MA Sustainable Development
About this course
MA (Hons) in Sustainable Development, a sociology and anthropology and geography degree examining the relationship between societies and the natural world. Students study sustainable development as a local and global issue through a multidisciplinary approach.
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: from AAA to ABB (required: no specific A level subjects required) IB: from 36 points with 665 at HL to 34 points with 655 at HL
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 32%: 54 offers from 171 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 50 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 85%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 76%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 35 students who started
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 85%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 5%
- Customer service occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 60%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 195 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 6%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 4%
- London: 27%
- South East: 9%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 39%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started
- A levels: 65%
- Baccalaureate: 10%
- Access course: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 20%
Modules
- the first will introduce you to the concept and principles of sustainable development
- the second will consider the way that science and technology shape the relationship between humans and the environment
- geography
- politics and international relations
- science, technology and innovation studies
- sociology
- social anthropology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Sustainable Development at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £27,500 after 3 years, £34,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,000 and £44,000. The £34,500 median after five years is £8,000 more than the UK median for Sociology.
What do graduates of MA Sustainable Development at University of Edinburgh do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Sustainable Development at University of Edinburgh?
91% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Sustainable Development at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 182 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MA Sustainable Development at University of Edinburgh?
32% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 54 offers from 171 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does MA Sustainable Development at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Sustainable Development at University of Edinburgh?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.