Centre for Development, Environment and Policy & Department of Development Studies

MSc Sustainable Development (Online)

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Key information

Start date
Duration
2 years
Start of programme
October / April
Attendance mode
Part-time
Location
Online
Fees

MSc: £10,270*
PGDip: £8,200*
PGCert: £4,100*

 

  • *Fees are set to increase for the September/October 2025 sessions. 

    The MSc will increase to £12,000. Each module will cost £2,000. 

 

Course code
OLTF0002
Entry requirements

We will consider all applications with a 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher in a relevant subject.

 

Afghanistan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree

Equivalent to 2:ii: 80% or 3.3/4.0 

Albania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): First Level Diploma (Diploma e nivelit te para) (3 Years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10

Algeria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence; Diplome de [subject area]; Diplome d'Etudes Superieures; Diplome de Docteur end Pharmacie; or Diplome de Docteur en Medecine from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20

Antigua and Barbuda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency):  Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Argentina: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo/ Grado de Licenciado/ Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 or Bueno 

Information for prospective students from Argentina

Australia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 / Credit / 60%

Information for prospective students from Australia

Austria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0 and overall Pass (Bestanden)

Azerbaijan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Bakalavr Diplomu) from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 3.5

Bahamas: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Bahrain: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 74% or 2.67

Information for prospective students from Bahrain

Bangladesh: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution OR  4 Year Bachelor's degree from SELECTED institutions

Equivalent to 2:ii: Masters: 55% or 2.7. Bachelor: 60% or 3.0

Information for prospective students from Bangladesh

Belgium: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licentiaat (Flanders) or Licencié (Wallonia). Post 2005 Bachelor/Bachelier 180 ECT degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or 12/20 (Flanders); or 65% (Wallonia). Bachelor:  60% or 12/20 

Information for prospective students from Belgium

Bolivia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado or Título de [subject area] from a recognised institution.  Minimum of 4 year

Equivalent to 2:ii: 67% 

Botswana: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (minimum 5 years) or Master Degree from the University of Botswana

Equivalent to 2:ii: C / 60% / 2:2

Brazil: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Bacharel / Título de [subject area] / Título de Licenciado/a (4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.5 or 65%

Information for prospective students from Brazil

Brunei: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Honours) from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons; 50% / 3.5 out of 5.0

Information for prospective students from Brunei

Bulgaria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 4.0/6.0

Information for prospective students from Bulgaria

Burkina Faso: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplome d'Etudes Approfondies. Diplome d'Etudes Superieures Specialisees

Equivalent to 2:ii: 13/20

Burma / Myanmar: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: B- or 55% or 3.0/5.0 or 2.5/4.0

Cambodia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or 2.7/4.0

Cameroon: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplôme d'Ingénieur/ Diplôme d'Études Supérieures de Commerce (5 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 12 (assez bien) or 2.5. 70-74/ B+

Canada: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7 or 67%

Information for prospective students from Canada

Chile: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Grado de Licenciado en [subject area] or Titulo (Professional) de [subject area] (min 4 years) from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 5.0/7

China Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4 years) 学士学位 from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70-75% or 2.5-2.9/4.0 (depending on university)

Information for prospective students from China

Colombia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado en [subject area] or Titulo de [subject area] (minimum 4 years) from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0

Information for prospective students from Colombia

Croatia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Baccalaureus / Baccalaurea (Bachelor's degree) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.0/5.0

Cuba: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo de Licenciado/ Arquitecto/ Doctor/ Ingeniero from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0

Cyprus: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.0/10 or 2.7/4.0

Czech Republic: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.0/4.0

Information for prospective students from the Czech Republic

Denmark: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 5/12 or 6/13 

Information for prospective students from the Denmark

Dominica: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Dominican Republic: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Licenciado/Título de [subject] upon completion of 4-year Licenciatura 

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%  or 6.5/10

Ecuador: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from recognised university

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% / 7 

Egypt: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from recognised university

