Environmental Sustainability MSc



Are you concerned about the environment and sustainability issues and are seeking job opportunities in this area?

Overview

Creating a sustainable world that provides a safe, secure, and healthy life for all peoples is a priority for the global community. Building and maintaining infrastructure nowadays demands solutions that are technically viable, commercially feasible, and environmentally and socially sustainable. This programme is designed for students whose interest is in the application of science and engineering to environmental issues and sustainable development. The programme is interdisciplinary in nature and provides students with a broad and integrated understanding of environmental sustainability. It encourages sharing and disseminating information, knowledge and technology that encourages sustainable development. 

Whatever your academic background, studying this course will give you the qualifications you need for a career in the sustainability sector.  This course takes an industry-focused approach, with particular application to buildings, property development, sustainable technologies as well as the waste and water sectors. Extremely relevant in today’s climate-aware world, this course is aimed at graduates from a wide range of disciplines.

Typical entry points to this course are in January and September. Please enquire for more information.

Unfortunately, we are no longer accepting applications from international applicants for this programme for January 2025.

 
Students wearing high visibility clothes whilst researching in the forest

Mode of Study:

Full-time (available as Part-time)

Duration:

1 year

Start date:

JanSep

Course details

This program provides students with deep understanding on the implications of global trends for the environment, for society, for the economy and for the construction industry technical and scientific principles that underpin the sustainable built environment. It quips students with the knowledge, skills on relevant tools, techniques, systems and practices, their application and how they can be used to improve sustainability performance. This fosters a sound understanding and critical application of the general principles of environmental technology and sustainable building principles including material properties, sustainability and their performance within the context of today’s construction industry.

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    How you’ll be taught

    You’ll learn by a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials and independent study.

    This is a full-time course and is split up into three trimesters. You can choose to start in either January or September.

    Duration:

    • September starts: 12 months
    • January starts: 18 months with a three-month break over the summer (after the first taught trimester)

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Building Energy Performance ( BSV11153 )

Building Thermal Performance:
Building Heat loss
Detailing for Energy Efficient Construction
Sustainable Design Strategies:
Software Tools for designing Energy Efficient Buildings
SAP/SBEM compliance and Energy Performance Certification
Modelling Sustainable Construction
Low and Zero Carbon Technologies (LZCT):
Renewable Energy Technologies
Integration of LZCT in Buildings
Zero Carbon Buildings
Testing Building Performance
Airtightness Testing
Thermography

Further information

Dissertation ( BSV11120 )

“The Dissertation module is a substantial piece of independent work executed within the traditions of scholarship and research characteristic of a particular discipline. Students will learn various research skills which will then be applied to their own chosen research topics. This will include developing a research proposal, conducting literature reviews, research methodology, designing a research strategy, data gathering, data presentation, data analysis, and the writing up of the dissertation.”

Further information

Environmental Impact Assessment ( BSV11160 )

This module aims to provide students with the tools to combine science-based knowledge with construction industry drivers for environmental management purposes. Students will be introduced to a variety of real life case studies dealing with trans-boundary issues, implications of national level regulations to business practice in different countries and monitoring plans. At the end of the module, students will be able to use the skills they have been taught to apply to real world scenarios.

Further information

Renewable Energy Finance and Environmental Law ( BSV11122 )

There are two major parts in the contents. Renewable energy finance: Ecological/Environmental economics, concepts of sustainability, emissions calculations, energy and financial payback, accounting rate of return, Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), profit ratios, probability applications, sensitivity analysis, RE financial calculations, project finance practical applications, equity and debt finance, venture finance, mezzanine finance, leasing, risk management, securitisation, and energy management system (ISO 5001). Environmental law: Introduction to environmental law, European community environmental law and policy, administration and enforcement of environmental law, private regulation of environmental pollution, protection of specific environments, water pollution, contaminated land, waste management, land ownership rights and effect of planning law

Further information

Sustainable Building Design ( BSV11114 )

¦ Sustainable buildings foundations and structures¦ Green Building Assessments (LEED, BREAM)¦ Sustainable Sites and Landscaping.¦ Building Energy Issues (High performance building energy design strategy, building envelop, smart buildings and energy management systems)¦ Passive vs active design strategies.¦ Designing for Performance and Materials Selection.¦ Sustainable Building Implementation: Life cycle approach, construction operations (construction and demolition waste management)¦ Economic analysis for Sustainable Buildings.

