Environment and Development MSc
Awards: MSc
Study modes: Full-time, Part-time
Funding opportunities
Programme website: Environment and Development
I have learnt to appreciate the social aspect of the environment through studying this programme. It has helped me get a deeper understanding of economics, anthropology, gender issues and policies. This was very valuable having come from a pure science background and it helped me integrate the two since they go hand in hand. Moving forward, I plan to be more involved in initiatives that promote social mobility and justice among the poor communities, especially in being able to access vital resources like renewable energy.
Are you ready to explore some of the world's most pressing challenges?
Understand the link between the environment, development agendas, and justice issues for today and the future.
Our MSc Environment and Development enables you to critically evaluate the inter-relationships between development and the environment, with an abiding concern for social and environmental justice.
What will I learn?
You will learn about issues that are inherently transboundary, multi-generational and multi-faceted. Our approach to understanding these issues will centre on questions of justice and inequalities.
Attempts to understand and address interconnected issues such as climate justice, gender and social equity, and biodiversity conservation, must pay close attention to their contested, political and ideological nature and how they differ across places and scales.
That is why our MSc foregrounds society and nature as inherently linked, historical contexts as highly relevant to current debates, and global capitalism as an underlying force of change. It will consider the increasingly diverse set of actors, practices and processes driving environment and development issues, and question the power of these to direct agendas and actions.
The MSc has relevance in both the 'Global South' and 'Global North', drawing attention to relationships of inequality and marginalisation as they occur for particular environments and sections of society worldwide.
It will provide you with a unique critical perspective as it draws on expertise from across the University, especially from development geography, social and political sciences, and environmental studies.
You will explore societal and environmental issues through different theoretical and conceptual lenses, examining the interplay of sociocultural perspectives, economics and governance, development debates and ecological dynamics.
There is much diversity in what you can study and conduct research on. Our flexibility enables you to develop your interests at an advanced level in an area you are most passionate about. We will challenge you to cultivate reflective critical thinking that is cross-cutting and globally relevant.
Is the MSc for me?
The MSc provides a strong basis for engaged citizenship in the world, enabling you to contribute to world debates and actions for reducing inequalities and working towards social and environmental justice and more sustainable practices.
The MSc Environment and Development will suit a range of students, including those with practical experience in the broad field of environment and development, either as practitioners, volunteers or activists.
It is suitable for students from various undergraduate disciplines, from the environmental and natural sciences to the social and political sciences and humanities.
We are fortunate to attract a wide range of students from around the globe, and we celebrate that diversity and the opportunities for learning that it brings.
What is it really like to study with us?
No one knows what it is like to study here better than the students themselves.
Our students are sharing their experiences - from studying to living in Edinburgh and everything in between. Get social with us:
When to apply
Due to high demand for this programme, we operate a series of early application deadlines.
We strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.
For dates and details, please refer to Application Deadlines and How to apply on this page.
You should also avoid applying to more than one degree. Applicants who can demonstrate their understanding and commitment to a specific programme are preferred.
If you plan to apply to more than one programme, you should discuss your choices with us before you submit your application. Where possible, we may make an alternative programme offer if you have been unsuccessful in your chosen programme.
This MSc programme (total 180 credits) comprises:
- compulsory and option courses (total 120 credits)
- dissertation (60 credits)
The programme helps you develop:
- critical reflective skills
- strong research and critical analysis capabilities
- professional skills tailored to environment and development sectors
- a deep understanding of social and environmental issues
Topics
You will learn about issues that are inherently transboundary, multi-generational and multi-faceted. Our approach to understanding these issues will centre on questions of justice and inequalities.
Some issues you may explore:
- gender and social equality
- environmental justice
- international development and justice
- critical sustainability
- climate justice
- diminishing natural resources
- biodiversity conservation
- disaster vulnerability and adaptation
You can explore other environmental issues through optional courses and your dissertation.
Dissertation
Throughout your studies, we will work with you to prepare you for the dissertation project. This will be your opportunity to explore a topic of your choice in relation to the programme and prepare a dissertation that you can use to demonstrate your work to potential employers.
How will I learn?
