Skip to main content

Environmental Science for Sustainability MSc

Loading...

Our MSc Environmental Science for Sustainability is a skills-based programme that focuses on giving you the practical and technical skills that are widely used by the environmental science and sustainability sectors. The teaching covers the theoretical background to environmental science, environmental impact assessment, cost benefit analysis as well as practical training in computer, field and laboratory technical skills for the collection, analysis and interpretation of environmental data to evaluate environmental change. Throughout the programme, you will learn to monitor and model the impact of environmental processes and change on environmental sustainability across land, water, atmosphere and biosphere. You will develop practical and analytical skills that can be readily applied to monitoring, modelling and mapping of environmental data and for understanding and better managing environmental problems associated with a range of human activities. This programme will enable you to learn skills that are actively sought by employers as environmental science training is now critical to ensure environmental sustainability across all industries. You will also get the opportunity to tailor your studies to your career and/or research interests. This programme offers a blended approach to delivery and can be taken in-person or remotely (with a 2-week visit to London for the field and laboratory intensive), making use of interactive digital technologies to enhance learning. You can choose to study full-time (one year) or part-time (2 years) meaning the programme is suitable for graduates ready to start their career or those already in work seeking to further develop their understanding and skills.

Key benefits

  • Enjoy a leading programme from a world class university that is highly practical providing training in laboratory skills, computer analytical skills and field skills.
  • Establish a cutting edge understanding of the environmental science needed to evaluate environmental sustainability and change critically to consider appropriate solutions and their societal and business implications.
  • Learn quantitative research skills including Geographical Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, modelling and monitoring depending on module selection, applied to environmental sustainability.
  • Take part in a flexible and blended approach to learning enabling you to fit the programme around other commitments and maximises the use of class time for critical engagement, discussion and reflection.
  • Develop independent critical judgment in identifying, analysing and solving problems at an advanced level guidance by world-leading academics and practitioners.
  • Complement technical skills with highly employable skills developed in communication, data analysis and interpretation, evidence-based decision making, practical problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork.
  • Learn sustainability science in a sustainable way - King's College London is fully divested from all fossil fuel investment, the Department of Geography has been awarded gold status by the National Union of Students (NUS) Green Impact scheme for its commitment to sustainability, and the Geography Lab also being awarded Gold in the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF).
  • An optional Internship module helps students take their first steps towards employment in a relevant vocational field.

Loading...

Employability

Graduates from the Environmental Science for Sustainability programme are well suited to secured careers in local government, the private sector, national and international environmental and development NGOs, as well as in public or private research institutions. Skills developed could be applied to careers in environmental management, in regulatory, compliance or consulting settings. Future careers could see you in the field of environmental sustainability in environmental and social governance units of private sector organisations. You could also be moving on to doctoral research in a broad range of environmental science-related topics.

Our ever-popular Internship module, which has been running for over 20 years, helps master’s students take their first steps towards employment, offering opportunities to undertake a period of work with an organisation broadly related to their programme of study. The internship not only provides valuable career enhancing opportunities but also counts towards their degrees. In 2023-24, over 100 students worked with 60 different organisations across a range of sectors including: international agencies; local councils and national government departments; companies in the for-profit and not-for-profit sector, research institutes and charities. As well as UK organisations, partners also included throughout Europe and more broadly.

Curious to find out more? Access on-demand content including taster lectures and talks, and meet our current staff and students on our subject hub page.

Loading...

Employability

Graduates from the Environmental Science for Sustainability programme are well suited to secured careers in local government, the private sector, national and international environmental and development NGOs, as well as in public or private research institutions. Skills developed could be applied to careers in environmental management, in regulatory, compliance or consulting settings. Future careers could see you in the field of environmental sustainability in environmental and social governance units of private sector organisations. You could also be moving on to doctoral research in a broad range of environmental science-related topics.

Our ever-popular Internship module, which has been running for over 20 years, helps master’s students take their first steps towards employment, offering opportunities to undertake a period of work with an organisation broadly related to their programme of study. The internship not only provides valuable career enhancing opportunities but also counts towards their degrees. In 2023-24, over 100 students worked with 60 different organisations across a range of sectors including: international agencies; local councils and national government departments; companies in the for-profit and not-for-profit sector, research institutes and charities. As well as UK organisations, partners also included throughout Europe and more broadly.

Curious to find out more? Access on-demand content including taster lectures and talks, and meet our current staff and students on our subject hub page.

Application closing date guidance

Loading...

Open days and events

Chat with current students and King's staff to find out about the courses we offer, life at King's and ask any questions you may have.

Explore more