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Environmental Sciences at UEA
Find out more about studying Environmental Sciences at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Managing Sustainability
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Course Options
Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
4th
UEA is ranked 4th overall for research quality in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences
Times Higher Education REF 2021 AnalysisCourse Overview
Our MSc Managing Sustainability is a distinctive, career-focused Master’s that brings together the world-class expertise of the School of Environmental Sciences and Norwich Business School. By studying at the intersection of environmental science and strategic management, you’ll gain the knowledge and practical skills needed to lead sustainability transformation across organisations and sectors.
As part of our vibrant portfolio of sustainability-focused MSc programmes — including Environmental Sciences, Sustainability and Society, Environmental Assessment and Management, Sustainable Business Management, and Accounting and Sustainability — you’ll join a dynamic community committed to tackling urgent global environmental and business challenges.
The School of Environmental Sciences is ranked #4 in the UK for Research Excellence (REF 2021) and has played a leading role within the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), contributing to the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. Norwich Business School strengthens this expertise through its global leadership in sustainability management, pioneering the world’s first MBA in Sustainable Business Management and embedding sustainability at the heart of strategy and innovation.
UEA leads by example, with ambitious net zero commitments and proven action across energy, biodiversity, transport, waste, and procurement — reflected in its strong performance in the QS World University Sustainability Rankings.
You’ll graduate with a powerful blend of scientific understanding and strategic insight, ready to drive meaningful, measurable change. Graduates are well prepared for careers in sustainability and environmental consultancy, corporate responsibility, policy and regulation, governmental and non-governmental organisations, industry, and research, or progression to PhD study.
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Study and Modules
Structure
This flexible course structure allows you to explore modules in both environmental science and business disciplines, enabling you to tailor your studies to your career goals
Teaching is strongly practice-based, applying theory to real sustainability challenges through case studies and applied projects. You’ll develop hands-on skills in sustainability assessment, data analysis, and the use of tools such as geographic information systems (GIS) and impact assessment methods, alongside key professional competencies in stakeholder engagement, teamwork, leadership, and strategic communication.
You’ll explore the theory and practice of managing sustainability, as well as professional and commercial skills. You’ll also be able to choose from an exciting range of available topics across both environmental science and business disciplines, enabling you to tailor your studies to your career goals.
You’ll study research methods and complete your dissertation with the support of an expert supervisor.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and practical classes. As an MSc student, you’ll also be encouraged to deepen your knowledge and understanding through directed reading and assessed coursework.
Your independent project provides the opportunity to undertake in-depth research on a topic of your choice, working closely with an academic supervisor. This experience enables you to develop advanced research skills whilst exploring an area that aligns with your interests and career goals.
Assessment
Depending on the modules you choose, you’ll be assessed using a variety of methods, which may include essays, seminar presentations, and your dissertation. Throughout the course, you’ll refine your ability to present clear, concise, and coherent arguments, which is a highly transferable skill that will prepare you for both professional and research-focused careers.
Careers
Career Pathways
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Sustainability Manager in a range of corporate, public sector, charity and other contexts
- Biodiversity Manager
- Environmental Consultant
- Corporate Sustainability
- Natural Capital Management
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
After the Course
Our alumni build impactful careers in sustainability management, environmental consultancy, corporate responsibility, policy and regulation, in roles across governmental, non-governmental, and industry settings. Whether you aspire to influence global business practice, shape public policy, drive change within communities, or pursue advanced research and PhD study, this degree equips you to create meaningful change.
Our Career Central team is also available to support you for up to three years after graduation. You can book appointments with professional advisers, attend careers events, and access online resources and live vacancies, including paid graduate internships through the UEA Internship Programme.
CareerCentral also offers continued support for disabled students who may require adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace. All these services are available through the online careers platform.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Any science or social science subject including geography, plus politics, economics, law and business studies. Strong applicants from other backgrounds with experience relevant to Environmental Sciences are also encouraged to apply.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Any science or social science subject including geography, plus politics, economics, law and business studies. Strong applicants from other backgrounds with experience relevant to Environmental Sciences are also encouraged to apply.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall with minimum 5.5 in each component.
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.(opens in a new window)
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- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27 are:
- UK Students: £12,350
- International Students: £25,700
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form(opens in a new window).
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.