Course Description

Aimed at mid to senior management the MSc Sustainability in Practice programme is designed for leaders, managers and individuals in charge of teams or workplace sustainability. This course will be delivered by distance learning and is fully tutor supported.

Eager to learn, develop and drive organisational change in the world of sustainability, you will have the opportunity to undertake a 12-month research project that will explore your workplace or community challenges as well as create authentic and sustainable solutions that can be implemented.

The process will start with a planning phase. We will ask you to plot a course of creating sustainable changes to your workplace or community, and then roll up your sleeves and put them into practice.

This is why it is called Participatory Action Research – it is about you getting involved and taking part in the making of change, not just ‘directing traffic’. Along the way, we will talk about designing evaluations, creating objectives, dealing with conflict and considering others.

You will directly contribute to the effective attainment of at least one SDG by developing authentic and sustainable solutions to problems in your working environment. You may not fully complete this by the end, but you will reflect upon the process and identify opportunities for future projects. You may have only made a start but, by doing so, you will have left the world of talking about sustainability behind and taken active ownership of some part of a sustainable future.

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 Sustainability in Practice
  • Language English
  • Awarding Body University of Plymouth
  • Start January, May or September Next start date is 26th January 2026
  • Cost £7,200
  • Duration 12 months
  • Apply now

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:  

  • Postgraduate Diploma or equivalent, in a related subject area 
  • Combination of higher education 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 

Suggested Pre-Reading List

Bell, J. and Water, S. (2018). Doing Your Research Project: a Guide for First-Time Researchers (7th Ed.)   McGraw Hill. Maidenhead.

Creswell, J.W. and Creswell, J.D. (2018). Research Design. Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches. (5th Ed.) Sage. London.

Denscombe, M. (2021). The Good Research Guide. (7th Ed.). Open University Press. 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

Rubelyn Valdehueza
Rubelyn Valdehueza
MSc Sustainability in Practice

The application enrolment process was a breeze, the fastest I’ve had in my academic years.

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