MSc Sustainability & Environmental Studies
ApplyKey facts
- Start date: September & January
- Accreditation: Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation & Institute of Highway Engineers
- Study mode and duration: 12 months full-time; 24 months or 36 months part-time (on campus); 36 months part-time distance learning; 60 months professional development route
Award: Only engineering department of its kind in Scotland with an Athena SWAN Gold Award
Eligibility: All academic backgrounds accepted
Study with us
- carry out an industrial project
- suitable for graduates for any background
- examine strategies and policy options for achieving sustainable development
- offers a cross-disciplinary approach to the study of environmental management, policy, the circular economy, sustainability and sustainable development in both developed and developing countries
Accreditation
This degree is accredited by the
- Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
- Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)
- Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT)
- Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE)
on behalf of the Engineering Council as: meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng accredited undergraduate first degree.*
See Joint Board of Moderators website for further information.
*It should be noted that candidates completing the MSc who hold an underpinning accredited IEng degree or a non-accredited bachelor degree will need to apply for an academic assessment to determine whether they will meet the educational base for CEng registration.
Why this course?
Our MSc Sustainability & Environmental Studies offers a cross-disciplinary approach to the study of environmental management, policy, the circular economy, sustainability and sustainable development in both developed and developing countries. It is suitable for applicants from all academic backgrounds and our wide range of subject options enables you to choose classes to suit your background.
You’ll learn about major environmental issues and the circular economy and gain an understanding of the methods in which environmental considerations and climate change are used in development and planning decisions. You'll be expected to probe, for example, strategies and policy options for achieving sustainable development without increasing the ecological footprint of economic activities.
The course was established over 30 years ago, making it one of the longest-running sustainability degrees in the UK. The University celebrated the 30-year anniversary with a photographic exhibition showcasing how alumni from this degree are contributing to "Sustainability in Action" in a variety of jobs globally.
Our graduates are in demand
There’s a strong demand for graduates with skills in environmental management, circular economy and policy-making. We’ve seen our graduates capitalise on a wide range of employment within the private, public and voluntary sectors.
Athena Swan Gold
We've been awarded the Athena Swan Gold Award for our work supporting women in engineering. The Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering was the first engineering department in Scotland, and is currently the only civil engineering department in the UK, with an Athena SWAN Gold Award.

What you'll study
You'll take three compulsory classes and choose a further nine from a wide range of optional classes. Each class is normally taught for two hours per week over eight to 11 weeks. Following successful completion of the taught classes, you'll undertake a dissertation from June to August.
Work placement
As part of the class Independent Study in Collaboration with Industry, you can apply to work with industry projects.
Attendance
One year full-time study involves attendance at classes over two terms, plus a dissertation during the third term.
Part-time (open to UK/EU students only) involves class attendance in Years 1 & 2 and a dissertation in Years 2 or 3.
You can also study this course part-time through online distance learning, over 36 months, offering a flexible learning mode of study.
Flexible learning
Students from Scotland/EU can also choose to study through Flexible Learning. This is initially a non-graduating route. You register for one module at a time and have the option to build up credits eventually leading to a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or MSc. You can take up to five years to achieve the qualification.
This option is popular with students in employment, who may wish to undertake modules for Continuing Professional Development purposes.
Scottish/EU students who do not meet the normal MSc entry requirements for this programme are welcome to apply through the Flexible Learning route.




Facilities
Our £6 million state-of-the-art laboratory facilities are well-equipped with high-technological instrumentation and available space to investigate:
- environmental & molecular microbiology
- environmental chemistry
- analytical chemistry
- geomechanics & soil quality
- structural design & material science
Discover more about our laboratory facilities.
Living Laboratory for Sustainability
You'll benefit from this innovative initiative which encourages students and researchers to carry out projects that aim to work towards the enhancement of the University’s sustainability. Get involved with Sustainable Strathclyde.
Teaching staff
Dr Elsa João, MSc Sustainability and Environmental Studies Course Director and Leader
Plus other members of staff that are part of the Centre for Water, Environment, Sustainability & Public Health.
