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Environment and Sustainability

MSc, PG Cert, PG Dip

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Key information

Key information for 2026-27

Start date:
October 2026
Study route:

MSc, PG Dip

  • One year full-time on campus
  • Two years part-time on campus

PG Cert

  • One year part-time on campus
Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus

Course overview

Our postgraduate environment and sustainability course offers you an advanced-level grounding in sustainable responses to a broad range of environmental issues. You will develop a deeper understanding of the science explaining key drivers of socio-ecological change, and how this may inform environmental policy and management. This will enable you to understand both the challenges and practical solutions required to achieve environmental sustainability in the UK and globally.

  • Why choose this course?
    • Our academic staff are experts in their respective fields so their specialist teaching offers you cutting-edge insights into core themes, such as biodiversity, climate resilience, environmental governance, food and agricultural systems, spatial analysis and landscape change, seismic hazards and urban sustainability. 
    • This course allows you to develop analytical skills that are essential for careers in environmental consultancy, sustainability management or environmental policy. 
    • It is ideal if you have a strong interest in environmental issues, whether you are already engaged in environmental work or keen to enter the sector. It is also relevant if you work in, or aspire to work in, public and private organisations, regulatory bodies or environmental NGOs.
    • If you choose the MSc, your dissertation offers you the chance to conduct an in-depth study of a real environmental challenge and apply advanced research training. 

  • What will I learn?

    Whether you choose to study this environment and sustainability course as an MSc, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate, you will explore the main conceptual and policy frameworks and the institutions shaping environmental policy and management in the UK and internationally. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the ecological and social dimensions of major global environmental problems and develop the ability to communicate these issues effectively, so you gain a strong foundation for further postgraduate study and roles across sustainability and environmental management.

    In studying for the MSc or Diploma, you will also further examine the relationship between scientific understanding, policy formulation and environmental management. You will learn how to evaluate and design effective strategies to address specific, major environmental challenges, including climate change and biodiversity loss, alongside developing broader sectoral skills and knowledge sought in sustainability jobs and environmental consultancy careers.

  • How will I learn?

    You will engage with key literature and relevant case studies through lectures and seminars that deepen your understanding of environmental science, policy and management.

    You will test and develop your ideas through interaction with lecturers and peers, many of whom are experienced professionals, and will have access to high-quality online resources, including preparatory readings and pre‑recorded lectures.

    This course is available to study full‑ or part‑time, with evening teaching that allows you to balance study with work or other commitments.

    Most modules are offered as HyFlex, so you can choose to study them either on campus or online. Please note that you will not be able to study this course fully online, and if you require a Student visa you will only be able to attend on campus due to the conditions of your visa. 

    We offer this course as an MSc, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate. The Certificate and Diploma offer you postgraduate-level study without undertaking the dissertation, so are ideal if you wish to explore this subject before committing to the full MSc Environment and Sustainability.

  • How often will I attend classes?

    Full-time: Usually two to three evenings a week, October to July.

    Part-time: Usually one to two evenings a week, October to July.

  • Course disclaimer

    Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

    Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the How will I learn? section.

More highlights

  • Our central London location offers you a research-rich, interdisciplinary environment and excellent access to a wide range of resources including Birkbeck Library, the LSE Library of Political and Economic Science, the Royal Geographical Society, the British Library and Senate House Library. 
  • We maintain strong links with public and private-sector organisations, professional bodies and networks, providing valuable opportunities for career development in areas such as environmental management, environmental policy and sustainability consulting.
  • Working with the University of London, we offer an online MSc Global Environment and Sustainability.

Modules and Teaching

School of Social Sciences

The school offers an invigorating and enriching educational experience, and students are taught by internationally renowned researchers with an exciting range of expertise. 

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Entry requirements

Our standard entry requirements for postgraduate courses are a second-class honours degree (2:2), or equivalent, in any area of study.

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered, and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

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Fees

MSc: One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in October 2026

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £6,000 per year
Full-time home students: £12,000 per year
Part-time international students: £10,425 per year
Full-time international students: £20,850 per year

PG Cert: One year part-time, on campus, starting in October 2026

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £4,000 per year
Part-time international students: £6,950 per year

PG Dip: One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in October 2026

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students, Year 1: £6,000 per year
Part-time home students, Year 2: £2,000 per year
Full-time home students: £8,000 per year
Part-time international students, Year 1: £10,425 per year
Part-time international students, Year 2: £3,475 per year
Full-time international students: £13,900 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing their course may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the Fees Policy.

Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

Birkbeck's campus is located in the historic and vibrant Bloomsbury area of central London - named one of the best places to live in London 2025 by The Times.

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating from this environment and sustainability course, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:

  • advanced research skills spanning natural and social science approaches
  • critical thinking
  • understanding and communicating environmental issues
  • working with geographic information systems (GIS).

Graduates can pursue career paths in sustainable business, environmental management, local government, education, research, policy work, and in environmental groups and charities. Possible professions include:

  • geographic information systems officer
  • nature conservation officer
  • environmental consultant
  • planning and development surveyor
  • town planner.

Some of our graduates from this course have gone on to work for companies or organisations including:

  • London Borough of Camden
  • Plan UK
  • Alcatel Lucent
  • Amnesty International
  • Argent
  • Arup
  • British Rail
  • Cumbria County Council
  • Environment Agency
  • Fauna & Flora International
  • Forestry Commission
  • Hydrographic Office
  • National Trust
  • University of Birmingham
  • Whitehall.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Student support

Birkbeck offers study, learning and wellbeing support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed.

Our Learning Development Service provides a lively programme of free weekly workshops building essential academic skills - from writing and critical thinking to maths and referencing - offering flexible sessions, practical tips, and online resources to boost your skills and confidence.

Our Disability and Mental Health Service can support you if you have disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health conditions or neurodivergence, by providing practical support to help you achieve your academic potential.

Our Counselling Service aims to support you with any emotional and psychological difficulties that are affecting your experience and engagement with your studies at university. It is a free, non-judgemental and confidential service which consists of a consultation process followed by time limited counselling contact.

Find out more about the full range of student services we offer at Birkbeck.

How to apply

You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link.

You will need to prove your identity when you apply. Find out more about how to apply.

Related courses

Study routes for Environment and Sustainability (MSc, PG Cert, PG Dip)

Please select a study route below to continue your application.

Please note that international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK can only apply for full-time, on campus routes.

Starting in October 2026

Full-time

Part-time