MSc — 2025 entry Sustainable Development in Practice (Online)
Building a more sustainable and just world is our greatest opportunity and our greatest challenge as a society. We can only achieve world-changing solutions by working together – across disciplines and across borders. Stand out in your field with sustainability expertise and help develop transformative solutions.
About this
course
The online MSc Sustainable Development in Practice will prepare you to take a systems-level approach to the development of sustainability solutions and explore ways to solve the sustainability challenges governments, organisations and communities face.
Surrey’s Institute for Sustainability, a pan-university hub that champions transdisciplinary sustainability research and action, runs this postgraduate-taught online course. The MSc aligns with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which means you will be able to execute solutions within the UN framework.
Statistics
Aligned with UN goals
We emphasise executing sustainable solutions within the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development framework.
No test scores required
Our holistic approach to reviewing applications means we value more than just test scores.
No application fee
Surrey is committed to providing accessible education pathways without application fees.
What you will study
Experience a global overview of today’s existential challenge: the need to build a new social, economic and institutional system that guarantees long-term wellbeing for all. If you’re ready to find proactive solutions to solve the world’s sustainability challenges today, this course is for you.
The course takes a systems-driven and innovation-led approach, with a strong focus on policy implementation in government, business and society.
Modules
The course consists of 180 credits and is divided into 10 fully autonomous credit-bearing modules, delivered through a “carousel” approach across six terms. All modules are worth 15 credits, except the final Review Essay, which is worth 30 credits.
Tuition and fees are subject to change and may increase each academic year. Tuition does not include technology platform licensing, or support services.
Once you have been accepted on the course, pay your tuition fees online.
February 2025 - Part-time - 2 years
- UK/Overseas
- £5,950 per year
June 2025 - Part-time - 2 years
- UK/Overseas
- £5,950 per year
September 2025 - Part-time - 2 years
- UK/Overseas
- To be confirmed per year
A complex world calls for flexible learning designed for your needs. In the online course, you will find an intuitive platform, comprehensive support, and top-notch education designed for real people with real lives.
- Attend biweekly face-to-face classes, held on Zoom, that allow for rich discussion and debate with peers and teaching staff.
- Complete interactive assignments, using a customisable platform that follows best practices for online learning.
- Access full-spectrum career services, including interview prep, one-on-one coaching, self-assessments, and salary resources.
- Connect with a student success advisor, who will serve as your dedicated partner throughout the course.
Learn from expert teaching staff
At Surrey, you will experience research-informed teaching and practical learning that will inspire and empower you for personal and professional success. Our accessible, supportive academics are active in their respective fields and bring their extensive experience to the online classroom.
The module authors and teaching staff come from a diverse range of cultural and disciplinary backgrounds, which means you will gain a broad, global perspective on sustainable development practices and solutions.
After you graduate, you will be equipped to become a sustainability practitioner, leader and problem-solver in the public, private or third sector. The course’s emphasis on practical solutions, UN processes and ESG applications can prepare you for a variety of international job opportunities.
Get ready to influence policy, change behaviours, develop nature-based solutions, achieve operational compliance with environmental regulations and – most importantly – implement innovative solutions that achieve long-term wellbeing for current and future generations.
We seek applicants who want to drive innovation and solve some of the world’s biggest environmental challenges.
Applicants must have a minimum of a lower second-class honours (2:2) UK undergraduate degree, or a recognised equivalent international qualification.
International students in the United Kingdom
Search for entry requirements for your country to find the grade and qualifications we will accept.
Relevant work experience may also be considered.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence of your English language level. We accept results from the IELTS Academic with a minimum score of 6.5 overall, with 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in each other element.
Application requirements
For further information, please see our admissions criteria and application requirements.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:
- First when we make an offer.
- Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.