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or 2.7/4.0

Information for prospective students from Egypt

Estonia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bakalaurusekraad from a recognised institution; University Specialist's Diploma; Professional Higher Education Diploma

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.0/5.0 or C

Ethiopia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from recognised public or HERQA-accredited private institution 

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/5.0

Fiji: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4 years) from the University of the South Pacific

Equivalent to 2:ii: B/3.0

Finland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor/Kandidaatti/Kandidat (180 ECTS credits) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or 1.4/3.0

France: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Grade de Licence from a recognised institution OR three years of study from a grande école 

Equivalent to 2:ii: 11/20

Information for prospective students from France

Gambia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): 2-year Master's degree from recognised university

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.3 or 60%

Georgia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Bakalavris Khariskhi) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 71%/C/ Good

Germany: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Befriedigend: 2.6-3.5/5.0

Information for prospective students from Germany

Ghana: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons

Information for prospective students from Ghana

Greece: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 (University) or 6.8/10 (Tech Institutes)

Information for prospective students from Greece

Grenada: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Haiti: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Hong Kong: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or Lower Second Class Honours

Information for prospective students from Hong Kong

Hungary: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Alapfokozat) or Diploma (Egyetemi Oklevél) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0

Iceland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Baccalaureus or Bakkalarprof) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.5 out of 10

India: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Top unis: 55%, or 5.5/10. All other: 60%, or 6.0/10; or 5.0/8.0

Information for prospective students from India

Indonesia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree or Sarjana I (S1) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.0

Iran: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence/ Karshenasi (4-year Bachelor) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 13/20

Iraq: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or Good

Ireland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution 

Equivalent to 2:ii: Second Class Honours Grade II

Israel: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%

Information for prospective students from Israel

Italy: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Laurea (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 94/110

Information for prospective students from Italy

Jamaica: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Japan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): 学士 (Bachelor's degree) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70-75%  / Good/ B   or  2.7/ 4.0

Information for prospective students from Japan

Jordan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or 70%

Information for prospective students from Jordan

Kazakhstan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's (Bakalavr Diplomi) or Specialist Diploma from recognised institution 

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.67/4.0 or 3.5/5.0

Information for prospective students from Kazakhstan

Kenya: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 or 50-59% or 2.4/4.0 

Information for prospective students from Kenya

Kuwait: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.67/4.0

Information for prospective students from Kuwait

Kyrgyzstan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree or specialist diploma (min 4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0 or 2.67/4.0

Information for prospective students from Kuwait

Latvia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bakalaura Diploms (Bachelor's) or Profesionālā Bakalaura Diploms (Professional Bachelor's) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10

Lebanon: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree / Licence from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or C or 2.7/4.0 or 12/20 

Information for prospective students from Lebanon

Liberia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 75% or 2.8/4.0

Libya: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from selected institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65% or 2.8/4.0 

Lithuania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelors/Bakalauro (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10

Information for prospective students from Lithuania

Luxembourg: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20

Information for prospective students from Lithuania

Macedonia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10 or 2:2

Malawi: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or 2.4/4.0

Malaysia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.6/4.0 or B- (Class 2 Division 2)

Information for prospective students from Malaysia

Maldives: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the Maldives National University (MNU)

Equivalent to 2:ii: 50%

Malta: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class / 60% / Category IIB

Mexico: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Titulo de Licenciado from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7.5/10

Information for prospective students from Mexico

Morocco: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licence/Licence d'Etudes Fondamentales/Licence Professionnelle from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 11/20

Information for prospective students from Morocco

Namibia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or 2.5/4.0

Nepal: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree / Bachelor's (4-year) from select institutions 

Equivalent to 2:ii: 55% or 2.4/4.0

Information for prospective students from Nepal

Netherlands: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 or 2.7/4.0

Information for prospective students from the Netherlands

New Zealand: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons

Nigeria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons

Information for prospective students from Nigeria

Norway: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelors/Bachelorgrad (180 ECTS) or Candidatus/a magisterii from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Overall C