Meet our students
Course content
* Denotes classes that are available for distance learning. Please note: not all electives are available for distance learning study mode.
Circular Economy & Transformations Towards Sustainability*
The class, run by the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, introduces circular economy as a systems-based concept in which production is designed to be restorative and resilient, while waste is designed out of the system. Circular economy is thus featured as a reaction to the conventional dispensation of the linear ‘make-use-dispose’ economy, and as a framework for the development and management of a sustainable, ‘waste-as-a-resource’ economic system. The implications of the concept for research, policy and industrial practice are also explored as these relate to innovation and knowledge production; social trends and consumer behaviour; conservation and sustainable use of energy and material resources; climate change and environmental sustainability; and design of business models for green enterprise development and for sustainable growth and employment generation.
Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methods*
In this class, run by the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, students will acquire familiarity with, and practice of, research techniques, and examine different ways of, and gain experience in, presenting research results.
The class discusses the key principles, and practical exercises, on both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including survey methods, interviewing techniques, use of census data and statistical methods.
The class also includes discussion of ethical issues.
Finally, there is dissertation-related teaching on choosing a research question and a research method, and writing a research proposal. This is a semester 1 and 2 class but meetings do not take place every week.
Environmental Impact Assessment*
This class, run by the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, provides an introduction to the methods used to predict environmental impacts, and evaluates how these may be used to integrate environmental factors into decisions. The class draws principally on the UK planning context of environmental impact assessment of individual projects (project EIA), but also takes account of EIA experience in other countries and international organisations. Students are also introduced to key principles of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).
City Systems & Infrastructure
This class will examine the key systems and infrastructure on which urban centres depend and promote critical reflection on how the design, management and monitoring of these systems impact on the social, environmental and economic sustainability of cities. The use of case studies will allow students to engage with real-world situations, challenges and opportunities and consider multiple infrastructure and technology options for sustainable city strategies. Teaching staff: Dr Neil Ferguson
Contaminated Land*
Within the background of land redevelopment (residential, industrial/commercial and gardens/parks), this class aims to provide insights into the remediation of contaminated land, including the regulatory framework and risk assessment, sampling and analysis, and various remedial techniques for contaminated land. Teaching staff: Dr Christine Switzer.
Energy Economics*
Energy resources (such as crude oil, natural gas, coal, biomass, wind and sunlight) can be harvested and converted into useful forms to produce energy commodities (such as petroleum and diesel fuel, natural gas, and electricity) that can be used to provide energy services for human activities.
The class begins by studying the forces that generate both demand for and supply of energy resources and energy commodities. It considers what factors determine the way those commodities are transported to users, and how residuals are disposed of. It investigates the roles of alternative market and regulatory structures on these activities, the impacts of such activities and their environmental consequences.
The class identifies criteria required for the efficient provision and use of energy commodities and resources and reasons why efficiency is rarely achieved. The class adopts a practical, applied orientation throughout. Applications include the evaluation of renewable energy projects and the economic analysis of nuclear power.
Energy Resources & Policy
Against the background of international commitments on atmospheric emissions, diminishing fossil fuel resources and the liberalisation of energy markets, this class examines sustainable options for energy production, supply and consumption.
The aim is to give students an understanding of current trends, and to enable a critical evaluation of emerging ideas, technologies and policies.
Environmental Economics*
The main objective of this class is to provide a grounding in the economics of the environment. It demonstrates what economic analysis can contribute to discussions about the use of our natural capital (or environmental resource) base, and to discussions about policy responses to environmental problems.
A key element of the economic approach to environmental policy is ‘value for money’ - designing policy interventions that give the greatest environmental improvement for any particular budget outlay. But economic analysis also deals with questions about sustainability (and so impacts on future generations) and equity between different individuals, groups, and countries.
This class pays particular attention to international environmental problems. Such problems have been high on the agenda for environmental policy interventions since the Rio Summit of 1992, yet are ones that seem to be the most difficult to make progress with. We examine why this has been the case, making use of the growing literature on international environmental agreements.
