Overview
This one-year MSc programme (with an optional six-month work placement) will equip you with skills across the disciplines of science, engineering design, entrepreneurship, and business planning, preparing you to become a leader and innovator in the growing field of environmental sustainability.
The 6-month work placement is an extension of the programme helping you transition into your desired career paths, whether as business entrepreneurs, leaders, designers, or innovators. It is designed to help you apply your course learnings in a real-world setting, enhancing your practical skills and boosting your future career prospects.
The course is designed to immerse you in diverse problem-solving frameworks, to address contemporary, pressing environmental challenges head-on. Whether you're poised to launch your own business or look to kickstart your career in the dynamic realm of sustainability and environmental governance, this programme is your gateway.
Prepare to delve into the intricate intersection of theory and practice, gaining a deep understanding of environmental realities at the interface of theory and practice and profound insights into sustainable development issues.
Along the journey, you'll master essential tools, methods, technologies, and policies vital for steering products and businesses towards sustainable management.
You will also undertake a research project, typically aligned with your chosen specialization, which can be desk-based and focused on a research idea or a business plan, often in collaboration with external organizations in the UK or abroad.
Added value
By completing this course, you will possess a broad set of skills essential for a career in the environmental and sustainability sectors. The course is accredited by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), entitling students to free IEMA student membership for the duration of the course.
Upon successful completion of the programme, you will qualify for GradIEMA, a graduate membership that serves as a launchpad for future leaders in environment and sustainability.
This membership offers a range of benefits to support you throughout your career and provides a fast track to Practitioner Membership (PIEMA) upon successful completion of a work-based assessment of competence.
Watch these videos to find out why Gracen and Tom chose this course.
You can hear more from two inspirational alumni here.
Dean’s International Scholarship: This course offers a £2,000 fee waiver to eligible full-time international students. Find out more
Vice Chancellor's Excellence Award: Self-funded international students can apply for a £5,000 fee reduction. Find out more
Course content
This course is designed to nurture future leaders in environmental sustainability and entrepreneurship. The curriculum integrates three key disciplines essential for fostering a sustainability mindset: science, engineering design, and business planning.
Starting in September, the one-year program includes seven compulsory modules and one optional module, providing a comprehensive foundation while allowing for specialization in areas of personal or professional interest.
Compulsory
- ES5625 - Strategic Sustainable Development
This module covers the core concepts of Strategic Sustainable Development (SSD), offering an in-depth understanding of a structured planning and decision-making model applicable to real-world issues. It incorporates transition management theories and introduces an innovative tool for assessing sustainability.
- PP5708 - International Political Economy, with ES5809 International Political Economy Assessment
This module offers a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts, debates, and theories in the study of International Political Economy (IPE). It critically examines several principal issues in the global economy as discussed in the IPE literature.
- MG5701 – Entrepreneurship, with ES5808 Plan and Pitch Assessment
This module introduces entrepreneurship both as an academic field and as a framework for analysis. It emphasizes the significance of entrepreneurship in society and explores its nature comprehensively. The module delves into the psychological and behavioural traits of entrepreneurs, and the procedural aspects by reviewing and analysing the main approaches to entrepreneurial processes.
- MG5590 - Business Planning
This module is designed to foster a comprehensive grasp of the complexities and potential of business planning through practical application.
It elucidates the business planning journey and crafts a viable business plan. This involves synthesizing various aspects of business planning, including market analysis, competitive assessment, business model development, and financial planning, into a cohesive framework.
- DM5702 - Professional Design Studio
This module presents informed perspectives on the extensive societal, environmental, economic, and technological impact of design. It delves into the design process and elucidates distinctions in its application across external consultancies, corporate industrial settings, and global organizations.
- DM5533 - Sustainable Design
This module seeks to pinpoint critical contemporary environmental and socio-economic sustainability concerns. It aims to cultivate a profound understanding of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), including its strengths and limitations. Additionally, it offers training on the steps followed for the environmental assessment of a product during the initial phases of the design process.
- ES5500 - Dissertation
The dissertation offers you the opportunity to delve deeply into a research concept or a business proposal, often in partnership with external organizations either within the UK or internationally, utilizing primary or secondary data sources. The goal is to foster a comprehensive, interdisciplinary comprehension of the chosen topic.
- ES5605 - Portfolio (programme with the optional 6-month work placement)
The main goal of this portfolio is to articulate your professional experiences and highlight the skills honed through real-world engagement. It aims to encapsulate your learnings and elucidate the tools, methods, and techniques acquired during the MSc program with placement.
Optional
- ES5606 - Clean Technology
This module is developed to impart knowledge and comprehension of clean technology development, particularly focusing on industrial and utility processes that advance sustainable resource utilization while minimizing pollution throughout resource extraction, processing, and manufacturing stages.
- ES5620 - Environmental Management
The module examines the foundational principles and extensive scope of environmental management practices and policies, aiming to foster sustainable development (SD) at local, national, and global levels.
