Environment and Development MSc

Overview

Sustainable economic development and environmental management are two key challenges facing the world today, and as part of our Environment and Development MSc you will be provided with high-quality interdisciplinary training to help you understand the many perspectives on these issues.

This Masters is led by the Sustainability Research Institute and brings together a wide range of academic expertise from the School of Earth and Environment, the School of Politics and International Studies, and from the practitioner community.

Investigate the issues associated with achieving development that is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable and contribute towards achieving solutions in this topical, fast-growing field.

The course is ideal if you would like to develop or continue a career in environment and/or development practice, policy, training or research, and/or if you are thinking of working in an international capacity. The Masters will prepare you for work in both the public and private sectors, and within local, national and international institutions. Alternatively, you could pursue a research career or go on to a PhD.

Course highlights

• You have a large degree of flexibility – choose the modules you take and develop your degree in line with your interests and ambitions.
• Carry out a wide range of fieldwork, from a free field course to East Yorkshire, to an overseas trip to Tanzania.
• Learn from experts in the field – our teaching draws on specialist knowledge from practitioner and research communities covering both the natural and social sciences.
• Attend the excellent research seminar series run by the School of Earth and Environment, School of Politics and International Studies, plus those organised in Leeds’ Biology and Geography departments.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork forms an integral part of the course, which develops your on-the-ground understanding of how the tools and skills you learn in lectures can be applied.

• In the first semester, you'll visit East Yorkshire for 2 days. Learn about issues affecting sustainable economic development and environmental management in a developed world context.
• In the second semester, you have preferential access (at an additional cost) to the long-established field course in Tanzania. Gain first-hand practical experience and apply classroom-based learning in a developing country context.
• Choose to carry-out fieldwork as part of your final dissertation.

Course content

When completed on a full-time basis, this 12 month Masters is split into 3 semesters. In the first 2 semesters you will take lectures and seminars, followed by approximately 4 months of individual work leading to the submission of a dissertation in late August

When completed on a part-time basis, the course runs for 24 months, with each year split into 3 semesters. You will take 2 modules in each semester, followed by individual work leading to the submission of a dissertation in semester 3 of your final year.

Modules

_{Compulsory modules}

• Research Methods
• Research Project
• Introduction to Sustainability
• Environmental Policy and Governance
• Critical Perspectives in Environment and Development

_{Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)}

• For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Environment and Development MSc Full Time in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

You will learn through a variety of teaching methods to help you develop subject-specific and transferable skills.

This includes lectures, practical workshops, field trips (UK and overseas), computer lab sessions, research seminars and project work (individual and groupwork).

Assessment

You will be assessed through a variety of ways including both written and oral assignments and exams.

Applying, fees and funding

_{English language requirements}

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks). 

_{How to apply}

APPLY (FULL TIME) 

APPLY (PART TIME) 

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

 If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students.

_Fees

• UK/EU: £8,750 (total)
• International: £20,000 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

_{Additional cost information}

On this course you have the option to attend an overseas field trip in Semester 2, at an additional cost of £1,200-1,500 (dependent on exchange rates, cost of flights and student demand).

This is paid in two instalments across semesters 1 and 2. A £100 deposit is required when enrolling onto the module in October.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

_{Scholarships and financial support}

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Scholarships are available.

Career opportunities

The School of Earth and Environment has a strong commitment to enhancing student employability and has its own dedicated Employability Officer. We offer extra support and activities to help you stand out in your chosen field and achieve your career goals.

This course is ideal if you want to continue your undergraduate studies, you are looking for a career change, or if you are looking to increase your skill set to progress in your career in industry or academia.

We typically find that graduates assume, or continue careers, in sustainability, environmental management or development practice. Our alumni work in the research, public and private sectors and within local, national and international institutions.

Visit the Environment and Development MSc page on the University of Leeds website for more details!