MSc/Diploma in Environment and Development

A one-year full-time postgraduate degree programme investigating the link between the environment and sustainable development, focusing mainly on developing countries. Students will develop analytical and professional skills to promote the contribution of wise management of the environment and natural resources to development. This will involve a multidisciplinary approach linking the three pillars of sustainable development, ecology, social justice and economics. The programme will consider how the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) provide a pathway towards sustainable development linked to National Strategies for Sustainable Development (NSSD) using examples of relevance to participants from all countries.

Contents of this page Introduction Programme Objectives Programme Structure Careers Qualifications for Entry Fees and Funding Apply

Introduction

This degree programme is based in the Centre for the study of Environmental Change and Sustainability (CECS), admitting students for the first time in September 2004. The programme is designed for students whose primary interest is in acquiring the knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development internationally. Students are able to devise study programmes suited to their personal interests and career goals through their choice of optional courses and individual research project.

The aims of CECS are to promote research and teaching in the areas of environmental change and sustainability, by working across traditional disciplinary boundaries, both within and outside the University. The Centre is part of the School of GeoSciences, located within the University's College of Science and Engineering, home to over one thousand academic and research staff working in most branches of physical and biological science and engineering. The Centre also works in partnership with the Scottish Agricultural College, academic units from the University's College of Humanities and Social Science, and with external organisations, bringing together expertise in a wide range of disciplines to deliver the MSc programme.

Programme Objectives

• Identify the contribution that the environment can make to sustainable development.
• Describe potential risks to the environment resulting from development activities.
• Understand opportunities and risks associated with the many international processes and agreements relating to the environment and sustainable development.
• Promote the contribution of knowledge to generate evidence-based policy supporting the environment and sustainable development.
• Apply critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge supporting development.
• Examine through case studies the nature and effectiveness of development activities.
• Apply participatory methods through role play and individual research.
• Give students experience of working as individuals and team members.

Programme Structure

The programme starts in September each year and lasts nine months (for the Diploma) and twelve months (for the MSc). The programme consists of:

• a taught component during the Autumn and Spring Semesters (September to April);
• a 4 month individual research project, written up as a dissertation (May to August).

Taught Component

The taught component consists of six courses of lectures: two compulsory courses in Autumn Semester and one in the Spring Semester.

• Environment and Development
• International Development
• Society and Development

The additional three courses are selected from a wide range offered within related MSc programmes. The following courses are recommended:

• African Studies: Theoretical and Conceptual Underpinnings
• Applications in Ecological Economics
• Contemporary African Issues and Debates
• Culture, Ethics and Environment
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Forests and Environment
• Foundations in Ecological Economics
• International Environmental Law
• Land Use - Environment Interactions
• Participation in Policy and Planning
• Project Appraisal
• Rural Development
• Waste Reduction and Recycling

Each course is usually assessed by coursework (50% of marks) and written examination (50% of marks) however there are some exceptions to this rule, such as Society and Development which is assessed 100% by coursework. An oral examination may also be held.

Download the outlines of courses and lecturers (pdf file).

Dissertation

Each student conducts an individual research project on a subject chosen in consultation with the Programme Director. Every effort is made to accommodate student's own interests when defining research projects. There will also be opportunities to carry out projects in collaboration with external organisations, giving students experience of working as part of a team. The breadth of topics is illustrated by the list of previous MSc Environment and Development dissertations (pdf file).

MSc candidates submit a dissertation of no more than 15,000 words by mid-August.

Careers

The programme provides a suitable qualification for students seeking environmental roles within international and national development agencies, or in environment/development-focused NGOs. The student's choice of courses and dissertation project can be used to tailor the degree towards their chosen career path.

Qualifications for Entry

Applicants should have at least an upper second class honours degree or its equivalent.

Evidence of proficiency in English must be provided by those for whom English is not their first language. Details of the tests we accept are included in our page on qualifications. Pre-programme English tuition is available at the University's Institute for Applied Language Studies.

Programme Fees and Funding

The University's fees for the academic session 2008/2009 are set out below.

Fees	UK and EU students	Overseas students
University tuition fees	£4,600	£14,000
Annual programme costs	£700	£700
Total payable	£5,300	£14,700

The Scholarships Office provides the latest information on all scholarships available to applicants. Overseas students may apply for study fellowships to the local offices of the British Council or other international agencies such as the World Bank. The programme is eligible for a Shell Centenary Scholarship awarded annually to graduate students of "outstanding academic ability" from non-OECD countries.

MSc Programme Secretary
University of Edinburgh
Crew Building
The King's Buildings
West Mains Road
Edinburgh, EH9 3JN
United Kingdom
Phone: +44-131-650-4866
Fax: +44-131-662-0478
Email: env-dev@ed.ac.uk