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Sustainable development was first defined in 1987 by the UN Brundtland Commission as, "...development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’. Since then, as the human population and global economy have boomed, and science and technology have made us more aware of the impact of people on the globe, sustainability has become ever more important worldwide.
At its most basic level, sustainability is the acceptance that global resources are finite and that correctly applied human involvement can create and restore a balance between the critical areas of the environment, the economy, and international human equity. This can be observed on a global scale, such as climate change and habitat destruction, to a more localised scale, such as national economies and community health and welfare.
Sustainability is at the forefront of almost every industry. From small businesses to multinational corporations to governments and space exploration, companies are eager to remain sustainable. This is for their commercial health and future but also necessary to meet national and international sustainability targets and legislation.
What is taught as part of sustainability courses?
Most postgraduate qualifications in sustainability (except doctorates) are typically between one and two years. During this time, you will gain a core understanding of all the underlying principles of sustainability, including how it interacts with environmental science, climate change, and the economy. Using frameworks, case studies, and the latest research models, you will learn about these principles both in isolation, and how they interconnect.
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Did you know that our website lists more than 220 foreign universities offering courses in sustainability? Explore now! |
As well as gaining a theoretical understanding of the subject, you will also gain essential experience in data analysis, enabling you to collect, analyse, and interpret data to:
- enhance your knowledge of sustainability practices
- pinpoint areas in need of improvement
- forecast future outcomes and results.
Almost all sustainability courses will include several core and elective modules, enabling you to shape the qualification to match your personal or professional interests. Depending on the specific nature of your chosen degree, and whether it includes any built-in specialisation, your course may consist of core modules with a specific focus. For example, if you study an MSc in Business and Sustainability, you can anticipate more modules focusing on commerce and the economy.
Areas of specialisation within sustainability
Whether you want to learn more about the subject from a commercial or ecological perspective or have a background in a specific profession or science, there is almost certainly a way you can combine your background with a sustainability course. Specialisations in sustainability include, but are not limited to:
- Agricultural sustainability and food systems
- Climate change
- Environmental quality
- Environmental justice
- Environmental sustainability
- Law and sustainability
- Natural resource management
- Renewable energy
- Sustainable development
- Sustainability in business and commerce
- Sustainability in engineering
- Sustainability in fashion
- Sustainability in transport
- Urban sustainability
- Water sustainability
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Want to study a postgraduate course specialising in sustainability? Explore masters programs in sustainability. |
Popular universities and courses chosen by Indian students studying sustainability
A significant number of universities offer courses in sustainability globally, with many boasting specific areas of expertise and knowledge. Universities and courses popular with Indian students looking to study a postgraduate qualification in sustainability include:
UK
- University of Bath
- MSc International Development, Social Justice, and Sustainability
- MSc Sustainability and Management
- Coventry University
- MSc Sustainability and Environmental Management
- University of Leeds
- MSc Science and Technology for Sustainability
- MSc Sustainability and Business
- MSc Sustainability and Consultancy
- MSc Sustainability in Transport
- MSc Textile Sustainability and Innovation
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Australia
- Deakin University
- Master of Sustainability
- Master of Sustainability (Professional)
- Graduate Certificate of Sustainability
- Graduate Diploma of Sustainability
- Flinders University
- Master of Environmental Management and Sustainability
- Monash University
- Master of Environment and Sustainability
- Master of Environment and Sustainability (Double master's degree in conjunction with Shanghai Jiao Tong University)
Canada
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University
- Graduate Diploma in Business Administration – Green Business Management and Sustainability
- Nipissing University
- PhD in Education (Educational Sustainability)
Entry requirements
To study for a master’s degree in sustainability, you must meet the entry requirements at your chosen university. These will vary between institutions and courses but typically include an academic element and evidence of your language proficiency.
Most universities will require that you have completed an undergraduate degree with a minimum of second-class honours in a related subject such as biological, environmental science, or geography. Relevant professional experience may also be accepted in place of this.
You will also need to meet English language requirements. A minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 or 7.0 is commonly requested, or an equivalent qualification.
Here are some tips for preparing for the IELTS exam.
The future of sustainability and career prospects
Professionals with expert knowledge in sustainability are in demand globally. It is a highly relevant area that is seeing impressive growth internationally (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019), and there are now more ‘green’ jobs available than at any other time in history (Prospects, 2024).
As well as its growth across the industry, jobs in the sustainability field often provide regular and social working hours and a great deal of career satisfaction. Sustainability experts take pride in their work and enjoy working towards goals for the benefit of the global community.
If you hope to become a sustainability consultant, starting salaries in the UK for graduates with a master’s degree in sustainability are typically GBP 25,000, with salaries rising to between GBP 40,000 and GBP 60,000 with experience and seniority (Prospects, 2024). Employers can include multinational corporations, governments, NGOs, think tanks, and charities, across all industry sectors.
Other roles you might consider with your master’s degree in sustainability, especially if you have experience or qualifications in another relevant field, include:
- Environmental analyst
- Environmental lawyer
- Environmental scientist
- Environmental specialist
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