MSc Circular Economy at University of Edinburgh

Programme overview

An interdisciplinary one-year MSc that prepares students to drive the transition to a circular economy, supporting communities, businesses and policymakers. It contrasts the linear take-make-discard model with systems designed to keep products and materials circulating at their highest value.

What you will study

Students complete 180 credits: core courses on the fundamentals of a circular economy, designing for a circular economy, circular business models, and circular data and metrics; option courses from the Edinburgh Futures Institute portfolio; and an independent final project that can follow personal, employer-defined or partner-sponsored interests.

Career pathways

Governments, multinational corporations, public sector bodies and local enterprises are embedding circular economy strategies, creating roles for graduates with specialist skills across sectors and scales.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Programme (2027-28 entry): UK 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in any discipline. Applicants with other professional qualifications or experience will also be considered. English language (all applicants, including UK nationals): IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with at least 6.5 in each component; TOEFL iBT (from 21 January 2026) 5.0 overall with at least 4.5 in each component. Application rounds: Round 1 apply by 14 December 2026; Round 2 apply by 31 May 2027.

Domestic applicants: GBP 18,900 a year (2027/28). MSc, one-year full-time, Home fee Source

International applicants: GBP 33,600 a year (2027/28). MSc, one-year full-time, Overseas/EU fee Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time

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