MSc/PGDip/PGCert Sustainable Development (Online)

Program Overview

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The MSc Sustainable Development program at SOAS University equips students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable development concepts and challenges. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the program develops critical thinking, analytical, and integrative skills to address real-world sustainability issues. Delivered online with asynchronous learning, the program offers flexibility and support from dedicated tutors and convenors. Graduates are well-positioned for careers in environmental consulting, policy advising, research, and international development.

Program Outline

• The MSc Sustainable Development program aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts, theories, and challenges related to sustainable development.
• The program adopts a holistic and interdisciplinary approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability.

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Program Objectives:

• Equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to comprehend the evolution, meanings, and diverse applications of the concept of sustainable development.
• Provide students with the ability to critically analyze current environmental, developmental, and sustainability issues and debates.
• Enhance students' understanding of decision-making and policy formulation processes related to sustainable development.
• Develop students' critical thinking, analytical, and integrative skills to address contemporary sustainability challenges.

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Program Description:

• The program is offered entirely online, providing flexibility for students with diverse commitments.
• The program is delivered through the Bloomsbury Learning Environment (BLE), offering convenient access to learning materials, course resources, and the SOAS Library.
• The program adopts an asynchronous learning approach, allowing students to study at their own pace and schedule.
• Studiosity offers 24/7 access to study skills support.
• Students participate in discussion forums, peer-to-peer learning activities, and tutor-guided discussions.
• Assessments are designed to progressively build knowledge and hone critical skills throughout the program.

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Unique Features:

• Focus on the interdisciplinary nature of sustainable development.
• Emphasis on critical analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Asynchronous online learning format.
• Opportunity for online interaction with peers and tutors.

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Outline:

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Program Structure:

• The program is offered in two study sessions per year, commencing in April and October.
• Each study session involves completing one module, starting with the core module, over a 16-week period.
• Students are expected to dedicate approximately 10-15 hours per week to each module.
• The program is available in three formats: MSc, Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), and Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert).

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Program Content:

• The program comprises a core module, three elective modules, and a dissertation for MSc students.
• The core module provides a foundational understanding of sustainable development concepts and principles.
• Students can choose their elective modules from a selection within CeDEP or from other departments.
• MSc students are required to complete a dissertation, which involves conducting original research and submitting a 10,000-word paper.

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Module Descriptions:

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#Core Module:

• Understanding Sustainable Development
• #Elective Modules (CeDEP):
• Climate Change Adaptation
• Low Carbon Development
• Food Security and Social Protection
• Urban Sustainability
• Water and Land Management for Sustainable Development
• Global Environmental Change and Sustainability
• Understanding Poverty
• Biodiversity, Conservation, and Development
• #Elective Modules (Other departments):
• Understanding Violence, Conflict, and Development (offered through Development Studies)
• The Politics of Gender and Feminisms in Development (offered through Development Studies)

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• E-tivities that combine formative and summative elements.
• A variety of assessments designed to develop critical, analytical, and writing skills.
• All assessments submitted online.

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Dissertation Assessment (MSc students only):

• Assessed proposal (20% of the final module mark).
• 10,000-word dissertation (80% of the final module mark).

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Asynchronous online learning.
• Access to learning materials and resources through the Bloomsbury Learning Environment (BLE).
• Online discussion forums.
• Peer-to-peer learning activities.
• Tutor-guided discussions.
• Access to 24/7 study skills support through Studiosity.

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Faculty:

• Experienced and dedicated module tutors and convenors.
• Research-active faculty with expertise in sustainable development.

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Unique Approaches:

• Interdisciplinary approach to sustainable development.
• Emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Asynchronous online learning format.
• Dedicated support from tutors and convenors.
• Opportunity for online interaction with peers and tutors.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Environmental consultant
• Sustainability analyst
• Policy advisor
• Researcher
• Non-governmental organization (NGO) worker
• International development professional

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Career Opportunities:

• Graduates are well-positioned to pursue careers in various sectors, including:
• Government
• Non-governmental organizations
• Private sector
• Academia
• Research institutions

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Career Outcomes:

• Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful contribution to addressing global sustainability challenges.

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Other:

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Key Staff:

• Dr Annabel de Frece, Senior Lecturer, Sustainable Development
• Dr Ros Taplin, Reader in Environmental Management (Education)

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Related Content:

• MSc/PGDip/PGCert Climate Change and Development (online)
• Centre for Development, Environment, and Policy
• SOAS-Alphawood Postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art

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3-Year Registration Period:

• Students are registered for a maximum of 3 years.
• Upgrade requests must be made within the first year of study.