Postgraduate taught programme
Planned new course
MSc
Global Sustainability
This multidisciplinary programme empowers you to address the planet’s most urgent environmental and social issues. With research-led teaching and real-world projects, you’ll graduate ready to lead in sustainability.Led by world-leading experts
Gain exclusive access to Plymouth’s highest-profile sustainability researchers and thought leaders. Our bespoke 40-credit module, Pioneering in Sustainability, tackles global grand challenges, from food security and energy transition to marine conservation and sustainable cities, through research-informed teaching.
A multidisciplinary approach
Study sustainability from every angle. This innovative MSc brings together expertise from six academic schools, giving you a holistic understanding of environmental, social, and economic systems. You’ll learn to design integrated solutions for the most pressing global issues.
Real-world impact
Immerse yourself in a living laboratory. Plymouth’s unique coastal location and the UK’s first National Marine Park provide unparalleled opportunities for hands-on projects, fieldwork, and collaboration with industry, NGOs, and policymakers – preparing you for a career that drives meaningful global change.
Details
Who is this course aimed at?
This programme is designed for ambitious graduates and professionals who want to lead change, including:
Recent graduates from environmental science, marine science, geography, economics, politics, and business backgrounds seeking to specialise in the most critical field of our time.
Working professionals in industry, government, or the third sector aiming to pivot their careers or upskill to take on senior sustainability roles.
Future researchers looking to build a strong, interdisciplinary foundation for doctoral studies.
Study a future-focused curriculum
- Interdisciplinary approach: Master the principles of sustainability by integrating science, policy, and economics. You will learn to think in systems and develop holistic solutions
- Impact assessment: Learn the tools to measure and manage the environmental and social impacts of projects and policies.
- Energy transition: Analyse the challenges and opportunities of shifting to a low-carbon global energy system.
- Marine science for sustainability: Understand the critical role of our oceans in climate regulation and sustainable development.
- Tailored to your goals: Specialise your studies through a choice of optional modules and a dissertation project aligned with your career aspirations.
Learn in a unique 'living laboratory'
Study at the heart of the UK's marine science ecosystem – Plymouth offers a natural laboratory for understanding coastal sustainability, marine conservation, and the blue economy. You can also leverage our location within the UK’s first National Marine Park for hands-on fieldwork, case studies, and networking opportunities that no other university can offer.
Careers, industry and research
A launchpad for a global career
Throughout the programme, you’ll engage with partners at every level – local, national, and global – on practical sustainability projects. These experiences alongside the curriculum position you for high-impact roles across government, international NGOs, corporate sustainability (ESG), environmental consultancy, and academia.
As part of a diverse and ambitious cohort, you’ll build a global professional network that opens doors to opportunities worldwide. This flagship qualification is a mark of distinction, signalling to employers that you possess elite training in sustainability leadership and the expertise to drive meaningful change.
Our specialist facilities aid our research-driven, hands-on teaching
You will have access to a range of
cutting-edge resources and facilities
to support your learning in the field and in the laboratory.
Marine Station
You will also have access to the Marine Station, a state-of-the-art teaching and research facility that serves all our marine-based courses including civil engineering, earth sciences and marine biology. Situated on the shores of Plymouth Sound as part of our ‘Waterfront Campus’, the facility offers labs and classrooms extending out into the natural environment, a wet lab for sample examination and analysis, a seawater aquarium, field equipment storage and changing facilities. It is also the base for our research vessels and a centre of excellence for diving.
Leaders in research and teaching
Be taught directly by pioneering researchers and global thought leaders who are actively shaping international sustainability policy and innovation.
Your curriculum is informed by the very latest discoveries from our internationally recognised research institutes, ensuring your knowledge is current, relevant, and responds to global challenges.
