Sustainability Science (MSc)

Program Overview

The MSc in Sustainability Science at the University of York equips students with interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to address complex sustainability challenges. Through a combination of coursework, research opportunities, and hands-on learning, graduates develop a deep understanding of sustainability concepts, critical thinking abilities, and effective communication skills, preparing them for careers in environmental consulting, sustainability management, and other sustainability-related fields.

Program Outline

Sustainability Science (MSc)

Degree Overview:

This program aims to provide students with the interdisciplinary skills and knowledge needed to understand and address the complex challenges of sustainability. It focuses on developing a deep understanding of the concept of sustainability, including its application in various fields. The program also emphasizes hands-on learning through research opportunities, including the completion of an 8,000-word dissertation.

Objectives:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the concept of sustainability and its related terms, such as resilience and degradation.
• Analyze and critically evaluate current sustainability debates and scholarship.
• Combine data and methods from different academic disciplines to address complex sustainability issues.
• Identify and address knowledge gaps in the field of sustainability through research.
• Develop effective communication skills to articulate research findings and recommendations to diverse audiences.
• Conduct independent research and contribute to collaborative research projects.

Outline:

The program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Sustainability Definitions and Assessments: This module introduces the key concepts and principles of sustainability, along with various methods for assessing its different aspects.
• Understanding Sustainability as Change Through Time: This module explores the historical and temporal dimensions of sustainability, focusing on how human and environmental processes interact over time.
• Research Skills and Methods: This compulsory module equips students with the necessary research skills and tools for conducting independent research.
• Optional Modules: Students can choose from a variety of optional modules offered by both the Department of Archaeology and the Department of Environment and Geography, allowing them to specialize in specific areas of interest.

Assessment:

The program utilizes various assessment methods, including:

• Essays and reports: Analyzing and critically evaluating research findings and sustainability issues.
• Presentations: Communicating research findings and recommendations to diverse audiences.
• Policy briefs and articles: Translating complex research into accessible formats for specific audiences.
• Dissertation: Conducting independent research on a chosen topic related to sustainability.

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Providing foundational knowledge and introducing key concepts.
• Seminars: Engaging in interactive discussions and group work.
• Workshops: Developing practical skills and applying theoretical concepts.
• Field Trips: Experiencing real-world applications of sustainability principles.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-positioned for a variety of careers related to sustainability, including:

• Environmental consultant: Providing expert advice and solutions to businesses and organizations on sustainability issues.
• Sustainability manager: Developing and implementing sustainability strategies within organizations.
• Environmental protection officer: Overseeing and enforcing environmental regulations and policies.
• Graduate environmental impact assessment coordinator: Assessing the environmental impact of proposed projects.
• Civil Service fast streamer: Joining the UK government's fast-track leadership development program.
• Higher education teaching and research: Pursuing careers in academia and research institutions.

Other:

• The program is jointly run by the Department of Archaeology and the Department of Environment and Geography, providing students with access to a diverse range of expertise and resources.
• Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Environment Building and the historic King's Manor.
• The program emphasizes collaboration and teamwork, providing students with opportunities to work with experts and peers from different disciplines.
To obtain the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to directly contact the University of York or visit their website.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Annual tuition fees for 2024/25 Study modeUK (home)International and EU Full-time (1 year) £10,590£23,900 Part-time (2 years)This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. £5,295£11,950 Part-time (3 years)This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. £3,530£7,967 Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York. For courses which are longer than one year, the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study. UK (home) fees may increase in subsequent years (up to a maximum of 2%). International fees may increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).