The class adopts a practical, applied orientation throughout. Applications include transport policy, water quality and availability, global climate change, and loss of biological diversity.
Environmental Pollution Management*
In this class, you'll develop in-depth knowledge and skills regarding the science, engineering and management of environmental pollution control approaches to protect public health. You'll benefit from research-led teaching at the interface between public health and environmental engineering, with a particular focus on risk-centred methods. Lecture sessions are complemented by industrial and government case studies in contemporary air quality management practice. Teaching staff: Dr Iain Beverland.
Financial Engineering*
This class explores financial options for ensuring the solvency and financial sustainability of business ventures. It covers topics including financial reporting and financial accounting in relation to the wider issues of corporate behaviour and corporate governance. Also covered are:
- financial instruments
- asset valuation
- capital project financing and methods of raising capital
- capital structure and gearing
- risk management
- elements of portfolio management
- corporate business and financial strategies, including mergers, acquisitions and restructuring as aspects of financial engineering and corporate business management
The class will also look into the implications of the occurrence of financial crises at corporate, national and global levels for the financial engineering practice.
Games of Strategy*
In many environments, decisions are not made in a vacuum: what any individual does affects the wellbeing of others, and vice-versa. When this is the case decision-making requires some very careful thought indeed. Game Theory recognises this inter-dependence of decisions, and through its study students will develop skills to analyse such strategic environments using appropriate game theoretic tools, enabling them to enhance their decision-making ability in environments where they face strategic adversaries. Whilst Game Theory is used extensively in Economics, it is also of great importance in the business environment whenever interactions take place at a strategic level.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS)*
This practical-based class provides a thorough introduction to the rapidly growing field of Geographical Information Science. The class covers the key theoretical principles but also provides many computer-based exercises using current state-of-the-art Geographical Information Systems (GIS) – namely IDRISI and ArcGIS. The class evaluates how GIS can be used for spatial query and analysis, while at the same time assessing the quality and the effectiveness of the resultant products in terms of their use. Teaching staff: Dr Elsa João
Global Water Policy*
This class aims to provide you with the ability to:
- recognise the issues relating to overall global water policy and its interactions with other global issues
- discuss the impact of climate change and economic development on water resources and availability
- explore the different implementation issues based on regional case studies
- explore the role of stakeholders on the acceptance and achievement of policy objectives
Independent Study in Collaboration with Industry*
This class will allow students carrying out placements and projects with industry to develop and refine professional skills while gaining credits in the process.
One project will be the small or medium sized enterprise (SME) Carbon Audit that students carry out with training from Carbon Trust. A placement type project activity is another possibility, by individual agreement.
Approval of students being able to take this module would be done on case-by-case basis by MSc course leaders. You’ll be selected by competitive application and CV.
International Development*
This class introduces contemporary issues in the economics of development. The course aims to combine insights from theoretical economic models with empirical evidence regarding issues in low-income countries.
Principles of Environmental Microbiology*
This class introduces microbiology in a manner that is of practical importance in environmental engineering and science.
Topics covered include:
- the microbial ecology and microbiology of dilute nutrient solutions such as lakes, subsurface environmental and biological treatment processes
- microbial physiology
- biochemistry
- biodegradation
- public health aspects of microbiology
Public Health Studies*
This class, run by the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, develops students’ understanding of public and environmental health, and the multidisciplinary approach in preventative and proactive action to safeguarding public health.
A diverse range of subjects are covered ranging from the risk assessment approach taken with respect to protecting the public from private water supplies, to the role of environmental health professionals in the prevention of the spread of infectious disease.
The class also provides students with fundamental knowledge regarding Health Improvement/Promotion and Health Protection, including the different methods used and the variety of agencies involved.
Renewable Marine Energy Systems
This class, run by Department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, provides students with an understanding of the ways in which the maritime environment can offer a significant contribution, in a sustainable manner, to global energy demands. Students undertake engineering assessments of the design and operation of marine energy generating systems. Students gain an appreciation of the nature of the sea and the statistics of wind, waves and currents and learn to use a variety of MathCad mathematical models of tidal, wind and wave energy device. The class assesses the relative merits of different marine energy systems based on engineering, environmental, political, social and economic issues.