- MG5610 - Consumer Behaviour
This module cultivates a critical understanding of the multifaceted factors, both external and internal (psychological, social, cultural, and economic), that shape marketing decisions and consumer behaviour in personal purchasing scenarios.
- DM5544 - Design Innovation Futures
This module elucidates the nexus between future forecasting, design strategy, and innovation, engaging with the intricacies of future prediction and its ramifications for design-oriented change management. It incorporates current and prospective trends into recommendations for design and innovation.
- MG5564 - International Business Strategy
This module elucidates the forces influencing organizational operating environments domestically and internationally. It systematically applies business management theories, concepts, and techniques to pivotal international business activities such as foreign market entry.
- MG5573 - Logistics and Supply Chain Management
This module provides a solid understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles, fostering a critical appreciation of relevant theoretical frameworks within the context of contemporary business practices.
- MG5703 - International Business Ethics, Sustainability, and Corporate Governance
This study block delves into the domains of business ethics, sustainability, and corporate governance within the international landscape. It examines both areas through the lens of dual business models, the shareholder and the stakeholder approaches.
This course can be studied undefined undefined, starting in undefined.
This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of postgraduate degrees at Brunel
Careers and your future
Upon completion of the course, you'll be equipped with the skills to actively contribute to the global momentum towards building a sustainable society.
Here are some enticing pathways you might consider:
- Embark on the journey of entrepreneurship by launching your own business, leveraging your skills as a designer or innovator, and securing investment.
- Catalyse change and leadership within existing businesses committed to sustainability.
- Forge a path in corporate institutions or public bodies, such as local and regional governments or NGOs, as a senior sustainability and environmental coordinator/manager.
- Act as an expert advisor on sustainable business practices and policies, guiding companies in sustainability assessment and new product development.
- Work as a consultant for emerging green enterprises and sustainability service providers.
In addition, the course will immerse you in corporate environments, exposing you to startup opportunities and expanding your professional network.
UK entry requirements
2025/6 entry
- A 2:2 (or above) UK Honours degree, or equivalent internationally recognised qualification, in Design, Science (e.g. Environmental and Social Sciences Engineering), Management, Business Studies or a related subject.
Applicants with other qualifications will be considered if these are supported by a science A-level (or equivalent) and relevant work experience
Other relevant qualifications may be considered if applicants hold 3 years' relevant work experience.
The personal statement must show an interest in Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Business/Design together.
EU and International entry requirements
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
- BrunELT: 63% (min 58% in all areas)
- TOEFL: 90 (min 20 in all)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2024/25 entry
UK
£11,550 full-time
International
£23,615 full-time
More information on any additional course-related costs.
Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.
See our fees and funding page for full details of postgraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Scholarships and bursaries
Teaching and learning
Our approach to teaching involves a blend of in-person attendance of lectures, seminars, workshops, practical sessions, demonstrations, and student-led activities on campus and individual reading using supplementary resources provided through our Brightspace Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
While most lectures, seminars, and practical sessions will be conducted face-to-face, we understand that there may be exceptions. Module leaders may also organize supplementary sessions, briefings, revision sessions, or Q&A sessions on online platforms to complement on-campus learning.
In addition to our comprehensive on-campus schedule, you'll have access to a wealth of resources, including lecture recordings, videos, interactive activities, and recommended reading materials.
It's important to note that while these online resources can be valuable supplements, they are not intended to replace the rich experience of participating in lively in-person discussions alongside your peers.
Your presence on campus is vital to fully engage with our immersive, interactive learning methods, which emphasize problem-based and inquiry-based approaches, as well as collaborative learning.
Required equipment;
Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities and completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.
We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.
Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.
We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.
Throughout this course, you'll have the privilege of tapping into the wealth of knowledge and expertise spanning three distinguished colleges at Brunel University: the College of Medicine Health and Life Sciences (CHMLS), the College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences (CEDPS), and the College of Business, Arts and Social Sciences (CBASS).
Benefiting from a diverse array of experts across various disciplines, you'll have the opportunity to cultivate a broad spectrum of skills essential for your future endeavours. Your network will extend across all three colleges, facilitating interaction and idea exchange with postgraduate students from diverse academic backgrounds across the university.
Rest assured, should you require any non-academic support during your time at Brunel, the Student Support and Welfare Team stands ready to assist you every step of the way.
Assessment and feedback
Assessments in this programme encompass a variety of formats, including coursework, formal written examinations, individual and group assignments, as well as oral and poster presentations. For online essays, exams, and coursework submissions, we utilize the WISEflow platform for streamlined management.
Exams may include both in-person invigilated written exams and online open-book assessments. For online assessments, access to a personal computer is essential.
Additionally, your dissertation, along with the reflective portfolio if you opt for the optional six-month placement period, also serve as forms of assessment.
