MA Environmental Sustainability
About this course
MA (Hons) Environmental Sustainability is an undergraduate degree focusing on the interaction between human societies and their natural surroundings, resource use, and sustainable development. Core topics include Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Environmental Analysis, and Human Behaviour. Students have the option to undertake a year abroad. The first year introduces foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as Environment, City and Society, Sustainable Development and the Environment, Countryside Planning and Management, and Shaping the Environment: Politics, Environmentalism and Activism. Optional choices in the initial stages cover topics like social and environmental challenges, planning for sustainable places, and urban development. The second year examines Earth systems, environmental chemistry, ecology, renewable energy, and resource management. The third year builds research and analytical capabilities with compulsory modules including Applying Theory to Research and Practice, Data-driven Geography: Statistics in R, Advanced Field Research (Physical Environments), and Environmental Assessment. Optional modules across later stages allow specialisation in areas such as biogeography, geographical information systems, water resources management, and creative writing about the environment, alongside an independent research study or dissertation.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: CCC IB: 28 points, including 5, 5, 4 at higher level Higher / Advanced Higher, SQA (standard): BBBC (View source data of all entry requirements for this course.).
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 84%: 26 offers from 31 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 19 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 89%
- Academic support: 98%
- Organisation and management: 90%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 90%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 12 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 85%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 5%
Most common jobs
- Conservation and environment professionals: 40%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Skilled trades occupations: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 65%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 25 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- North East: 10%
- East of England: 5%
- Scotland: 75%
- Northern Ireland: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 85%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- ISEP is the professional body for everyone working in environment and sustainability. This course entitles students to FREE student membership for the duration of the course and on successful completion you qualify for GradISEP.
Modules
- Environment, City and Society
- Sustainable Development and the Environment
- Countryside Planning and Management
- Social and Environmental Challenges in an Unequal World
- Planning for Sustainable Places
- Reading Urban Places
- Earth Systems and Resources
- Earth System Function and Measurement
- Managing Built and Natural Environments
- Shaping the Environment: Politics, Environmentalism and Activism
- Dynamic Human Worlds: Society, Culture, Economy
- Dynamic Physical Worlds: Earth, Water and Ice
- Shaping Cities: Politics, Theory and Practice
- People and Places
- Applying Theory to Research and Practice
- Data-driven Geography: Statistics in R
- Advanced Field Research (Physical Environments)
- Environmental Assessment
- Biogeography
- Research Methods in Human Geography and Politics
- Field and Laboratory Skills in Physical Geography
- Geographical Information Systems
- Writing the Environment
- Sustainable Water Resources Management
- Advanced Environmental Assessments
- Independent Research Study
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Environmental Sustainability at University of Dundee earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 15 months, £25,500 after 3 years, £30,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,000 and £35,000. The £30,500 median after five years is £1,000 more than the UK median for Environmental sciences.
What do graduates of MA Environmental Sustainability at University of Dundee do next?
100% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Environmental Sustainability at University of Dundee?
95% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Environmental Sustainability at University of Dundee?
The typical offer is CCC at A level, or 28 points in the IB. The average entrant had 157 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MA Environmental Sustainability at University of Dundee?
84% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 26 offers from 31 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is MA Environmental Sustainability at University of Dundee accredited?
Yes. ISEP is the professional body for everyone working in environment and sustainability. This course entitles students to FREE student membership for the duration of the course and on successful completion you qualify for GradISEP.
Does MA Environmental Sustainability at University of Dundee include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Environmental Sustainability at University of Dundee?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.