Sustainability and Global Environmental Futures MA
Lancaster University, United Kingdom
Sustainability and Global Environmental Futures MA
Lancaster University
Environmental Studies & Sustainability
Program Overview: Sustainability and Global Environmental Futures MA
The Sustainability and Global Environmental Futures MA at Lancaster University analyses the complex relationship between people and the environment. Using critical concepts, theories, and practices drawn from across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, you will develop tools to unpick the complexity of human and non-human interests in environmental futures.
You will explore the past, present, and future of environmental change, engaging with topics such as Global Environmental Politics and Environmental Crisis and Societal Change. Through a variety of interdisciplinary modules, you will be encouraged to draw on different disciplines and work collaboratively as you consider issues from the perspectives of diverse stakeholders and seek workable solutions.
Delivered by the School of Global Affairs within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, this programme is one of a series of four interconnected master's courses that share a common ethos and structure. You will benefit from Lancaster's rich collaborative academic environment and its stunning green campus, situated close to the Lake District UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Key Program Highlights
- Interdisciplinary approach combining arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences to address environmental challenges
- Innovative studio modules where you respond to live community briefs connecting research with local and global environmental issues
- Develop global leadership skills to participate in challenging negotiations on local, national, and international scales
- Study at a university ranked 44th globally for sustainability in the QS World University Rankings
Curriculum and Modules
The programme combines subject-specific modules with collaborative studio modules and a research dissertation. You will build in-depth knowledge of global sustainability and environmental challenges while developing practical skills to assess, engage with, and create responses to real-world issues.
Global Environmental Politics
30 UK CreditsExamine the political dimensions of environmental change at local, national, and international scales. You will critically analyse how nations negotiate and collaborate on environmental governance and sustainability frameworks.
Environmental Crisis and Societal Change
30 UK CreditsExplore the interconnections between environmental crises and societal transformation. This module investigates how communities, institutions, and governments respond to ecological challenges and drive systemic change.
Studio Module: Collaborative Practice
20 UK CreditsRunning in an innovative studio format across five weeks, this module provides learning through practice by setting you a live brief which you will work towards in collaborative group projects with students across the MA suite.
Research Methods for Global Affairs
20 UK CreditsDevelop the social science research skills needed to investigate sustainability and environmental issues. You will learn qualitative and quantitative methodologies relevant to interdisciplinary environmental research.
Sustainability Futures and Transitions
20 UK CreditsCritically examine theories and practices of sustainability transitions, exploring how societies can shift towards more sustainable modes of living, production, and governance in the face of environmental uncertainty.
Dissertation
60 UK CreditsUndertake an independent research project on a topic of your choice related to sustainability and global environmental futures. You will receive individual supervision from a research-active expert in the field.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
Lancaster University welcomes students from a broad range of academic backgrounds including the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and management subjects. The programme is designed to extend your prior educational and work experience in new directions, and applications from professionals seeking to advance or change their career path are particularly encouraged.
Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate DegreeA minimum 2:1 honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject area
- Accepted DisciplinesArts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, management, or related fields
- Professional ExperienceRelevant professional experience may be considered alongside academic qualifications
- Personal StatementA statement outlining your motivation, relevant experience, and career aspirations in sustainability
- ReferencesTwo academic or professional references supporting your application
English Language Requirements
- IELTS (Academic)Overall score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
- TOEFL iBTOverall score of 87 or above (contact Uni4Edu for component requirements)
- PTE AcademicOverall score of 58 or above (contact Uni4Edu for component requirements)
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Lancaster University offers several funding opportunities for postgraduate students. International students are automatically considered for the university's main scholarships upon application through Uni4Edu, so there is no separate scholarship application required.
Postgraduate International Regional Scholarship
GBP 10,000 fee reductionAvailable to international students from 14 underrepresented countries starting a taught postgraduate course. Applicants are automatically considered based on nationality and academic achievement at 2:1 level or above.
Master's Excellence Scholarship - International
A merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international postgraduate students. Eligibility is assessed based on academic performance and the strength of your application.
Lancaster Alumni Loyalty Discount
10% tuition fee reductionAvailable to Lancaster University graduates progressing to a taught master's degree. The discount is automatically applied to eligible alumni enrolling in postgraduate study.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Sustainability and Global Environmental Futures MA are well prepared for careers in a wide range of organisations tackling environmental and sustainability challenges. The programme equips you with interdisciplinary analytical skills, global leadership capabilities, and practical experience that are highly valued by employers in the growing sustainability sector.
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings and Recognition
Lancaster University is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and globally. It holds a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework and is one of only 16 UK universities awarded five stars overall by QS World University Rankings.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Linguistics | QS World Subject Rankings | #3 |
| English Language and Literature | QS World Subject Rankings | Top 50 |
| Environmental Sciences | QS World Subject Rankings | Top 200 |
| Social Sciences and Management | QS World Subject Rankings | Top 200 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
Similar Programmes
Master's & Postgraduate
36 months
Sustainability Studies (MA - MS)
Texas State University, San Marcos, United States
Earliest Intake
September 2026
Gross Tuition
24520 $
Master's & Postgraduate
24 months
Hydrogeological Engineering
Miskolc University, Miskolc, Hungary
Earliest Intake
October 2026
Gross Tuition
3500 €
Master's & Postgraduate
12 months
Living Planet with Sustainable Agriculture and Technology MSc
Imperial College London, , United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
January 2027
Gross Tuition
36000 £
Master's & Postgraduate
12 months
Environmental, Sustainable and Regeneration Design - MA
London Metropolitan University, London, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
April 2026
Gross Tuition
20000 £
Master's & Postgraduate
12 months
Biodiversity Management\t
University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
October 2026
Gross Tuition
23500 £
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
