Environment and Sustainability

Our postgraduate environment and sustainability course offers you an advanced-level grounding in sustainable responses to a broad range of environmental issues. You will develop a deeper understanding of the science explaining key drivers of socio-ecological change, and how this may inform environmental policy and management. This will enable you to understand both the challenges and practical solutions required to achieve environmental sustainability in the UK and globally.

Why choose this course?

• Our academic staff are experts in their respective fields so their specialist teaching offers you cutting-edge insights into core themes, such as biodiversity, climate resilience, environmental governance, food and agricultural systems, spatial analysis and landscape change, seismic hazards and urban sustainability.
• This course allows you to develop analytical skills that are essential for careers in environmental consultancy, sustainability management or environmental policy.
• It is ideal if you have a strong interest in environmental issues, whether you are already engaged in environmental work or keen to enter the sector. It is also relevant if you work in, or aspire to work in, public and private organisations, regulatory bodies or environmental NGOs.
• If you choose the MSc, your dissertation offers you the chance to conduct an in-depth study of a real environmental challenge and apply advanced research training.

What you will learn

Whether you choose to study this environment and sustainability course as an MSc, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate, you will explore the main conceptual and policy frameworks and the institutions shaping environmental policy and management in the UK and internationally. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the ecological and social dimensions of major global environmental problems and develop the ability to communicate these issues effectively, so you gain a strong foundation for further postgraduate study and roles across sustainability and environmental management.

In studying for the MSc or Diploma, you will also further examine the relationship between scientific understanding, policy formulation and environmental management. You will learn how to evaluate and design effective strategies to address specific, major environmental challenges, including climate change and biodiversity loss, alongside developing broader sectoral skills and knowledge sought in sustainability jobs and environmental consultancy careers.

How you will learn

You will engage with key literature and relevant case studies through lectures and seminars that deepen your understanding of environmental science, policy and management.

You will test and develop your ideas through interaction with lecturers and peers, many of whom are experienced professionals, and will have access to high-quality online resources, including preparatory readings and pre‑recorded lectures.

This course is available to study full‑ or part‑time, with evening teaching that allows you to balance study with work or other commitments.

Most modules are offered as HyFlex, so you can choose to study them either on campus or online. Please note that you will not be able to study this course fully online, and if you require a Student visa you will only be able to attend on campus due to the conditions of your visa.

We offer this course as an MSc, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate. The Certificate and Diploma offer you postgraduate-level study without undertaking the dissertation, so are ideal if you wish to explore this subject before committing to the full MSc Environment and Sustainability.

Highlights

• Our central London location offers you a research-rich, interdisciplinary environment and excellent access to a wide range of resources including Birkbeck Library, the LSE Library of Political and Economic Science, the Royal Geographical Society, the British Library and Senate House Library.
• We maintain strong links with public and private-sector organisations, professional bodies and networks, providing valuable opportunities for career development in areas such as environmental management, environmental policy and sustainability consulting.
• Working with the University of London, we offer an online MSc Global Environment and Sustainability.

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating from this environment and sustainability course, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:

• advanced research skills spanning natural and social science approaches
• critical thinking
• understanding and communicating environmental issues
• working with geographic information systems (GIS).

Graduates can pursue career paths in sustainable business, environmental management, local government, education, research, policy work, and in environmental groups and charities. Possible professions include:

• geographic information systems officer
• nature conservation officer
• environmental consultant
• planning and development surveyor
• town planner.

Some of our graduates from this course have gone on to work for companies or organisations including:

• London Borough of Camden
• Plan UK
• Alcatel Lucent
• Amnesty International
• Argent
• Arup
• British Rail
• Cumbria County Council
• Environment Agency
• Fauna & Flora International
• Forestry Commission
• Hydrographic Office
• National Trust
• University of Birmingham
• Whitehall.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.