Global Sustainable Development, MSc
How will we tackle ongoing global challenges? Join our MSc programme – Global Sustainable Development.
Despite progress in many aspects of global development over recent decades, about 735 million people experienced hunger in 2022, an increase of 122 million since 2019. Degradation of our natural resources – land, water, forests, and biodiversity – continues at alarming rates. These challenges are exacerbated by climate change and violent conflicts in many parts of the world. Tackling these challenges and ensuring a better future will require sustainable development and Transformative Change (TC) – change that is disruptive, systemic, occurs at relatively large scales, and involves a reconfiguration of technology, economy, institutions, and society.
Our Global Sustainable Development MSc will provide you with an in-depth understanding of Development Studies theory and practice, including different conceptions of human, societal and environmental changes. Drawing on real-world-lessons from various domains (economic, environmental, social, and institutional), sectors (agri-food, energy, education, and financial services) and contexts (developing and developed countries), you will develop the capacity to critically discuss, analyse, and evaluate sustainable development and TC. You will develop hands-on skills in sustainable development design and planning, project management, research, and impact evaluation methods, and familiarity with systems modelling and relevant software. The MSc will enhance your communication, networking, and community-engagement skills.
Location
Duration
- 1 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
Start month
September
Home /international fees 2025/26
£11,325 /£17,975
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
At NRI, we maintain professional high standards and place the student experience at the heart of everything we do. Over 80 of our academics publish work in leading international journals, with 22 professors involved in research leadership. Many of our staff have become Fellows, Senior Fellows and Principal Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.
The course leader is Dr Md Mofakkarul Islam.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2.2, or above, in Development Studies, Geography, Environmental Studies, Agriculture, Economics, Social Sciences, Business Studies or a relevant subject.
Applicants who do not have the above may be considered on a case-by-case basis provided they possess appropriate work experience. In such cases, applicants will need to submit a portfolio of evidence and participate in an interview.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Teaching
This course is taught by lectures, seminars, visits and fieldworks, IT/computer lab sessions, supervised research, and guided studies. You also take an independent research project. This gives you the opportunity to carry out original research in a well-equipped department, supported by staff with diverse interests and experience.
Class sizes
We limit class sizes to enhance the learning experience. The average class size on this course is around 10 students per year. Class size depends on your choice of optional modules.
Independent learning
Our courses are designed to give you the space for exploratory and independent study. You'll work towards individual and group assignments and undertake the preparation/follow-up work associated with lectures, seminars, integrative assignments and IT/computer lab sessions.
A research skills module will shape your approach to independent learning, especially for your research project.
We encourage students to take advantage of a range of related extra-curricular opportunities. The faculty hosts regular seminars from NRI staff and external visitors on a range of diverse topics.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job. For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion with the number of courses you are studying.
Assessment
Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, such as:
- Assignments based on problem solving and analytical tasks
- Essays, reports and presentations (oral, podcasts, videos, etc.)
- A final dissertation which is required to achieve the MSc.
Feedback summary
University policy is to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days of the coursework submission date.
Examination results will be available within 28 days.
Dates and timetables
Each academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Fees and funding
University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.
(Source: DfE Graduate labour market statistics: 2023/DfE Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035).
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | £11,325 | £1,887 per 30 credits | N/A |
| International | £17,975 | £2,996 per 30 credits | N/A |
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.
The Greenwich Bursary
This bursary is worth £700 for new undergraduate students with a low household income, entering Year 0 or 1 who meet the eligibility criteria.
EU Bursary
Following the UK's departure from the European Union, we are supporting new EU students by offering a substantial fee-reduction for studying.
Financial support
We want your time at university to be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress, so planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
Careers and placements
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Our interdisciplinary MSc will make you employment ready for opportunities in government and NGOs worldwide, as managers, policy makers and researchers who can analyse, facilitate, plan, and lead transformative change towards sustainable development.
Do you provide employability services?
We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. This includes an Employer Partnerships Manager, who works with companies to provide placement and employment opportunities.
Our team will also help you understand the jobs market, produce effective CVs, and prepare for a graduate job and placement applications in your final year.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We allocate you a personal tutor, who you meet soon after you join the department. Their role is to support your personal and academic development and act as your point of contact for queries or problems.
Support from the department
We help new students over the first few weeks with our faculty and department induction. This covers the first week of term 1 (September) and term 2 (January).
We'll also help you discover the academic and social landscape at Medway Campus.
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Mode of study
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