MSc Global Development and Environment at University of Bristol

Programme overview

Contemporary global challenges demand the linking of environmental issues to the conventional foci of development: health, urbanisation, poverty, food security and migration. They also demand an understanding of how the world's resources of water, energy, land, and minerals are allocated and managed, and how contestations over these distributions play out. You will be taught by world-class experts from the School of Geographical Sciences, ranked 15th globally for Geography (QS World University Subject Ranking 2026), the MSc in Global Development and Environment is aimed at talented graduates seeking to develop or enhance their expertise in development and environment to address these challenges.

Faculty: Faculty of Science and Engineering | Department: School of Geographical Sciences | Duration: One year full-time, Two years part-time | Study mode: full-time, part-time | Intake: September 2027 | Location: Bristol, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

The foundational programme unit is Global Development and Environment: History, Theory, Practice. You will also be required to undertake a policy-focused unit, developing your practical skills by working in small teams to address real-world policy and management challenges facing external clients including public agencies, private organisations and NGOs. A third core unit, Sustainability, Risk and Resilience in the Urban Age, will introduce you to issues facing our urbanising planet, including migration and global urban governance.

Career pathways

In addition to the University's wide range of career services, the School of Geographical Sciences offers dedicated coaching sessions and workshops to support students' future careers. The School also regularly organises alumni events to help connect current students with past graduates working in various sectors.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in any arts, humanities, social science, science or professional degree (medicine, architecture, planning or engineering). We will also consider applicants with other degree subjects on a case-by-case basis if applicants have completed one undergraduate module with a focus on development or environmental studies. Relevant development-focused modules include those with titles containing "development" or closely related themes. English language: profile level E.

Domestic applicants: GBP 15,000 a year (2027/28). full-time per year; 2027 entry, subject to annual review. Source

International applicants: GBP 33,200 a year (2027/28). full-time per year; 2027 entry, subject to annual review. Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: One year full-time, Two years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/start-application/

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