Social Entrepreneurship
This class, run by Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, discusses key principles of social entrepreneurship. Social enterprises trade in many markets – selling goods and services to individual consumers, local authorities, government and private businesses. They aim to make a profit just like any private sector business. However, their profits or surpluses are reinvested back into their social and/or environmental purpose.
Water & Wastewater Treatment Design*
This module aims to develop a detailed understanding of treatment processes, as well as the ability to undertake design calculations sufficient to produce a concept and detailed design of a water and wastewater treatment plant.
Necessary requirement for this class
You must have a working knowledge of mathematics, equivalent to year-1 Calculus, and introductory knowledge of chemistry either from undergraduate or high school studies.
Waste Management & Landfill Design*
This class covers organisational and regulatory aspects of waste management practice in the UK: legislation, composition of domestic and industrial wastes, storage, collection, reception, and disposal of solid wastes, clinical wastes, sewage sludge disposal, recycling and recovery. Teaching staff: Dr Tara Beattie
Water & Environmental Management*
To develop an understanding of the physical, chemical and biological parameters within surface water and how these relate to water quality, water quality objectives and pollution control strategy. To provide knowledge on the design and process involved with the control of water and wastewater treatment.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements | Normally a first-class or second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in any degree discipline. All backgrounds considered, including social sciences, arts, engineering, law, chemistry, maths, physics, geology, biology and business. Lower degree classifications may be considered if there is strength elsewhere (for example, relevant work experience, excellent final project/dissertation, very strong academic letter of reference, very strong application statement linking with career goals.) |
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English language requirements | If English is not your first language, please visit our English language requirements page for full details of the requirements in place before making your application. |
Professional Development Courses | Alternative qualifications or professional experience may be considered by the course leader (Scottish/EU students only), depending on the class chosen. Find out more about our Flexible Learning options. |
British Council GREAT Scholarships
In partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, The University of Strathclyde, Faculty of Engineering is offering scholarships to students in India, Malaysia and Thailand applying for postgraduate courses in the areas of environmental sciences and climate change, including for this course. The scholarship programme offers financial support of a minimum of £10,000 to students pursuing specific one-year postgraduate courses within the Faculty of Engineering at Strathclyde.
To be considered applicants should typically have a 2:1 (or equivalent) in their undergraduate degree and have an offer for an eligible course at the University of Strathclyde. Please note that applicants should be passport holders of India, Malaysia or Thailand and there is 3 scholarships available - one for India, one for Malaysia and one for Thailand.
The deadline for applications is 1 June 2023.
Find out morePre-Masters preparation course
The Pre-Masters Programme is a preparation course held at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre, for international students (non EU/UK) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for a Masters degree at University of Strathclyde. The Pre-Masters programme provides progression to a number of degree options.
Upon successful completion, you'll be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.
Chat to a student ambassador
Want to know more about what it’s like to be a student at the University of Strathclyde? A selection of our current students are here to help!
Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all the questions you might have about courses and studying at Strathclyde, along with offering insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.
Chat now!Fees & funding
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Please note, for courses that have a January 2023 start date, 2022/23 academic year fees will apply. For courses that have a September 2023 and a January 2024 start date, 2023/24 academic year fees will apply.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.
Scotland | £9,600 |
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England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £9,600 |
International | £24,450 |
Available scholarships | Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
Visa & immigration | International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. |
Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
How can I fund my course?
Scottish postgraduate students
Scottish postgraduate students may be able to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The support is in the form of a tuition fee loan and for eligible students, a living cost loan. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from England
Students ordinarily resident in England may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance England. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Wales
Students ordinarily resident in Wales may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance Wales. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Northern Ireland
Postgraduate students who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland may be able to apply for support from Student Finance Northern Ireland. The support is a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
International students
We've a large range of scholarships available to help you fund your studies. Check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

We've been awarded the Athena Swan Gold Award for our work supporting women in engineering.

