Environmental Sustainability MSc



Ready for a career in sustainability? Build expertise in climate resilience and the future of sustainable infrastructure.

Course overview

Creating a sustainable world that provides a safe, secure, and healthy life for all people is a priority for the global community. MSc Environmental Sustainability is designed for students whose interest is in the application of science and engineering to environmental issues and sustainable development.

Change your career: Open to graduates from a broad range of disciplines, this MSc gives you the qualifications you need for a career in the rapidly growing sustainability sector, whatever your academic background.

Tackle climate change and real-world challenges: You will develop expertise in climate change adaptation, resilience, decarbonisation and sustainable development, helping address some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing society. Then apply your learning to current sustainability issues across areas like waste, water, energy, buildings and the wider built environment, thinking critically to solve complex problems.

Think across disciplines: Gain a broad, integrated understanding of environmental sustainability, bringing together science, engineering, societal, economic and technological perspectives to develop practical solutions.

Shape future infrastructure: Explore how buildings and infrastructure can become more sustainable, resilient and resource-efficient, balancing technical, commercial, societal and environmental needs.

Launch your career: This industry-focused qualification is designed to support careers in sustainability, environmental consultancy, climate adaptation, resilient infrastructure, sustainable construction, research, energy and related sectors. The programme is accredited by the Energy Institute, providing recognised professional standing and strengthening your career prospects in the energy, sustainability and climate-resilience sectors.

Flexible entry: You can start your studies in September or January, giving you greater flexibility to begin your MSc at a time that suits you. Please enquire for more information.

Students wearing high visibility clothes whilst researching in the forest

Mode of Study:

Part-time (also available Full-time)

Duration:

2-4 years

Start date:

SepJan

Course details

This course provides students with a deep understanding of the impact of global trends for the environment, for society, for the economy and for the construction industry. It teaches technical and scientific principles that underpin the sustainable built environment.

You will be equipped with the knowledge and skills of relevant tools, techniques, systems and practices. You will learn 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.

Go beyond the classroom with exclusive guest lectures and expert insights from industry professionals, Edinburgh City Council, government decision-makers and leading researchers. Through our Retrofitting Challenge, students work on real sustainability and decarbonisation challenges embedded within selected coursework, collaborating with industry partners and research-led centres to develop practical, evidence-based solutions.

Build future-ready skills, and strengthen the professional, communication, leadership and problem-solving skills you'll need to work effectively across disciplines and contribute to sustainable development. You will also develop practical tools and applied knowledge and skills in sustainability assessment, environmental management, sustainable technologies and data-driven decision-making, with relevance to real-world industry challenges.

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    How you’ll be taught

    This is a part-time course that you can start in September or January with flexibility in the number of taught modules taken in each trimester.

    The dissertation project may be carried out over one or two trimesters. The course can take 2 to 4 years to complete, depending on your other commitments and availability. Many part-time students undertake projects in their place of work.

    You'll learn through interactive lectures, workshops, tutorials, site visits and laboratory sessions, and by engaging with guided independent study. Site visits and/or guest lectures may also be arranged.
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    Assessments

    A variety of assessment tools are used to enhance and evaluate your learning.
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    Facilities

    This course is taught in person at our Merchiston campus.

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Building Energy Performance ( BSV11153 )

Building Energy Performance (BSV11153) covers key aspects of building thermal performance, focusing on heat loss and energy-efficient construction. It explores sustainabledesign strategies, including the use of software tools for designing energy-efficient buildings, SAP/SBEM compliance, energy performance certification, and simulation. The module also examines the integration of low and zero-carbon technologies (LZCT) into buildings and the concept of zero-carbon buildings. Additionally, it covers testing building performance targets through methods such as airtightness testing, thermography, etc.

Further information

Dissertation ( BSV11120 )

The Dissertation module constitutes 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 they will then apply to their own chosen research, including developing a research proposal, conducting literature reviews, research methodology, designing a research strategy, data gathering, data presentation, data analysis, and writing up of the dissertation. The choice of a dissertation topic is left to individual students and as long as the proposal can be developed into a dissertation, students shall be allowed to proceed. Each student is allocated a dedicated supervisor to guide the student in the various stages of the research.

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 )

You are expected to acquire basic knowledge and skill set in environmental engineering and renewable energy management to solve complex problems confronting the society. Much of this will be in two broad areas namely: 1. 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). 2. 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.These topics will be spread over a 10 week period of lectures and tutorials; while you will be expected to submit a coursework at the end of the 6th week and 11th week while you will write a class test covering basic financial modelling tools at the 13th week.

Further information

Sustainable Building Design ( BSV11114 )

In this module, students will learn to understand the fundamental principles, strategies, and real-world applications of sustainable design within the built environment. The module provide you with integrated perspective on sustainability, focusing on its environmental, social, and economic dimensions as they relate to buildings, infrastructure, and urban systems. Through case studies, practical tasks, and critical analysis, students will develop the skills to evaluate and apply sustainable design approaches that address current and future challenges in the construction and development sectors.

Further information

Sustainable Urban Property Development ( BSV11125 )

The module is designed to equip students with critical knowledge and awareness of the key issues affecting the sustainability of towns and cities, informed by the UN Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities. Students are introduced to urban development processes, appraisal techniques, and models of environmental sustainability, all of which are essential for understanding the social, economic, and environmental issues affecting cities and communities.

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

Meet your Programme Leader and Teaching Team

Throughout your studies, you'll learn from experienced professionals and industry leaders who bring valuable expertise, insight and real-world perspectives to your learning experience.

Programme Leader: Lina Khaddour.

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.

Built Environment Exchange

Join beX, our Built Environment Exchange programme that provides employability projects, internship opportunities and scholarships.

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.

The University does not sponsor students to study on part-time programmes in the UK under the Student Visa route. International Applicants must therefore have other valid immigration leave to study on this programme.

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
  • MSc Nursing courses
  • 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 2026/27 2027/28
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland (per 20 credits) £1,220 tba
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland-60credit Dissertation module £725 tba
Overseas and EU (per 20 credits) £3,330 tba
Overseas and EU-60credit Dissertation £2,285 tba

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 links above.

Fees for modules are calculated according to the number of credits (multiples of 20). The rate shown in the table is for 20 credits*. The total fee you will pay is dependant upon the exit award you wish to achieve.

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 degrees. 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 & employability

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