The University of Edinburgh
Sustainable Development MA (Hons)
The University of Edinburgh

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 60 graduates of Sustainable Development MA (Hons) and other courses in Sociology at The University of Edinburgh for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Sociology.

Overall student satisfaction
66 /100
60 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in Sociology

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Sociology at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £23500 £22500 £27500
25-75 percentile range £21000 - £27000 £17500 - £25000 £23500 - £37000


Salary of all UK Graduates of Sociology

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £23503 £21568 £25567
25-75 percentile range £20425 - £26582 £16595 - £26597 £19647 - £32038

Course Description

Sustainable development refers to the challenges involved in reducing global inequalities while also reducing threats to the planet's systems from industrialised production and consumption.

But what sustainable development do we have today? What is its history, how has it developed this way, and what are its possible futures?

The social sciences aim to offer insight on the underlying causes of the challenges of our time, including the:

  • social
  • political
  • economic
  • technological
  • cultural

Understanding the origin of these problems can help us adapt and transform, leading to a more sustainable future. This is especially important as we seek to expand environmental care in relation to:

  • climate stability
  • biodiversity
  • the renewal of natural resources

This multidisciplinary programme addresses sustainable development (as an interrelated global and local issue) to examine:

  • how societies organise social, economic and political activity
  • the social and environmental consequences of current ways of living
  • how societies relate to the natural world
  • the relationship between current and future generations
  • patterns of development
  • opportunities for social, political, economic and technological change

Throughout our programme we address many different issues and concepts, including but not limited to:

  • social and environmental justice
  • sustainable consumption
  • economic structures
  • food systems
  • energy technologies and policies
  • governance and democracy

Programme structure

Students will take core courses in Sustainable Development alongside core courses in another chosen disciplinary pathway subject. You will also have access to a wide range of optional courses to complement and broaden your learning.

Our programme is primarily based in social science, although there are options for students wishing to pursue natural scientific perspectives on sustainable development. These are not compulsory.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Sustainable Development MA (Hons) at The University of Edinburgh

30% Welfare and housing associate professionals
20% Business and public service associate professionals
10% Natural and social science professionals
5% Managers, directors and senior officials
5% Legal professionals
5% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
5% Administrative occupations
5% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
5% Business and public service associate professionals
5% Teaching Professionals

Grading & Study Time

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Qualification requirements

Scottish Higher qualifications are considered on an individual basis

Detailed entry requirements, including typical offer levels, and information about other qualifications we accept, are available on the University of Edinburgh’s website. You’ll also find important information on how to apply. You must submit a fully completed UCAS application that includes details of the qualifications you are taking, including full predicted grades for qualifications not yet completed, your personal statement and your reference.

English language requirements

test Grade Additional Details
IELTS (Academic) 6.5

Total 65 with at least 5.5 in each component.

TOEFL (iBT) 92

Total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.

Cambridge English Advanced

Total 176 with at least 162 in each component

Cambridge English Proficiency

Total 176 with at least 162 in each component

Trinity ISE

ISE II with distinctions in all four components

PTE Academic 62

Total 62 with at least 54 in each component

Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Sustainable Development, MA (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Tuition Fees Sustainable Development MA (Hons)

Channel Islands £9250 year 1
Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £1820 year 1
England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1
EU £26500 year 1
International £26500 year 1

Additional fee information

Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees.

EU On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union (EU) students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2022-23 or later will be in line with international fees.

Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme.

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of The University of Edinburgh in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of The University of Edinburgh in related subject specific rankings.

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #1 
    • #38 
    Social Sciences
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #40 
    Social Sciences
    NTU Rankings by Subject
    [Published 11 July, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #12 
    Sociology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #20 
    Sociology
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #28 
    Sociology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #34 
    Sociology
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]

See all 40 university rankings of The University of Edinburgh

About The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is located in the Scottish city of the same name, and is one of the oldest universities in the entire United Kingdom, having opened in the year 1583. The university enjoys a strong reputation for its contributions to international research efforts, which is reflected in their inclusion in the Russell Group, Universitas 21, and Una Europa. Edinburgh offers its residents a historic yet modern city, with a lively nightlife scene, reliable public transport, and friendly locals.

List of 686 Bachelor and Master Courses from The University of Edinburgh - Course Catalogue

Where is this programme taught

Central area campus
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