You will experience a range of learning styles while studying, depending on the subject matter and courses you are taking.
Examples of learning styles include:
- lectures
- interactive group activities during class
- tutorials to discuss reading materials
- class discussions on films or other materials
- guest talks with Q&A.
Learning will also take place outside of class when you work on group assignments, reflect on your learning, engage in conversations with groupmates, attend talks and so on.
You will also be assessed using a range of methods such as:
- essay writing
- project report writing
- group assignments
- presentation skills
- reflective writing
- writing for different audiences such as blog posts.
Our teaching approach encourages you to reflect upon your role as both researchers and professionals in transformations towards social and environmental justice, considering the ethics of engagement in an unequal world.
You will be taught by world-leading researchers and experienced practitioners working in environment and development fields in various sectors from non-government organisations (NGOs), consultancies, or state organisations.
Guest speakers and teaching staff will provide insights into real-world applications.
You can view each relevant course for teaching and assessment methods through the ‘Programme Structure’ link under compulsory and option courses below.
Changes to teaching and learning
We are committed to offering high-quality education to all our students. However, please be advised that there may be changes to course options and delivery. All decisions are made to ensure we can provide the highest standards for your educational experience.
Although we try to provide a wide range of optional courses to choose from, these can be subject to change or cancellation at short notice. Places on optional courses can be limited due to course capacity and timetabling constraints. It may not be possible to guarantee every offer holder their top choice of optional courses.
Part-time study
You may study this programme part-time as we are committed to helping people into education while continuing to work or managing family and personal commitments.
Two and three-year part-time options are available. We recommend living within a commutable distance from Edinburgh in order to undertake part-time study, and we encourage you to contact us to discuss part-time study in more detail.
Find out more about compulsory and optional courses
We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.
Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSc | Environment and Development | 1 Year | Full-time | Programme structure 2024/25 |
MSc | Environment and Development | 2 Years | Part-time | Programme structure 2024/25 |
MSc | Environment and Development | 3 Years | Part-time | Programme structure 2024/25 |
On completing the MSc Environment and Development, you will:
- be able to critically analyse the multiple, contested relationships between development and the environment, and underlying questions of power and responsibility
- be able to appreciate the value of understanding multiple ideologies and agendas on environment and development issues, emphasising minority and oppressed voices
- be familiar with key theories and debates within political ecology and critical development studies and their agendas for social and environmental justice and decolonising development
- be comfortable using a range of tools and approaches commonly employed by environment and development practitioners in different sectors, including NGOs, consultancies and government agencies
- develop the ability to work independently, to build accountability and ownership of your own learning journey, and to work collaboratively with partner organisations and in student groups
- develop the capacity to critically reflect upon your own positioning, privilege and power in transformations towards social and environmental justice, considering the ethics of engagement in an unequal world
- be able to convey complex ideas through writing and verbal presentations for a range of audiences.
As a graduate of the MSc Environment and Development, you can seek roles in a variety of sectors, including:
- international and national development agencies
- state agencies
- think tanks
- non-government organisations (NGOs) and civil society
- environmental and development consultancies
- the private sector
Our students are also well-placed to progress to PhD research and academia. For example, recent graduates have progressed to doctoral studies focusing on marine governance in Southeast Asia and conservation practice in East Africa.
Our graduates
Examples of where our recent graduates have secured positions include:
- Government agencies in countries around the world
- Local governments
- International non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as Oxfam and Fauna & Flora International
- Environmental consultancies and environmental certification organisations
- a range of smaller NGOs, knowledge and research institutes, and home-country government departments around the world
Our recent graduates are in roles such as:
- Policy Advocacy
- Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer
- Community Development Facilitator
- Environmental/ Sustainability Consultant
- Disaster and Resilience Project Manager
- Researcher
- Partnerships Advisor
- Green Cities Programme Manager
- Livelihoods Programme Officer
- Certification Analyst
It was clear from the start that I wanted to work in international development, and doing this MSc was one of the essential steps to get there. I started applying for jobs around Easter of my Masters year, with some excellent support from the University Careers service.