Information for prospective students from Norway

Oman: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.0

Information for prospective students from Oman

Pakistan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from HEC recognised institution or 2 year BA + 2 year MA from HEC recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: CGPA 2.7 or 55%

Information for prospective students from Pakistan

Palestine: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 75% or or 2.7/4.0

Papua New Guinea: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's (Honours) degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Class II Division B

Peru: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado or Professional Title from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20

Philippines: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master’s from recognised institution or Centre of Excellence; or Bachelor's from prestigious institution or Centre of Excellence.

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.5/4.0 or 80% or 2.5/5.0 or Cum Laude

Poland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licencjat or Inżynier from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.8/5.0

Information for prospective students from Poland

Portugal: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Licenciado  (180 ECTS) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 12/20

Qatar: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4.0 or 3.3/5.0

Information for prospective students from Qatar

Romania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplomă de Licenţă/Diplomă de Inginer/Diplomă de Urbanist Diplomat from a recognised university

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7/10

Information for prospective students from Romania

Russia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplom Bakalavra or Specialist Diploma from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0

Information for prospective students from Russia

Rwanda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons; 60%; or 13/20

Saudi Arabia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.5/5.0 or 2.7/4.0 or 70%

Information for prospective students from Saudi Arabia

Serbia and Montenegro: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7 / Good 

Sierra Leone: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's Honours degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Lower Second Class Hons; 55%; 3.4/5.0; 2.75/4.0

Singapore: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 3.3/5.0 or 2.8/4.0

Information for prospective students from Singapore

Slovakia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Bakalár) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70%; or 2.0 overall; or C

Slovenia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (University Degree) or Diploma o pridobljeni visoki strokovni izobrazbi / Diplomirani (Diploma of Professional Higher Education) or Diplomant or Univerzitetni diplomant (first degree)

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7 out of 10

Solomon Islands: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from the University of the South Pacific

Equivalent to 2:ii: B/3.0

Somalia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Do not accept national qualifications for direct entry

Equivalent to 2:ii: N/A 

South Africa: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 60%

Information for prospective students from South Africa

South Korea: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.5/4.0; or 2.8/4.3; or 3.0/4.5

Information for prospective students from South Korea

Spain: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Título de Grado / Título de Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Titulo de Arquitecto from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6/10 or 1.5/4.0

Information for prospective students from Spain

Sri Lanka: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor Special Degree or Professional Degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 55% or 2:2 or 3.0/4.0

Information for prospective students from Sri Lanka

St Kitts and Nevis: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

St Vincent and the Grenadines: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from the University of the West Indies

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.7/4, B-, 60% or Lower Second Class Hons

Sudan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (5-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 60% or B

Sweden: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's Degree/Kandidatexamen/Yrkesexamen from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Pass OR Godkänd (with a minimum of 90 credits at Good - C)

Information for prospective students from Sweden

Switzerland: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplom/Diplôme;Lizentiat;Staatsdiplom/Diplôme d’Etat from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 4/6; or 6/10: or 3/5 

Information for prospective students from Switzerland

Syria: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (Licence/ al-ijaza-fi) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%+ or 'Good' from a public university

Taiwan: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65-70% or GPA 2.6/4.0 - 2.8/4.0

Information for prospective students from Taiwan

Tanzania: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2; or Lower Second; or GPA 2.7/5.0

Thailand: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2.6/4.0

Information for prospective students from Thailand

Trinidad and Tobago: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's Degree from UWI

Equivalent to 2:ii: B-, 60% or 2.5; or Lower Second Class Hons

Tunisia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Diplôme National d'Ingénieur/ Diplôme National d'Architecture/ Docteur en Médecine / Vétérinaire/ Licence/ Maîtrise from recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 11 out of 20

