At least a 2.2 honours degree or equivalent in any discipline.
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Develop foresight-based expertise in sustainability, equipping you to effect tangible positive change for current and future generations. The course is directly aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the United Nations Pact for the Future. It responds to the strategic priority of long-term planning, thinking and delivery for an inclusive, socially just and climate resilient future.
The course content spans the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) clustered thematically into modules to cover knowledge of and solutions to social, political, economic and environmental challenges. These are coupled with modules focused on practical skills identified as capacity building priorities in sustainability, namely strategic foresight, multi-stakeholder partnership development and the use of policy analysis, data, and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) approaches.
The course culminates in a Sustainable Development Goals extended project, where you’ll develop a solutions-focused project linked to the SDGs. This can take the form of a consultancy project for a partner organisation, or a research project in collaboration with an academic expert from the University. This provides an exceptional opportunity for professional exposure and creating impact during your studies.
You’ll graduate ready for a career driving meaningful long-term progress on sustainability challenges across private, public sector and non-governmental organisations at global, national or local levels.
This course is delivered online on a part-time basis, affording you the flexibility to develop your knowledge and skills and earn your postgraduate qualification around other commitments.
Conceptual modules are informed by UoG’s cutting-edge, policy relevant sustainability research and are taught by the academic researchers directly, with contributions from guest lecturers with relevant professional experience. Course materials are available on-demand through our intuitive virtual learning environment, supported by tutor led activities, class discussions and progress checks and support.
You’ll also benefit from bespoke, live online events designed to deepen your learning, grow your networks and provide CV-enhancing opportunities such as professional panel sessions and an end of course conference.
Your assessment is focused on output styles used in sustainable development organisations, including policy briefings, technical reports, presentations, infographics and blogs. In addition to support from the University, you’ll receive bespoke career coaching, ensuring you graduate ready for the next step in your journey.
You’ll be joining the University of Gloucestershire’s highly ranked Geography department, and benefit from our extensive track record in sustainability research, for example through our in-house Countryside and Community Research Institute.
Understanding Sustainability and Sustainable Development: introduces students to the evolving theory and practice of sustainable development in local, national and global contexts. It is framed around the three key pillars of sustainability: environment, society and economy and takes a systems-thinking approach.
Strategic Foresight for Sustainable Development: trains students in the policymaking approach of strategic foresight and long-term thinking, enabling them to develop solutions to sustainable development challenges which will work for now and for the future.
Achieving Environmental Resilience: explores the principles and practices essential for enhancing environmental resilience in the face of climate change and ecological uncertainty, developing comprehensive understanding of the scientific, technical, and policy aspects necessary to build resilient ecosystems and communities. The module covers UN Sustainable Development Goals 13: Climate Action, 14: Life Below Water and 15: Life on Land.
Driving Global Inclusion & Equitable Economics: examines areas including poverty eradication, economic growth, decent work, modern day slavery, access to quality education and lifelong learning, gender-based violence, and social protection. Through policy analysis and shared experiences, this module provides insights into how issues diverge between states, regions and individuals, and encourages a critical exploration of policy development and implementation with a focus on equity and inclusion. This module covers UN Sustainable Development Goals 1: No Poverty; 4 Quality Education; 5 Gender Equality; 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth; 10 Reduced Inequities.
Healthy Futures & Sustainable Communities: equips students to use evidence-informed policy approaches which are protective for health, enable effective management of water and soil and their ecosystem services including food and potable water, and foster communities which promote positive wellbeing. This module covers UN Sustainable Development Goals 2: Zero Hunger, 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, and 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Energy & Production Innovation: explores the relationship between responsibility, accountability, and sustainability in different industrial sectors. This module covers UN Sustainable Development Goals 7: Affordable and Clean Energy; 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure; and 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Partnerships and Governance: examines how governments, businesses, and civil society can collaborate to create sustainable solutions, while strengthening governance frameworks for long-term impact. The module develops key competencies such as stakeholder engagement, fostering inclusivity, promoting accountability, and building resilience. This module covers UN Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions and capacity building priorities identified in Sustainable Development Goals 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Practical Data & Policy Evaluation Skills for Sustainable Development: without assuming prior knowledge, this module equips students with data analysis and visualization skills, policy evaluation training, and communication strategies for conveying evidence-based recommendations. This module covers capacity building priorities identified in UN Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Sustainable Development Goals Extended Project: an opportunity to work on an extended solutions-focused project contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, gaining project management skills alongside substantive specialisms. This can take the form of a work placement, a research project or a consultancy project.
At least a 2.2 honours degree or equivalent in any discipline.
EU and international students need IELTS 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in any other component) or equivalent.
Please read the entry requirements for your country – and contact our admissions team if you have questions.
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| Start date | Location | Course code |
Fee (UK) Total fee |
Fee (international) Total fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2025 | Distance Learning (UoG delivery) | — | £9,825 | £17,950 |
| Sep 2026 | Distance Learning (UoG delivery) | — | TBC | TBC |
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International students can benefit from a range of scholarships and bursaries across many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. |
Find out more | |||
At UoG we create a climate for bravery and growth. We instil confidence in all our students, so you can graduate career-ready and meet your ambitions.
96% of our graduates are in work or further study*, but if you’re not in a job 6 months after graduating we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support, followed by the offer of a paid internship to kickstart your career – plus we’ll commit to lifetime career coaching. Eligibility conditions apply.
*Graduate Outcomes Survey published 2024 and based on 2021/22 leavers
Discover our promisesWith an MSc in Sustainable Global Futures, you’ll be prepared for a career driving real change in sustainability across the private, public, and non-governmental sectors.
You could become a sustainability consultant, advising businesses on ethical and environmental practices, or a policy analyst, shaping policies that support climate resilience and social justice. Roles in corporate social responsibility (CSR) will allow you to lead sustainability initiatives within organisations, while positions like Climate Resilience Officer or Sustainable Development Manager will enable you to implement impactful projects.
Equipped with expertise in strategic foresight, policy analysis, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, you’ll be ready to shape a more sustainable future.
Benefit from the expertise of academic researchers spanning areas including strategic foresight, gender equity, global health, climate change mitigation and adaptation, partnership-building, labour exploitation, responsible production and urbanisation.
Assessments focus on outputs styles used by organisations working on global sustainability challenges – such as policy briefings and technical reports. Your assignments will improve understanding of sustainability challenges and their solutions, often with immediate relevance.
Increase your pay potential, specialise in a subject you love, or pursue your passion and switch careers.
UoG alumni can benefit from a postgraduate scholarship discount of 15% off tuition fees.
Discover the benefits of studying a master’s degree.
Work with leading practitioners, coaches, and professionals in specialist environments where you will develop your skills and gain real-world experience.
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