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  Environment and Development MSc


University of Edinburgh    School of GeoSciences

Programme information Department Information Department Programmes
Full time & Part time September MSc 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
Biological Sciences (4) Environmental Sciences (13) Geography (17)

FindAMasters summary

Are you passionate about tackling global challenges and making a difference in the world? The Environment and Development MSc programme is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to understand the complex relationship between development and the environment. From sustainable development to climate change, biodiversity conservation to disaster risk, this programme covers a range of pressing issues. With a focus on social and environmental justice, you'll critically evaluate these issues and explore their political and ideological dimensions. The programme offers flexibility to study and conduct research in your area of interest, preparing you for a career in the environment and development sectors.

About the course

Programme description

Are you ready to explore some of the world's most pressing challenges?

Understand the link between the environment, development agendas, and global inequalities for today and the future.

Our MSc Environment and Development enables you to critically evaluate the multiple dimensions of the inter-relationship between development and the environment, with an abiding concern for social and environmental justice.

What will I learn?

Our teaching approach encourages you to reflect upon your role as both researchers and professionals in transformations towards social and environmental justice, considering the ethics of engagement in an unequal world.

Read more about this course

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for individual programmes vary, so please check the details for the specific programme you wish to apply for on our website. You will also need to meet the University’s language requirements.


Fees

Tuition fees vary between degree programmes. Find the specific fees for your chosen programme on our website.

 Course Content

Visit institution website

Open days


Where will I study?

Where is University of Edinburgh

Student Profile

Felicity Tolley

I graduated from University of Bristol in 2013 with a BSc in Environmental Geoscience, where I also worked as a researcher within the Ocean Acidification group in the Palaeontology department. My undergraduate degree provided me with an extensive understanding of the physical processes and changes that can occur in the environment, while also giving me the opportunity to travel to some stunning geological locations. As I approached graduation I realised that the Environment and Development programme would be an ideal way to set my scientific knowledge into a more social and political context. I was especially glad to be offered a place at Edinburgh as it allowed me to return to my home town.

I hope that this postgraduate degree will expand my knowledge of development practices while introducing me to new topics and providing me with the skills to pursue a career in the development sector. I am especially interested in the ways in which climate change may impact the development of the energy industry. I am also very interested in the gendered aspects of development, at both local and global scale. I am a member of the Hollaback! Edinburgh committee, where I work to raise awareness of the dangers of street harassment, another global issue.

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The University of Edinburgh, School of GeoSciences

Edinburgh. Extraordinary futures await…

The University of Edinburgh, School of GeoSciences

Our pioneering research proved human-caused greenhouse gasses are warming our planet and underpinned the 2015 Paris Agreement.

The Scottish Government used our work in public health data to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

And that's just the start...

Come together with extraordinary minds

As a world-leading university, we are here to address tomorrow's greatest challenges.

Our staff and students contribute to a thriving community whose visions are shaping tomorrow's world. We have more than 400 years of excellence behind us. Working together, we can make the next 400 years even better.

Our interdisciplinary Master's programmes span the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, providing you with unique opportunities to explore and tackle global challenges.

You will learn from world-leading academics, conducting ground-breaking research that directly informs the teaching you receive as they share their discoveries with you.

We are ranked in the UK's top 10 universities and the world's top 100 universities for the employability of our graduates*. We also have a dedicated Careers Service to help you.

You'll also be living in Scotland's vibrant and historic capital city, regularly voted as one of the most desirable places to live in the world. A stimulating place to study, Edinburgh is an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life.

So, no matter where you are right now; whatever your background, gender, creed, or passions; whatever makes you ‘you’; if you think the future is a place of infinite, positive, possibility - join us!

Today’s global challenges need extraordinary solutions

Our University is playing a vital role in the climate crisis.

We are one of the largest and most successful groups of researchers delivering crucial work on the science of climate change, its impacts and risks, and options for adaption and mitigation.

Many of our researchers are pioneers in their field, with their work underpinning some of the most important international policy decisions in history.

Making a difference starts here. Are you ready?

An extraordinary reputation

The University of Edinburgh is:

  • 22nd in the world university rankings
  • 4th in the world and 1st in the UK for sustainability
  • Ranked in the UK’s top 10 universities for the employability of our graduates.

The city of Edinburgh is also ranked 2nd best student city in the UK, and 10th best student city in the world.

* (QS World University Rankings 2024, QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2023, QS Best Student Cities 2023, Times Higher Education - Overall Ranking of Institutions and Global Employability University Ranking 2022)

What’s next?

Whatever success looks like to you… you can achieve the extraordinary. Explore your options and find a degree that's perfectly suited to your interests and career aspirations.

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Programmes at School of GeoSciences

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Carbon Management MSc

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Are you ready to confront the challenges of the global climate crisis? Join students from across the globe to tackle the challenges of climate change and create a net-zero-carbon economy and society. Read more

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Earth Observation and Geoinformation Management MSc

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Combine satellite data, technology and science to find new solutions to the world's biggest challenges. Read more

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Ecological Economics MSc

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From the biodiversity crisis and the climate crisis to the question of managing economies during a global pandemic - the topic of sustainability has never been more pressing. Read more

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Energy, Society and Sustainability MSc

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Environment and Development MSc

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Are you ready to explore some of the world's most pressing challenges? Understand the link between the environment, development agendas, and global inequalities for today and the future. Read more

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Environment, Culture and Society MSc

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Our MSc Environment, Culture and Society provides up-to-date knowledge of the contemporary issues and debates on the relationships between the environment, nature, culture and society. Read more

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Environmental Protection and Management MSc

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Your chance to play a vital role in protecting and conserving the environment starts here. We continue to have a significant impact on our planet through actions such as. Read more

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Environmental Sustainability MSc

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Ensuring environmental sustainability and achieving it, is one of the most significant challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. Read more

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Food Security MSc

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Access to good and healthy food is a basic human right. However, in 2022, the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported that about 29.6% of the global population is food insecure. Read more

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GeoEnergy MSc

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Your career in a low-carbon future starts here. Our MSc GeoEnergy enables you to pursue a geosciences-related career in the rapidly evolving energy sector, as it transitions from fossil fuels to a net-zero future. Read more

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Geographical Information Science MSc

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Geographical Information Science (GIS) provides powerful solutions to real-world problems using the world’s most advanced technologies. Read more

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GeoSciences (Individual Project - Taught Pathway) MScR

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This Masters by Research programme offers the opportunity to carry out a substantial piece of research in any of the following major branches of geosciences. Read more

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GeoSciences (Individual Project) MScR

University of Edinburgh School of GeoSciences

This masters by research programme is an opportunity to carry out a substantial piece of research in any of the following major branches of geosciences. Read more

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Global Environment Challenges (Online Learning) PgCert

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Human activity is changing the natural environment at an unprecedented rate. As a result, humanity faces a range of complex and interrelated challenges. Read more

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Human Geography MScR

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This programme's emphasis on independent research allows you to work closely with scholars who are leaders in their field. Research may be in any area of social, urban, environmental, development, political, economic, historical or cultural geography that is supported by the Human Geography Research Group. Read more

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Marine Systems and Policies MSc

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Rapid climate change and the global expansion of human activities threaten the world's oceans. Read more

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Palaeontology and Geobiology MScR

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We are one of the leading centres of palaeontology and geobiology research in the UK and globally. Our MScR degree is the only such programme in palaeontology and geobiology in the UK. Read more

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Soils and Sustainability MSc

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Soil systems are a vital, non-renewable resource. They provide multiple ecosystem services and are an essential component of food production and food security globally. Read more

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