Sustainable Futures

Entry requirements

An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in any Law or Social Sciences discipline (including Geography and Geology). Degrees from other disciplines will be considered if supported by evidence of significant, relevant work experience.

For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies.

We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so the applicant would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree.

We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following:

• evidence of significant, relevant work experience;
• a relevant postgraduate qualification.

If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Months of entry

September

Course content

At a critical time in history, the MRes in Sustainable Futures presents an exciting opportunity to specialise in a field of research that tackles one of the most important questions facing society today - how human wellbeing can be maintained and enhanced into the future given rising populations, limited natural resources and a fragile environment.

This field, with its clear applied focus and strong strategic future-directed policy implications, has social sciences at its heart. You will develop rigorous research skills whilst cultivating a good understanding of the economics, law or politics of sustainability.

The MRes has an emphasis on practical research training, studying ESRC-accredited research methods that encourage you to think in broad theoretical and interdisciplinary terms about challenging environmental issues. You will learn how to plan, research and write a sophisticated dissertation.

As well as presenting a thorough introduction to academic research, the MRes offers excellent preparation for working for environmental ministries, agencies, consultancies or NGOs, or other organisations working for environmental change. Some students choose to enter the legal profession, carrying with them a broader understanding of how law operates in the context of sustainability and the environment.

The programme is one of five South West Doctoral Training Partnership interdisciplinary pathways delivered by world-leading researchers from the University of Bristol, University of Bath, University of the West of England and University of Exeter.

Information for international students

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Fees and funding

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Law has an allocation of 1+3 (MRes and PhD) and +3 (PhD) ESRC scholarships.

Information about funding and scholarships can be found on the University of Bristol Law School fees and funding webpages.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.