Course Description

If you already hold a degree or have a background in sustainability, the MSc in Global Sustainable Development is a great distance learning course to take advantage of your previous experience and higher-level learning.

The course aims to:

  • Provide a sound, and critical, understanding of sustainable development, particularly with reference to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Show how sustainability is conceived and practiced differently across the globe.
  • Show how sustainability is conceived and practiced differently across different sectors, and to critically evaluate how the UN SDGs interact with these sectors.
  • Enable students to evaluate the role of individuals, communities, and institutions in delivering sustainable development.
  • Foster debate and enable students to express reasoned, evidence-based arguments.

This Master’s degree is delivered through distance learning and starts with a period of gaining a shared vocabulary and set of ideas around sustainability. This leads to investigating the various ways in which we might interrogate and analyse sustainability projects through a range of research methodologies and their associated techniques.

The optional modules will be sector-specific, thus the MSc will investigate the sectoral responses to the sustainability challenge in greater depth. It shows that SDGs interact with a range of social and economic activities in a number of complicated and interconnected ways. This allows you to evaluate projects and progress against sustainability goals more critically.

The Programme finishes with a significant piece of individual research on a topic of your choice.

This programme has been jointly developed and implemented with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). On successful completion of the programme, in addition to your degree certificate, graduates will be awarded a UNITAR certificate of completion.

Welcome Aboard

A welcome to your course from Alex Mejia, Director, Division for People and Social Inclusion Head, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

UNITAR provides innovative learning solutions to individuals, organizations and institutions to enhance global decision-making and support country-level action for shaping a better future.

Key Programme Information

  • Degree MSc Global Sustainable Development (Part-Time)
  • Language English
  • Awarding Body University of Plymouth
  • Start January, May and September Next start date is 29th September 2025
  • Cost £10,700
  • Duration 32 months
  • Apply now

Programme Modules

Click on a module for more information.

How To Apply

  • A copy of your CV
  • A suitable English language certificate, for example an IELTS. A full list of certificates accepted can be found here. (For International students only)
  • Copies of academic certificates and/or transcripts
  • A copy of your passport (photo page only)
  • A 200-300 word personal statement explaining your motivation for wanting to join this programme. You may find our Guidance document helpful.

Entry Requirements

Typically, eligible candidates will have one of the following:  

  • Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in a related subject area 
  • Combination of higher education (e.g., Foundation Degree) and demonstrable relevant work experience, evidenced via RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) 

And 

  • English language GCSE Grade C or above, or international equivalent 

There are multiple pathways onto the programme, and our Admissions Team is here to help. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, get in touch – we’ll be happy to discuss your experience and explore the best route for you. admissions@mla.ac.uk d our Admissions Statement here.

Suggested Pre-Reading List

Lewis, S. and Maslin, M. 2018. The Human Planet: How we created the Anthropocene. Pelican: London

Cottrell, S. 2019. The Study Skills Handbook. Bloomsbury: London

MLA College and the University of Plymouth use Harvard style referencing and it is advisable to pre-study on the importance of referencing on all academic coursework and how to do it, which is available here.

University Degrees validated by the University of Plymouth

Graduate Testimonials

Jing Chen
Jing Chen
MBA Entrepreneurship & Innovation

I think the support from the school, from the tutor, are very useful for you to continue work and also for doing further study

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