Further information

Sustainable Urban Property Development ( BSV11125 )

Sustainable urban development, sustainable development, urban property development, development appraisal, sustainable urban property development protocol, environmental assessment methods, case study applications.

Further information

Sustainable Water Resources Management ( BSV11126 )

Channel & pipe flow revision.
Sustainability: past and present perceptions related to water resources.
Sustainability in water resources engineering: channel morphology, erosion control, coastal erosion, sea defences, indicators and indices for sustainable water resources development.
Concept of whole-life costing and its application to water and waste water systems management.
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS): techniques, policy, mechanisms of pollutant removal in SUDS, and design of SUDS.

Further information

Waste Management ( BSV11124 )

Introduction to Waste and RecyclingWaste arising, volumes, disposal, historical perspective, UK and other nation state comparisonsWaste management optionsReduce, reuse, recycle, residue.Residuals managementDisposal optionsStudent-led case studyA recycling or waste management option selected for more detailed analysis

Further information

* These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

ACCREDITED BY

Accredited for Chartered Energy Manager.

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Environmental Sustainability? 

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at a 2:2 or above in any degree subject. Evidence of Mathematical ability is also required. Candidates from all backgrounds seeking to gain an understanding of sustainable development are encouraged to apply. 

We may also consider lesser qualifications if you have sufficient relevant work experience within the industry.

Can I get admission into Environmental Sustainability based on my working experience in this sector?

This course has academic entry requirements which are assessed alongside relevant work experience. Full details of any relevant work experience, including references should be submitted with your application and may be considered for entry where the minimum academic entry requirements are below those required.

Usually, unrelated work experience is not considered sufficient for entry without meeting the minimum academic entry requirements. Please contact us with your specific circumstances by submitting an enquiry form above and we will be happy to discuss your options.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

 

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English (within two years of starting your postgraduate course). Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2024/25 2025/26
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £7,280 £7,650
Overseas and EU £20,395 £21,430

Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other tuition fee matters, please see our Fees and Funding

The University offers a 20% discount on Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes. The discount can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount. For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount. Please read our full T&C here

Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Please note:

The discount for Edinburgh Napier alumni can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount.

For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.

Please read our full T&C here

Careers

What can you do with a MSc Environmental Sustainability degree?

As concerns about climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation continue to escalate, there is a growing demand for professionals with expertise in environmental sustainability. Studying MSc Environmental Sustainability degree from Edinburgh Napier University equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to address pressing environmental challenges and make a positive impact in various sectors. This includes:

  • Construction contractors
  • Consulting engineers
  • Quantity surveyors
  • Architects
  • Local and central government
  • Housing associations
  • Management consultants
  • Manufacturers
  • Service sector organisations

The curriculum covers a broad range of topics, including environmental science, policy, economics, management, and social aspects of sustainability. This interdisciplinary approach prepares students for diverse career paths and enables them to tackle complex environmental issues from multiple perspectives.

You will acquire practical skills in environmental assessment, impact analysis, sustainability reporting, project management, and stakeholder engagement. These skills are highly valued by employers in sectors such as environmental consulting, sustainability management, renewable energy, conservation, and corporate sustainability.

What does an Environmental Consultant do?

As an Environmental Consultant, you will often start your day by reviewing project requirements, timelines, and deliverables. You may coordinate with project managers, clients, and stakeholders to ensure that project objectives are clearly defined and understood.

You may conduct various types of environmental assessments, such as site assessments, environmental impact assessments (EIAs), and ecological surveys. This involves collecting data, conducting field investigations, and analyzing environmental conditions to identify potential risks and impacts.

You may analyze environmental data, including air and water quality data, soil samples, and ecological surveys. You will use statistical analysis and modeling techniques to interpret data and identify trends, patterns, and potential environmental risks. Then you will prepare detailed reports summarizing findings and recommendations for clients and regulatory authorities.

Overall, your daily tasks will involve a combination of technical analysis, regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and communication to deliver successful environmental consulting services.

student in high visibility work gear standing beside the queensferry crossing bridge