MSc Sustainability
Lincoln, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 up to 2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Scholarships
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Introduction
Sustainability is a cross-cutting theme relevant to a wide range of sectors including those such as food production, farming, chemical production, manufacturing, construction, service sector and retail, as well as at a policy level. The need for sustainable development is becoming increasingly important throughout the UK and globally, and organizations are now reflecting this in the decisions they make and the policies they put in place. To achieve these goals, a new generation of sustainability specialists is needed to support companies, public services, and non-profit organizations to identify and implement policies and strategies to manage the resources they use and the waste they generate.
The MSc in Sustainability program at the University of Lincoln aims to offer a broad range of topics, which enable students to develop both the technical knowledge of the subject, as well as the leadership and business skills necessary to embed sustainable practices, develop sustainable products and services and to implement change. This program is designed to promote a broad understanding of the topic, through real-life related assignments to develop core competencies and through a specific personal project to increase a graduate's employability across a range of sectors including housing, the built environment, food and agriculture, energy and water sector, service sector, retail, policy and manufacturing.
Prioritising Face-to-Face Teaching
At the University of Lincoln, we strive to ensure our students’ experience is engaging, supportive, and academically challenging. Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, we have adapted to Government guidance to keep our students, staff, and community safe. All remaining Covid-19 legal restrictions in England were lifted in February 2022 under the Government&rsquo's Plan for Living with Covid-19, and we have embraced a safe return to in-person teaching on campus. Where appropriate, face-to-face teaching is enhanced by the use of digital tools and technology and may be complemented by online opportunities where these support learning outcomes.
We are fully prepared to adapt our plans if changes in Government guidance make this necessary, and we will endeavour to keep current and prospective students informed.
"This information was correct at the time of publishing (July 2023)"
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
How You Study
The course is based on core and elective modules and a research project that is aligned to sector issues or problems and opportunities to address them. The core modules focus on the fundamental principles underpinning sustainability, including core eco-socio-economic issues, climate-resilient business management, policy, governance, and innovation as well as evidence-based decision-making. Elective modules are themed around specialist areas of knowledge which will help enable students to develop skills aligned to specific sectors such as built environment, food and agriculture, energy, and so forth.
The program is taught through a variety of interactive student-focused activities, including lectures, seminars, workshops, research projects, business visits, work placements, independent study, and peer-to-peer and group activities. Project/case study-based and collaborative research-engaged learning is embedded throughout and will be reflected within the assessments. This will allow students to work as individuals and in groups and to produce solo and group presentations, reports, essays, projects, literature reviews, and a dissertation.
During the program, students will have the chance to engage with businesses, charities, and non-governmental organizations to understand the practical application of sustainability and sustainable development in specific sectors. Students will also have the opportunity to hear from and engage with industry and specific sector speakers and to undertake a research project to demonstrate their ability to communicate and think critically. The projects can use a range of innovative methodologies depending on the question the student seeks to answer.
Governance and Risk (Core)
This module examines corporate governance concepts and principles in both national and international contexts, developing key skills necessary to support the development of good governance, risk management, control, internal audit, and stakeholder dialogue throughout an organization. The module provides an overview of the role of boards and directors in corporate governance and also develops an understanding of the essential role that corporate social responsibility (CSR) plays in corporate governance worldwide.
Innovation in a Circular Ecosystem (Core)
Sustainable Innovation leads to the creation of new markets through products and services or processes driven by the need to address social, environmental, or economic sustainability issues. This approach to innovation lets businesses grow while addressing important challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and a reduction in the use of natural resources. This process could also improve business restructuring, recovery and promote economic resilience as well as growth and competitiveness.
The overall aim of the module is for students to gain knowledge and develop an understanding that enables them to identify the role of innovation and other leading practices in developing sustainable products and services and providing sustainable solutions and to identify issues and assess opportunities that deliver innovative and sustainable products and services by using lifecycle thinking and circular economy approaches. The module will also contribute to preparing students for their relevant dissertation projects to be undertaken throughout the year. Additional aims are to enable students to develop multi-disciplinary skills in researching, organizing and presenting relevant information in verbal and written form and applying that information in practice
Measuring, Reporting & Communicating Sustainability (Core)
This module enables students to use data and information sources to inform evidence-based effective sustainability strategies as well as to determine, implement, and measure methods of effective communication of these strategies. An abundance of data and analysis tools and frameworks support the measurement, calculation, or assessment of specific aspects of sustainability e.g. carbon footprinting or the development of business strategy, e.g. to support the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals. Students will have the opportunity to develop critical analysis skills and implement reflective and reflexive approaches to considering given sustainability aspects, their impact, and potential business innovation, mitigation, or adaption strategies. They will also evaluate how to design and deliver an integrated communication plan related to the implementation of sustainability strategies.