Turkey: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Lisans Diplomasi from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: Top Unis: 2.5/4.0.  All others: 2.8/4.0

Information for prospective students from Turkey

Uganda: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 (Lower Second) or 3.0/5.0 or B

Information for prospective students from Uganda

Ukraine: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree or specialist diploma from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 7 out of 12; or 3.5 out of 5

United Arab Emirates: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.6/4.0 or 75% or C+

Information for prospective students from the United Arab Emirates

United States of America: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: GPA 2.7/4.0

Information for prospective students from the USA

Vietnam: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (4-year) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 6.0/10 or 2.5/4.0

Information for prospective students from Vietnam

Yemen: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 70% or 2.7/4.0

Zambia: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Master's degree from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 65%; B; Credit; 1.7/2.5; or 2.7/4.0; or 3.3/5.0

Zimbabwe: Qualifications (Bachelor equivalency): Bachelor's degree (3 or 4 years) from a recognised institution

Equivalent to 2:ii: 2:2 (60%)

Information for prospective students from Zimbabwe

In addition to degree classification in a relevant subject we take into account other elements of the application such as supporting statement. References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications. 

See international entry requirements and English language requirements

Course overview

The global community faces problems of poverty and profound environmental change that are interconnected in complex and dynamic ways.

Our MSc Sustainable Development programme aims to provide you with a broad grounding in the main concepts associated with sustainable development. It's clear that solutions to the challenges of sustainable development need holistic, integrated and coordinated actions across a wide range of sectors.

Through the programme you will gain a theoretical basis for understanding the evolution, meanings and use of the concept of sustainable development. You will also acquire the skills needed to understand current environmental, developmental and sustainability issues and debates. 

During your time on the programme your knowledge and understanding will be enhanced for decision and policy making on sustainable development issues. You will also gain critical, analytical and integrative skills for responding to these challenges. 

Why study MSc Sustainable Development at SOAS? 

  • SOAS is ranked second in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings 2022)
  • We're ranked 6th in UK for graduate employability (QS World University Rankings 2023)

Further information

Contact

Email: cedep-studentsupport@soas.ac.uk

Structure

Sustainable Development is available as a Master of Science (MSc), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert).

The programme is organised in two study sessions per year, beginning in April and October. In each study session students complete one module, starting with the core module, over a period of a 16 weeks followed by one of 4 dissertation stages for MSc students.

MSc students are required to enrol for their dissertation at the same time as their modules, before the start of each session. Students will need to allocate at least 10-15 hours of study per module, per week.

Three programme structures: MSc, PGDip and PGCert

Please note that all programmes must be completed with the registration period .

MSc

  • Four modules, comprising one core (30 credits), at three elective modules (30 credits each) from the list below (only one elective is permitted from outside CeDEP).
  • MSc students will also be required to complete a dissertation (60 credits). In a typical 2-year MSc programme, the dissertation is completed in four 8-week stages following each delivered module.
  • For students aiming to complete the MSc over three years, there will be two study sessions when you will not need to study a module. You may choose not to study at all during these sessions due to other commitments. Alternatively, you may want to use this time to undertake preparation for your dissertation.

PGDip

Four modules, as per the requirements for MSc students, but will not be required to complete a dissertation (thereby gaining 120 credits in total).

PGCert

  • One core module and one elective module from within CeDEP.
  • Modules from other departments - only students on MSc and PGDip programmes may take one module from other departments as listed below.

