Overview
Be part of our Global Sustainability Institute and learn in partnership with the Eden Project. You'll meet sustainability researchers from a range of disciplines and learn from inspirational practitioners, as well as gaining hands-on experience. Study by distance learning, with residential or virtual stays in Cambridge and in Cornwall.
Careers
When our students graduate they take up a wide variety of careers. Some use their prior experience and return to the business or sector they were familiar with, working with their new sustainability perspective to change it from the inside. Others use the MSc as an opportunity to start a new career or as the bridge to a change in career, becoming sustainability professionals in businesses, charities, governments and education. Some of our graduates use the MSc to set up or grow their own sustainable business or as a stepping stone to PhD research.
Modules & assessment
Core modules
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Sets the scene for the rest of the course. And addresses the questions; 'What is sustainability?', 'What are its components?' and 'Why is it so important?' The importance of a systems-based approach to addressing sustainability and its epistemology will be discussed and you will examine a range of current concepts and models of sustainability (including 'circular economy', 'five capitals', 'natural step', 'one planet living' etc.) and their usefulness in increasing our resilience to environmental, social and economic change.
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This module will help you understand the complexities of the natural, economic and social systems and how these are linked with global risks such as climate change. The module also focuses on ways to increase resilience through specific case studies influenced by research conducted at the GSI. Topics covered may include energy use, biodiversity loss, social inequality and the links between environmental resource use and the performance of global and local economies.
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This module ‘Research in Sustainability’ aims to provide you with the necessary knowledge around the research methods applied in the field of Sustainability and to assist you in developing essential employability skills. These methods are taught through specific case studies-examples, focusing on important and timely issues around the field of sustainability such as climate change, ecosystem services, population, well being and health. These case studies will be drawn in the main from the research currently been undertaken within the GSI and will be therefore cutting edge.
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In this module you will learn explore the issue of behavioural change within the context of top-down and bottom-up governance approaches found on global, national and local levels of society as well as what it takes on an individual level to be a successful change agent. Main topics covered include: drivers for change, assessing the effect of top-down approaches (legislation, incentives and deregulation) in governance, exploring the effectiveness of bottom-up approaches on global, national, and local scale and developing successful communication strategies.
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In this module you will focus on the growing business case for sustainability and examine the role of leadership, purpose, innovation and culture to create an organisation which 'does business better'. You will examine The Eden Project itself as a social enterprise, to help you understand its characteristics, culture and ethos and you will assess the transferability of some of key principles to other organisations in Cornwall and internationally. You will also have the opportunity to develop your own plan for a social enterprise.
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This module is closely linked with a 200 hour work placement where you will undertake practical and supported work-based learning. Your work placement will combine your knowledge and understanding of sustainability with the practicalities and compromises of an organisation, as well as your requirements for personal learning and development. You will gain an insight into the challenges and opportunities of learning and driving change and critically analyse your own strengths and weaknesses through a programme of reflective learning and feedback. During your placement you’ll also be developing a range of work-based skills, recognised as vital by employers.
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During your final research project you will choose an independent research topic from an area of expertise within the GSI and Anglia Ruskin University (subject to availability of suitable supervision) and will conduct a significant research project in that area which may involve a literature review, data collection, analysis and a write-up. The final piece of work should be equivalent to a maximum of 12,500 words.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through reports, essays, presentations, outline plans and designs, and your dissertation.
Where you'll study
Your faculty
The Faculty of Science & Engineering is one of the largest of the four faculties at Anglia Ruskin University. Whether you choose to study with us full-time or part-time, on campus or at a distance, there’s an option whatever your level – from a foundation degree, BSc, MSc, PhD or professional doctorate.
Whichever course you pick, you’ll gain the theory and practical skills needed to progress with confidence. Join us and you could find yourself learning in the very latest laboratories or on field trips or work placements with well-known and respected companies. You may even have the opportunity to study abroad.
Everything we do in the faculty has a singular purpose: to provide a world-class environment to create, share and advance knowledge in science, technology and engineering fields. This is key to all of our futures.
Where can I study?
Cambridge
Our campus is close to the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Fees & funding
Course fees
International students starting 2022/23 (full-time, per year)
£15,000
International students starting 2022/23 (part-time, per year)
£7,500
UK students starting 2022/23 (full-time, per year)
£9,500
UK students starting 2022/23 (part-time, per year)
£4,750
Important fee notes
The part-time course fee assumes that you're studying at half the rate of a full-time student (50% intensity). Course fees will be different if you study over a longer period. All fees are for guidance purposes only.
How do I pay my fees?
UK students
You can pay your fees upfront, in full or in instalments – though you won't need to pay until you've accepted an offer to study with us.
How to pay your fees directlyFunding for postgraduate students
It’s important to decide how to fund your course before applying. Use our finance guide for postgraduate students to learn more about postgraduate loans and other funding options.
We offer a fantastic range of ARU scholarships and bursaries, which provide extra financial support while you're at university.
Entry requirements
Important additional notes
Whether you're studying entirely online or through a blend of face-to-face and online learning from September 2021, you'll need a computer and reliable internet access to successfully engage with your course. Before starting the course, we recommend that you check our technical requirements for online learning. Our website also has general information for new students about starting university in 2021-22.
Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements. Other equivalent qualifications may be accepted for entry to this course, please email answers@aru.ac.uk for further information.
Teaching options
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face campus teaching (where offered as part of a course) is supported by online learning using our established online learning systems. The number of contact hours varies course by course, and you can contact us for further information. The provision offered is subject to change due to the possibility of further Government restrictions, however we remain committed to delivering face-to-face teaching and ensuring a safe and inclusive environment.
In the event that there are further changes to the current restrictions that are in place due to the pandemic, we may need to move some courses online only at short notice to remain in line with Government guidelines and ensure the continued safety of our students and staff.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you'll need to make sure you meet our English language requirements for postgraduate courses.
Check the standard entry requirements for IELTS requirements for this course.
Improving your English language skills
If you don't meet our English language requirements, we offer a range of courses which could help you achieve the level required for entry.
We also provide our own English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT) in the UK and overseas. To find out if we are planning to hold an ELPT in your country, contact our country managers.
