Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Design MSc

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

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.

This course can be studied 1 year full-time or 21 months full-time with placement, starting in September.

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.

• 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

• 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) 

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.