The need for sustainable development is a global imperative. As governments around the world strive for Net Zero amidst our current climate crisis, an understanding of how we can preserve our natural resources, maintain our supply chains, and ensure that our environment is positively impacted rather than degraded is becoming increasingly vital. Our MSc in Environment and Development prepares you to address the challenges faced in safeguarding the planet’s ecosystems in an increasingly complex and fast-developing world.
Who is this programme for?
This Master’s in Environment and Development is ideal for anyone with an undergraduate background in natural or social sciences related to the environment. Nevertheless, we are also very interested in hearing from students with alternative academic or practical backgrounds, including business and commerce, government and the not-for-profit sector.
Looking ahead to employability
The flexible and interdisciplinary nature of this course means that you will be able to tailor your learning to meet your specific interests and career plans, or alternatively to keep your options open by studying across a broad range of subjects and themes. At the Lancaster Environment Centre, we have one of the largest groups of environmental scientists in the UK as well as a wide network of industrial partners, meaning that you have opportunities to set yourself apart from other candidates.
You will also:
- Gain a solid foundation in the key theoretical arguments and debates related to environment and development, whilst acquiring the problem-solving, practical and field skills valued by employers.
- Have opportunities to explore a wide variety of topics through our wide range of optional module offerings.
- Develop your analytical and critical thinking abilities and communication skills so that you can effectively contribute to tackling and resolving complex environment-development problems.
What to expect
This programme offers a broad curriculum, covering essential topics linked to sustainable development, whilst giving you the opportunity to specialise through the optional modules. Optional modules span both the natural and social sciences, from sustainable soil management and conservation biology to environmental law, governance and politics. You will be able to focus on the areas that interest and excite you most, whilst gaining the deep knowledge to make a real-world impact.
Alongside taught modules, you will also complete a substantial dissertation project. This is your opportunity to apply your learning to a real-world challenge, whether through fieldwork or via collaboration with one of our external partners. With a choice of dissertation topics across a broad range of natural and social sciences themes, this project will further enhance your analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, making you highly attractive to potential employers.
