MSc Sustainable Development at University of Surrey

Our Sustainable Development MSc is a future‑focused programme that equips you to design and deliver transformative solutions to today’s most urgent sustainability challenges. You’ll develop the strategic, analytical and digital skills needed to help businesses, governments and communities transition to low‑carbon, climate‑resilient and socially just futures.

Department: Centre for Environment and Sustainability  |  Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years full-time (with placement); 5 years part-time  |  Study mode: full-time; full-time (with placement); part-time  |  Intake: February 2027, September 2027  |  Location: Guildford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Explore the latest thinking in climate policy, sustainable business, environmental governance, the circular economy and just transitions Analyse the relationships between environmental challenges and human systems, including political, socio‑economic, ethical, cultural and regulatory dimensions Build practical skills in systems thinking, life cycle assessment, environmental auditing and sustainability reporting. Core modules include Environmental Science and Society, Corporate Sustainability, Foundations and Applications of Sustainable Development, Ecological Economics, Dissertation (ces).

Career pathways

Sustainability is now a strategic priority across sectors, creating strong demand for graduates who can combine systems thinking, analytical skills and the ability to deliver change in complex organisations.

Official programme page