Modules

Module typeModule nameApr 2024Oct 2024Apr 2025Oct 2025
CoreUnderstanding Sustainable Development****
ElectivesClimate Change Adaptation* * 
Low Carbon Development * *
Food Security and Social Protection * *
Urban Sustainability * *
Water and Land Management for Sustainable Development * *
Global Environmental Change and Sustainability* * 
Understanding Poverty* * 
Biodiversity, Conservation and Development (30 credits)* * 
Modules from Development Studies ODL Programmes (MSc and PGDip only)Understanding Violence, Conflict and Development (offered through Development Studies)* * 
The Politics of Gender and Feminisms in Development (offered through Development Studies) * *
DissertationDissertation Sustainable Development (Stage 1)****
Dissertation Sustainable Development (Stage 2)****
Dissertation Sustainable Development (Stage 3)****
Dissertation Sustainable Development (Stage 4)****

Registration period

Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc Students are registered for a maximum of 3-years. If you would like to upgrade from a PG Certificate to PG Diploma or PG Diploma to MSc the 3-year registration period will apply from the date you commence study on the first programme.

Successful requests to upgrade will be made in the first year of study and must meet specific criteria. 

Important notice

The information on the website reflects the intended programme structure against the given academic session. The modules are indicative options of the content students can expect and are/have been previously delivered as part of these programmes.

However, this information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.

Core

Compulsory Dissertation

MSc Sustainable Development (ODL) Guided Options List A- Home Department

At least 60 credits to be selected from List A. The final 30 credits can be chosen form List A or B.

MSc Sustainable Development (ODL) Guided Options List B Other ODL Departments

Up to 30 credits can be selected from List B depending on your choices from List A.

Teaching and learning

Students are supported by a dedicated module tutor and convenor with whom students can discuss academic queries at regular intervals during each study session. This programme is delivered 100% online through Moodle which provides access to all learning materials and course resources as well as access to the SOAS Library. 

Learning is asynchronous allowing students to fit their studies around existing commitments. Students are able to interact with their module tutor and fellow students in discussion forums, peer-to-peer learning and engagement guided by the tutor. Assessments are designed to build knowledge and skills over the course of study.

Assessment

Modules are assessed by a combination of formative and summative assessment. The variety of assessments on our modules aims to develop a range of critical, analytical and writing skills. All assessments are submitted online. 

Research methods and dissertation (MSc students only)

The dissertation involves desk-based and/or field-based research. In year one, students will learn how to conduct original research by completing the research methods module In year two, students will complete data collection, write up and submit the final dissertation.

The dissertation is assessed through two components: the assessed proposal (20% of the final module mark);  and a 10,000 word dissertation (80% of the final module mark).

Scholarships

Title Deadline date
DS-CeDEP Online Learning bursary

Fees and funding

Programme levelMScPGDipPGCert
Fee£10,270*£8,200£4,100

You will make one payment of £2,054 for each delivered module. For MSc students, the dissertation module is an additional £2,054, with payment split across four stages.

*Fees are set to increase to £12,000 for the September 2025 sessions onwards.

Pay as you learn

Our online learning programmes can be paid in full at the time of enrolment or on a pay as you learn basis. Pay as you learn means you only pay for the module you are enrolling on. 

Postgraduate loans

If you have been a resident in England for 3 years you may be eligible. See postgraduate funding and finance for more information. 

Alternatively, we also recommend students approach their local British Council, British High Commission or British Embassy, for information on local funding.

Dependent on nationality, employment circumstances and other factors, funding and sponsorship sources can include:

  • United Nations (UNESCO, FAO, UNDP, UNEP etc)
  • Bilateral Aid Agencies (SIDA, GTZ, etc)
  • European Union
  • British Council
  • UK Department for International Development / Foreign & Commonwealth Office
  • NGOs
  • Educational and other charitable trusts

Application

To make an application, or to find out more about our admissions procedure, please visit how to apply (ODL)

Employment

Graduates from the Centre for Development, Environment and Policy leave SOAS with in-depth knowledge about the environment and sustainability challenges facing the world today, as well as the interdisciplinary skills to tackle them. 

Recent graduates have been hired by:

  • African Development Bank Group
  • BP
  • Civic Exchange, Hong Kong
  • Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
  • Energy Networks Association
  • Energy UK
  • Ernst & Young LLP
  • ESB
  • Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
  • Plan UK
  • Public Policy Projects
  • UN Environment Programme

Find out about our Careers Service.

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