I am now in Dublin working for Oxfam Ireland as a Programme Quality Officer, supporting long term development programmes across Eastern and Southern Africa. The work I do is very rewarding, and I feel like I am constantly learning, so I am happy and grateful.
- Rosa Brandon, MSc Environment and Development
Networks
Through this MSc, you will meet a range of environment and development practitioners who offer their perspectives on taught courses, through dedicated postgraduate career activities, and potentially through collaborations during your own dissertation research.
One of your compulsory courses is co-developed with practitioners, who regularly co-teach the course. You can also join the Edinburgh Environment and Development Network to meet professionals working broadly in the field.
We hold a careers session as part of a compulsory course and support you in linking your career goals to network development as part of your dissertation.
Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your wider student experience at the University, providing:
- tailored advice
- individual guidance and personal assistance
- internships and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)
- access to the experience of our worldwide alumni network
We invest in your future beyond the end of your degree. Studying at the University of Edinburgh will lay the foundations for your future success, whatever shape that takes.
Field trips
Field trips are an excellent way to explore the factors and forces that shape our world and enable you to put valuable skills into practice. Our compulsory field trips or field courses are free, including travel and accommodation.
You will have the opportunity to participate in a unique residential field trip as part of this programme.
Through the field trip, you will have the chance to observe and reflect on the challenges of working as a development practitioner and your own experiences conducting research, including consideration of research and professional ethics of engagement.
You can meet with a range of people from government, development agencies, non-government organisations (NGOs), grassroots organisations, research institutions and local communities who can introduce you to a variety of projects and practices.
On recent trips, students have explored:
- water management
- community forestry
- adaptations to climate change
- biodiversity conservation
However, we will be guided by the needs of the location the trip is focused on in any given year. Previous trips have included locations such as Nepal.
Our compulsory field trips or field courses are free, including travel and accommodation.
Changes to field trips
Field course locations may change for a variety of reasons, including the health and safety of our students, staff and communities, and to ensure we can maintain the highest standards for your educational experience.
Where suitable, fieldwork will be relocated or rescheduled. We will also look at alternative arrangements that will ensure you achieve the quality learning outcomes of your degree. We will announce any changes as soon as possible.
Accessibility on field trips
We are committed to making our degree as accessible and inclusive as possible. In the event that you cannot attend a fieldwork trip, we will provide alternatives with comparable learning outcomes where necessary.
Where you will study
Your compulsory courses are often taught on the Central Campus in the city's historical centre. Occasionally, you may also have classes in Kings Buildings, the main campus for the University’s College of Science and Engineering..
Depending on the option courses you choose, you may study at various campus locations in Edinburgh.
You will also have access to the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI) Masters Hub.
Facilities
You will have access to the University's facilities across all University sites.
For example:
- laboratories
- libraries
- study spaces (some of which are open 24 hours)
- computing facilities
- social spaces
- leisure facilities
Masters Hub and Edinburgh Climate Change Institute
This programme is linked with the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI). You will have access to the shared 'Masters Hub' study space in ECCI as well as the café and shared working spaces on the ground and first floors. Some of your teaching will take place in the ECCI.
ECCI is also close to many teaching spaces and facilities within the Central Area campus. For example, the Main Library and gym.
Take a virtual tour
You can take a closer look at the School of GeoSciences and explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site. Discover our city's landmarks, our campuses, accommodation and get video tours - all in one place.
These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.
We may also consider a UK 2:2 honours degree, or its international equivalent, with relevant work experience, a strong personal statement and supportive reference.
Students from China
This degree is Band B.
International qualifications
Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:
English language requirements
Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.
English language tests
We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:
- IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
- TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
- C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
- Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
- PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
- Oxford ELLT: 8 overall with at least 6 in each component.
Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
Degrees taught and assessed in English
We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:
We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).
If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.
Find out more about our language requirements:
Deposit
If you receive an offer of admission you will need to pay a deposit to secure your place.
- £1,500 (this contributes towards your tuition fees)
Find out more about tuition fee deposits:
Field trips and field courses
We do not charge extra fees for compulsory field trips or field courses. The programme fees will cover costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence on compulsory field trips. However, you must pay for incidental or personal expenses. This may include suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.