Dr Souran Chatterjee
Lecturer in Energy Transitions -Environmental Management & Sustainability
Programme Lead
Professor Richard Davies
Vice-Chancellor
Professor Ian Bailey
Professor of Environmental Politics
Postgraduate student life
Postgraduate study at the University of Plymouth is about more than just getting a qualification — it’s a chance to explore your subject in greater depth, challenge yourself intellectually, and grow both personally and academically.
With a supportive learning environment and flexible study options — including part-time and January start dates — you can shape your studies around your personal and professional commitments. Our supportive teaching, and welcoming student community, means you’ll be part of an environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration and independent thinking. Whether you're continuing from undergraduate study or returning to education, Plymouth offers the space, resources and inspiration to help you thrive.
The University takes every single step to ensure that students are supported. There are continuous workshops on referencing, a writing café and peer-supported learning sessions. Furthermore, lecturers are generally aware and sensitive to transitioning to university therefore they are always offering support when needed.
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Postgraduate student
Postgraduate student
Your Plymouth community
At the University of Plymouth, you get the same access to support, sports, and societies as undergraduate students. That means everything available to undergraduates is open to you too, whether it’s joining a sports club, attending events, taking part in student societies, or accessing health and wellbeing services.
You’re a full member of the Plymouth community, and that comes with all the benefits. So take advantage of what’s on offer — get involved, stay connected, and make the most of your time here.
Your societies
The University of Plymouth Environmental Society is the perfect place for postgraduate students to explore, innovate, and connect. It's a fantastic way to build friendships, explore shared interests and create lasting memories through a range of social events and activities.
It’s also an ideal opportunity to connect with peers beyond lectures, while staying in the loop about exciting environment-related events, field trips, guest speakers and career opportunities.
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Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for UK students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£11,700 per year
£11,700 per year
Part-time study
£650 per 10 credits
£650 per 10 credits
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
Fees and costs of studying
.
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year
Full-time study
£21,000 per year
£21,000 per year
Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about
fees and costs of studying
.
UK Government announcement on tuition fees
The UK Government has announced that a levy on tuition fee income in the region of 6% of an international student’s tuition fees may be introduced. If implemented, the University reserves the right to increase your tuition fees accordingly. The Government has made it clear that it has not officially decided on its stance and it is possible that the eventual levy amount or arrangements may differ from the initial proposal. Therefore, the University reserves the right to adjust tuition fees in accordance with the Government’s final position on this levy.
We understand that clarity around tuition fees is important when planning your studies. Therefore, please note that the tuition fee shown on this page may change as a result of the introduction of a levy. We advise you to monitor this page regularly to stay informed of any updates to your tuition fees.
Fund your studies
As a postgraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including postgraduate masters loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
Postgraduate Masters Loans (PGML)
You may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Masters Loan to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate masters course.
Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates
If you studied your undergraduate degree at Plymouth, you may be eligible for a fee discount if you complete your postgraduate studies here as well.
- 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students
Supporting students with the cost of living
The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Apply
Entry requirements
A 2:2 degree or equivalent in any discipline. Relevant workplace experience will also be considered.
Extended entry requirements
- a suitable English language qualification. The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element).
English language requirements - evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
- a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
- your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
- proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
Ready to apply?
After you apply
You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
Programme code
8291
8291
Duration
1 year
Course type
Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
BSearch entry requirements for your country
5
Extended entry requirements
- a suitable English language qualification. The minimum IELTS score for acceptable English proficiency for entry is 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element).
English language requirements - evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
- a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
- your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
- proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
Ready to apply?
As an international student, you can apply for this course directly through the University of Plymouth or
through an agent
in your country.
Need support with your application?
- Personal statement guidance
- Student visa support
- Travel and arrival information
- and more
After you apply
You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail.
Programme code
8291
8291
Duration
1 year
Course type
Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location
Plymouth
Plymouth
Visit us at a postgraduate on-campus open evening
Visit us on campus to find out more about postgraduate study, speak to academic staff, and take a look around our campus and facilities.
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