MSc Global Sustainability Solutions

at University of Exeter

Our impacts on the Earth system are at such a scale that we have become a geological force. If we are to not just survive but flourish, we urgently need to create robust and practical solutions to a set of interacting global challenges.
 

These challenges span countries, regions, and academic disciplines. For example: the challenge to establish food, water, and energy security for a global population increasing towards 9 billion by the middle of this century; the urgent need to halt the rapid decline in biodiversity; the required sudden decrease of greenhouse gas emissions in order to avoid dangerous climate change. While diverse, the common thread that links these and other challenges is that these are all ultimately a challenge of systems.
 

A key element of the programme is the application of academic learning to real-world sustainability challenges. This is achieved with internship opportunities with a wide range of national and international organisations and companies.
 

MSc Global Sustainability Solutions has been designed to allow students from a wide range of backgrounds to immerse themselves in a transformative educational experience. No science, mathematics, or engineering prerequisites are required. Upon graduation, you will have the skills to become an agent of change for a sustainable future.
 

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Compulsory modules

• Blue Planet
• Global Challenges
• Global Systems Thinking
• Innovation and the Science-Policy Interface
• Theory for Sustainable Transitions
• Climate Change Science and Solutions

All applicants are considered individually on merit although we usually require a 2:1 honours degree.
 

No specific subjects are required.
 

The programme has been designed to allow students from a wide range of backgrounds to immerse themselves in a transformative educational experience. No science, mathematics, or engineering prerequisites are required.

English Language Requirements
 

• IELTS

  Overall score 6.5. No less than 6.0 in any section.
   

• TOEFL

  Overall score 90 with minimum scores of 21 for writing, 21 for listening, 22 for reading and 23 for speaking.

UK fees per year:
£12,000 full-time; £6,000 part-time
 

International fees per year:
£24,000 full-time; £12,000 part-time

Employer-valued skills this course develops
 

The programme addresses global sustainability challenges, equipping graduates to apply systems thinking to solve complex problems in a wide variety of environments and contexts. A key feature of the programme are the innovative teaching and formative and summative assessments. Emphasis will be placed upon applying learning to real-world challenges and enhancing the employability of graduates. Throughout your learning you will be provided with bespoke careers and employability training.
 

A key specialism is the training and opportunity to practise how your academic work is engaged within wider social, economic, and policy debates. Upon graduation students will have the experience and skills necessary to become agents of change for a sustainable future and are expected to work across a range of roles.
 

Graduates of this programme might expect to gain the following attributes:
 

• An imaginative critical thinker and problem solver

• An active global citizen

• A creative and enterprising team player

• An engaged and participative leader

• A confident, resilient and adaptable individual
   

Placement opportunities
 

Opportunities for a work placement or research project to be undertaken within an organisation are available as an alternative to a traditional academic dissertation. Students will identify and secure their own placement but will be facilitated with appropriate support. We have links with numerous organisations who offer placement opportunities to our students including the Met Office.
 

A new credit-bearing Green Consultants module will be offered as an elective module that will provide you with technical and practical, employability-focussed training.