Living costs
You will be responsible for covering living costs for the duration of your studies.
Tuition fees
Award | Title | Duration | Study mode | |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSc | Environment and Development | 1 Year | Full-time | Tuition fees |
MSc | Environment and Development | 2 Years | Part-time | Tuition fees |
MSc | Environment and Development | 3 Years | Part-time | Tuition fees |
Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.
Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:
- borrowing money
- taking out a loan
- family support
- personal savings
- income from work
- employer sponsorship
- scholarships
Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study
School of GeoSciences scholarships
Scholarships and student funding
You can find funding opportunities, tuition fees and costs of living for prospective UK and international postgraduate students on the University website.
You are also encouraged to undertake your own research into the range of potential scholarships and other funding outside the University for which you may be eligible.
Mastercard Foundation Postgraduate Scholarships
Scholarships are available for this programme. The postgraduate study scholarships for the 2025/26 academic year will accept applications from 1st October 2024 at 10:00 AM until 8th November 2024 at 5:00 PM (UK Time). Applicants must be residents and citizens or hold refugee status in a Sub-Saharan African country.
For more information and how to apply, visit:
Please note: If the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is the only scholarship you are interested in applying for at the University of Edinburgh, please apply for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program scholarship only. If you receive a scholarship offer from the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, you can then apply for the academic programme.
Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:
- Admissions Contact (lines open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm)
- Phone: +44 (0)131 650 5737
- Contact: College of Science & Engineering Admissions Enquiries
- Programme Contact
- Contact: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
- School of GeoSciences
- Geography Building
- Drummond Street
- Central Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH8 9XP
- Programme: Environment and Development
- School: GeoSciences
- College: Science & Engineering
Applying
Select your programme and preferred start date to begin your application.
MSc Environment and Development - 1 Year (Full-time)
MSc Environment and Development - 2 Years (Part-time)
MSc Environment and Development - 3 Years (Part-time)
Due to high demand for this programme, we operate on a series of selection deadlines.
We strongly recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications may close earlier than the published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.
We may make a small number of offers to the most outstanding candidates on an ongoing basis. However, the majority of applications will be held until the advertised deadline.
We aim to make the majority of decisions within eight weeks of the selection deadline.
If we have not made you an offer by a specific selection deadline this means one of two things:
- your application has been unsuccessful, in which case we will contact you to let you know
- your application is still being considered, it will be carried forward for consideration in the next selection deadline, and we’ll be in touch once a decision is made
The final deadline may be extended if any places remain on the programme.
Due to high demand for this programme, we operate on a series of selection deadlines.
We strongly recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications may close earlier than the published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.
We may make a small number of offers to the most outstanding candidates on an ongoing basis. However, the majority of applications will be held until the advertised deadline.
We aim to make the majority of decisions within eight weeks of the selection deadline.
If we have not made you an offer by a specific selection deadline this means one of two things:
- your application has been unsuccessful, in which case we will contact you to let you know
- your application is still being considered, it will be carried forward for consideration in the next selection deadline, and we’ll be in touch once a decision is made
The final deadline may be extended if any places remain on the programme.
Selection deadlines
Round | Application deadline | Decisions made or applications rolled to the next deadline |
---|---|---|
1 | 15 December | 1 March |
2 | 31 March | 31 May |
3 | 31 May | 31 July |
You must submit one reference with your application.
Please submit a CV/Resume with your application. Find out more about writing a suitable CV:
Failure to submit all required documents will prevent the Admissions team from considering you for a place on the programme. It may also delay the decision on your application beyond the stated deadline.
We advise you do not apply to more than one programme. Where possible, we may make an alternative programme offer if you have been unsuccessful in your chosen programme.
Find out more about the general application process for postgraduate programmes:
Further information
- Admissions Contact (lines open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm)
- Phone: +44 (0)131 650 5737
- Contact: College of Science & Engineering Admissions Enquiries
- Programme Contact
- Contact: futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
- School of GeoSciences
- Geography Building
- Drummond Street
- Central Campus
- Edinburgh
- EH8 9XP
- Programme: Environment and Development
- School: GeoSciences
- College: Science & Engineering