Sustainability

Overview

Course Details

Become an expert in sustainability at this Sustainability MSc course offered by the University of Southampton. You’ll study your chosen specialism on this flexible course to meet your career or further study goals.

You could choose to focus on consultancy, population and geographical information systems (GIS) or to gain a broader experience across the disciplines.

A focus on applied research and field-based methods will leave you well equipped to tackle sustainability challenges in the real world after your studies.

In the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course. This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options, allowing you to fit the course to your interests and career aspirations.

You’ll also begin preparing for your research project during semester 1, and continue this work in semester 2.

For the last 4 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently on your research project. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress

Career Opportunities

With this degree you’ll have great career potential in local government, the private sector, national and international organisations, and public and private research institutions.

Graduates have the skills to manage complex problems, work with diverse stakeholders and understand the challenges of interdisciplinary working. They are sought after for roles in:

• environmental monitoring
• water resource management and pollution control
• carbon management
• sustainable waste management
• sustainable energy
• wildlife conservation and ecological management

You’ll also be in demand in wider sectors such as the food, buildings, energy, telecoms and water industries.

All these sectors need to think about environmental sustainability either through choice or legislation. Employers look for graduates with skills in communication, problem-solving, leadership, and team-working, which is why they form a core part of our assessment process.

You’ll also be in a great position to continue your studies at PhD level.