Overview
Are you keen to tackle climate change, resource depletion, biodiversity loss or social inequality? Environmental crises are helping to create a rising demand for sustainability professionals. Sustainability roles are among the fastest growing globally over the past five years (Source: Prospects, 2025). The UK green technology and sustainability market is expected to reach £2,639.66 ($3,577.4) million by 2030 (Source: Grand View Research.com).
We are renowned for training global environmental leaders with a unique skill set. You'll address environmental challenges at a local and global level. On this interdisciplinary Global Environmental Sustainability Masters you'll learn to:
- explore environmental challenges through politics, law, conflict management, economics and natural science;
- understand how decisions and policies affect people and nature;
- think critically and create fair outcomes for everyone - socially, economically, and environmentally.
This sustainability Masters is open to graduates from any discipline.
Networking and collaboration opportunities
Benefit from networking and internship opportunities with Scotland's International Environment Centre (SIEC). SIEC is a University of Stirling initiative pioneering sustainable innovation in the Forth Valley area. It’s driving the creation of a net-zero regional economy and serving as a global example of low-carbon growth.
There are opportunities to collaborate with the UN Development Programme and other environmental organisations.
Shaped by United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
We explore how environmental, social, and economic priorities can be addressed together. By working for the needs of future generations, this course reflects the values of UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Making an impact with knowledge and skills
This Masters course in sustainability will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to make an impact. One key focus is environmental impact assessment. This will allow you to study cases in-depth before developing a range of alternatives and solutions.
You will also learn about:
- global supply chains and financial aspects of sustainability;
- scoping and screening projects;
- identifying and evaluating environmental impacts;
- mitigation planning;
- public consultation and stakeholder engagement;
- report writing and presentation.
Top reasons to study with us
Course objectives
- Critically understand the key definitions, agents, structures and processes of global environmental sustainability.
- Apply interdisciplinary research methods to critically analyse agents, structures and processes of global environmental governance.
- Relate natural science foundations to the social dimensions of environmental sustainability at both the global and local level.
- Conduct independent and original research on global environmental sustainability using different methods and communicate results in a variety of ways, including digitally.
- Critically analyse and understand the socio-environmental and global political implications of global environmental sustainability.
- Produce and disseminate informed policy guidance based on specialised research that relates to global environmental sustainability.
Work placements
Students are encouraged to apply for placements and conduct their dissertation research in collaboration with Scotland's International Environment Centre and other partners.
Flexible learning
If you’re interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
Research overview
Students will benefit from the university's world renowned vibrant research community on sustainability. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a key part of the university's mission. You will have access to Scotland's International Environment Centre and its partners.
You will also be embedded in the community of the Centre for Environment Heritage, and Policy as well as the Environmental Justice and Low Carbon Transitions research cluster.
The University is also home to the Scotland Hydro Nation Chair, which aims to deliver sustainable water management in Scotland, as well as the FORTH2O partnership which aims to optimise water resources in the Forth catchment.
Entry requirements
Academic requirements
A minimum of a second class honours degree (2.1 preferred) or equivalent. Applicants without these formal qualifications but with significant appropriate/relevant work/life experience are encouraged to apply.
Other routes of entry
If you don't currently meet our academic requirements, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a variety of preparation programmes that can earn you the qualifications and skills you need to progress onto some of our courses. Explore University of Stirling International Study Centre to see the pathway and pre-masters routes available.
International entry requirements
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in reading and writing and 5.5 in speaking and listening.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with a minimum of 60 in reading and writing and 59 in speaking and listening.
- IBT TOEFL 88 overall with a minimum of 20 in reading, 19 in writing, 19 in listening and 22 in speaking.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, University of Stirling International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses.
Course details
Modules
Teaching
Interdisciplinarity lies at the core of the MSc in Global Environmental Sustainability. Students learn through seminars, lectures, practitioner engagements, research (using a range of methods)
We offer a collaborative approach to teaching. One innovative approach foregrounds the relationship between the study of the social world and nature.
The core modules are based on small group seminars and teaching. This prepares students for independent study and research. This includes applied case studies and Environmental Impact Assessments.
Teaching and learning is also supported by feedback and guidance sessions. Lecturers are available on a one-to-one or in small group formats as appropriate.
Fieldwork
Fieldwork is subject to ethical approval and risk assessments. Students will be trained to conduct fieldwork as part of their research activities.
Assessment
Students will be assessed by a range of different methods. This includes environmental impact assessment reports, case studies, as well as conventional essays. The major independent research work will be the final year dissertation, which can also be developed as a project with a partner.
Course director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
University of Stirling alumni will automatically be awarded a fee waiver for the first year of Masters studies through our Stirling Alumni Scholarship.
Applicants from the UK or Republic of Ireland who hold a first-class honours degree or equivalent will automatically be awarded a £2,000 scholarship through our Postgraduate Merit Scholarship.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Eligible students could receive a scholarship worth between £4,000-£7,000. See our range of generous scholarships for international postgraduate students.
If you need to extend your period of study, you may be liable for additional fees.
If you are studying part time, the total course fee will be split over the years that you study. The total fee will remain the same and will be held at the rate set in your year of entry.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
|
Full-time fee |
|
|---|---|
| Students from the UK and Republic of Ireland | £10,100 |
| International (including EU) students | £21,800 |
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
This course is eligible for a postgraduate tuition fee loan from one of the UK’s governments. See the Scholarships and funding section, below, for more details.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Scholarships and funding
Funding
If you have the talent, ability and drive to study with us, we want to make sure you make the most of the opportunity – regardless of your financial circumstances.
Learn more about available funding opportunities or use our scholarship finder to explore our range of scholarships.
Postgraduate tuition fee loans
Scottish students may be eligible to apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for loans of up to £13,900 to cover tuition fees and associated living costs.
English students can apply for a loan of up to £12,858 each year as part of the Postgraduate Masters Loan Scheme.
Welsh students can apply for financial support of up to £19,255 as a combination of grant and loan from Student Finance Wales.
Northern Irish students can apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 from Student Finance NI.
International students may be able to gain additional funding from loan providers.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay
After you graduate
We've designed this course to prepare you for a career in global environmental sustainability.
This can be either at the local or national level working as sustainability officers, specialists and advisors for:
- private sector
- local councils
- government
- non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
Many organisations, both private and public, are increasingly involved in developing climate and sustainability strategies.
Key roles include:
- climate change officers
- environmental policy makers
- sustainability officers or coordinators
- sustainability consultant
- corporate responsibility executive
- environmental engineers
- energy engineers
There’s also a range of international career opportunities.
How much will you earn?
Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and specific roles within the public or private sector.
Climate Change Officers earn an average salary of around £35,348 per year. Entry-level positions start at around £30,026, while experienced officers can earn up to £45,318 per year. (Source: talent.com)
Environmental policy makers can earn between £47,354 and £60,515 per year.
Sustainability Coordinators can earn an average salary of £29,290 per year, with more experienced coordinators earning up to £35,000 per year. (Source: QS Top Universities)
Sustainability managers average around £49,300 annually. Overall, the average salary for sustainability jobs in the UK is approximately £37,500. (Source: Prospects, 2025)