Mitigation, Adaption & Resilience in a Changing World (Core)
This module encourages students to gain knowledge and develop an understanding that enables them to critically evaluate environmental sustainability challenges and solutions; their socio-economic impact and their relationship with businesses, products, and services.
This will include knowledge/understanding of issues related to climate change, water scarcity, biodiversity loss and ecosystem services, environmental pollution, waste and recycling, energy production and use, liveable environment, and food production; global inequalities; their impact on social systems, cultural practices, community and individuals; and the social and physical determinants of health.
The module will also contribute to preparing students for the dissertation project to be undertaken throughout the year. Students can also develop multidisciplinary skills in researching, organising, and presenting relevant information in verbal and written form, and applying that information in practice.
Principles of Sustainability (Core)
This module explores the concept of sustainability, sustainable systems, and processes and sustainable living in the context of global urbanisation of populations, finite resource depletion, planetary boundaries, and the significant increase of the global population from 1.6 billion in 1900 to 6 billion in 2000 and around 7.95 billion today.
The development of the eight Millennium Development Goals (2000-2015) and the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (2015-2030) inform international targets for sustainable development. UN Climate Change Conferences from Kyoto in 1997, COP18 in Doha (2012), and COP26 in Glasgow (2021) sought to gain universal climate agreement between governments to reduce emissions, cut greenhouse gases, and support vulnerable nations to adapt, but global greenhouse gas emissions continue to arise. This module will consider from a wide perspective the context of sustainability, sustainable development, and sustainable living and encourage critical reflection on these themes.
Sustainability Research Project - Case Study (Core)
Sustainability Case Study is a single 60-credit module, which will be introduced in the first term of study and continue across terms 2 and 3. It aims to provide students with the experience of developing academic and career development skills, as well as to design and deliver a relevant individual, in-depth scientific study/ investigation.
In the first part, via a range of activities and through interacting with various research groups and teams across the university, students will familiarise themselves with research undertaken across the University and start thinking about their research project/case studies areas. They will also gain access to career advice/opportunities for placements/professional practice. Students will have the opportunity to develop critical academic skills related to finding, evaluating, reading, and understanding relevant sources of literature and clearly and concisely write content to make a point or defend an argument with cited sources.
Sustainable Organisations (Core)
This module will focus on sustainability from the perspectives of organisations, business and management. It will explore the underlying causes of present-day challenges with sustainability at both an organisational and societal level. The module will also address the barriers and enablers associated with bringing about the essential transition to sustainability across industrial sectors and within individual organisations. Students will consider alternative forms of organisation and create solutions for addressing societal and environmental injustice.
How You Are Assessed
Assessment is through a blend of assignments, presentations, team projects, time-controlled assessments, and a final project/dissertation.
Program Outcome
How You Study
The course is based on core and elective modules, and a research project that is aligned to sector issues or problems and opportunities to address them. The core modules focus on the fundamental principles underpinning sustainability, including core eco-socio-economic issues, climate-resilient business management, policy, governance and innovation as well as evidence-based decision-making. Elective modules are themed around specialist areas of knowledge which will help enable students to develop skills aligned to specific sectors such as built environment, food and agriculture, energy and so forth.
The Program is taught through a variety of interactive student-focused activities, including lectures, seminars, workshops, research projects, business visits, work placements, independent study, and peer-to-peer and group activities. Project/case study-based and collaborative research-engaged learning is embedded throughout and will be reflected within the assessments. This will allow students to work as individuals and in groups and to produce solo and group presentations, reports, essays, projects, literature reviews, and a dissertation.
During the Program, students will have the chance to engage with businesses, charities and non-governmental organisations to understand the practical application of sustainability and sustainable development in specific sectors. Students will also have the opportunity to hear from and engage with industry and specific sector speakers and to undertake a research project to demonstrate their ability to communicate and think critically. The projects can use a range of innovative methodologies depending on the question the student seeks to answer.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Postgraduate study is an investment in yourself and your future. It can help you to further or completely change your career, develop your knowledge, enhance your salary, or even prepare you to start your own business. Postgraduate students at the University of Lincoln benefit from inspirational teaching combined with high-quality facilities and learning spaces, great industry links, and unique research opportunities, all of which are designed to help you stand out from the crowd and make the most of your time with us.