explore water as a critical global resource. Understand natural and urban water systems, governance, and sustainability challenges including SDG 6. Investigate integrated water management and hydropolitics. This module prepares students to manage water sustainably across rural, urban and transboundary contexts.

Masters Project (60 credits)

Undertake an independent research project on a topic aligned with your professional interests and aspirations in sustainable development. You’ll apply the knowledge and skills developed throughout the course to investigate a real-world issue, influence policy, or design practical solutions for environmental or social challenges.