I would definitely recommend Strathclyde to anyone looking to study in the UK. The world today is a fast-paced and competitive environment and so the courses offered by Strathclyde equip students not only with the theoretical knowledge needed, but they also encourage students to think outside the box and apply the course concepts and learnings in assignments and projects in real-time.
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 100 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Visit our international students' sectionFaculty of Engineering Scholarships for International Students
If you're an international applicant applying for a full-time, on-campus postgraduate taught course in the Faculty of Engineering, you'll be eligible to apply for a scholarship award equivalent to a 15% reduction of your tuition fees, which will typically be £3,670.
In addition to this, we also have a limited number of Dean’s International Excellence Awards for our postgraduate taught applicants. These scholarships are worth £5,000 and £8,000 and will be offered to exceptional applicants at postgraduate taught level only. Applicants need to only submit one application and will be considered for all levels of postgraduate taught scholarships.
Scholarships are available for applicants to all self-funded, new international (non-EU) fee paying students holding an offer of study for a full-time, on campus postgraduate taught course in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Strathclyde.
Please note you must have an offer of study for a full-time course at Strathclyde before applying. You must start your full-time postgraduate taught course at Strathclyde in the coming academic year (2023-24), this can be in September 2023 or January 2024.
The deadline for applications for the Dean’s International Excellence Award is 31 May 2023.
Faculty of Engineering Scholarships for International StudentsCareers
After graduation, many of our graduates get an Associate membership of IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment) by doing the online exam. Becoming an Associate member of IEMA allows you to use the AIEMA suffix after your name — a way to prove to employers, clients and colleagues that you’re on the great career path that the MSc has given you
Most of our students also become members of the IAIA (International Association for Impact Assessment) as the University offers a bulk discount membership for students. The IAIA launched IAIA Work Experience Program in 2017, which is only available to IAIA members (including student members). This innovative programme allows members who complete specific projects of benefit to the IAIA to be recognised through:
- a Certificate acknowledging the work
- the ability to include that project as professional work on their CV
This programme enhances the professional capacity of our students who take on a project; gaining skills that are complementary to the MSc programme.
There’s a strong demand for graduates with environmental management and policy making skills. As a graduate, you may find yourself in a range of positions in:
- Private consultancies
- Government agencies
- Local authorities
- Environmental regulators, businesses and agencies
Job titles include:
- Community Renewal Energy Manager
- Energy & Environmental Manager
- Environmental Officer
- Estates Manager
- Graduate Planner
- Principal Senior Ecologist
Employers include:
- Atkins
- Bell Group
- East Dunbartonshire Council
- Epsco
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city
Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
Life in GlasgowApply
During the application process, you're required to upload the following supporting documents. If these are not provided, we'll not be able to process your application:
- certified individual semester mark sheets/academic transcript showing subjects taken and grades achieved for all qualifications; please note consolidated transcripts are not accepted
- if still studying, provide individual semester mark sheets to date
- certified degree certificate for all qualifications
- if still studying, provide this after completing the qualification
- provide evidence of suitable English language proficiency if English is not your first language, or you're not from a “UKVI recognised "Majority English Speaking" country”; check the University’s language requirements
- if you have been out of full-time education for over two years, provide a CV, detailing employment history, organisations worked for and a brief description of roles and responsibilities
- a copy of your passport containing your photo and passport number
- a copy of your sponsor letter/scholarship award (if appropriate)
- names, job titles and email addresses for two nominated referees
January intake
Applications for January 2024 are not yet open for this course. In the meantime, please register your interest for January 2024 and we’ll let you know when applications are open.
Please note that courses are subject to approval and may be withdrawn at any time.
Start date: Sep 2023
Sustainability and Environmental Studies
Start date: Sep 2023
Sustainability and Environmental Studies
Start date: Sep 2023
Sustainability and Environmental Studies - Online
Contact us
Faculty of Engineering
Telephone: +44 (0)141 574 5484 / +44 (0)141 574 5482
Email: eng-admissions@strath.ac.uk
Have you considered?
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