The world’s biggest challenges can only be tackled with innovative, inclusive, and system-wide solutions.

Our 100% online Masters will equip you with the interdisciplinary skills and insights you need to develop these solutions, and lead sustainable transformation in your business, sector and society at large.

On this action-focused course, you will:

• explore urgent threats to humanity including issues of conflict, security, health, climate and environmental change
• unearth the root causes of these complex global sustainability challenges and the interconnected nature of environmental, social, political, and cultural issues
• critically assess the international development sector and scrutinise current systems and solutions like net zero, the circular economy, the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the biodiversity protocols proposed at COP26, for example
• gain practical skills and apply academic concepts to real-world challenges, empowering you to make a tangible impact at a local or global level.

Ranking 1st in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Ranking 2017-2025), the University of Sussex is renowned for its research and teaching in sustainability.

As a Masters student, you’ll benefit from this unrivalled expertise, learning from academics across Sussex’s Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU), School of Global Studies and Institute of Development Studies (IDS). The course curriculum evolves to reflect the findings and insights from these research centres, so you’ll graduate with an awareness of the very latest developments in the sector.

A lower second-class (2.2) undergraduate honours degree or above from any UK university or international equivalent. 

Follow our step-by-step guide on.

English language requirements 

Applicants whose first language is not English (and whose first degree was not taught in English) need to supply evidence of IELTS (Academic) — 6.5 overall, including at least
6.0 in each component.

Sustainable Development MSc (online) course fee: £12,960 

Cost per module: £1,080 

Fees can be paid at the start of the course or on a module-by-module basis. Students must pay the first module fee of £1,020 to secure their place on the course. 

Course fees will remain fixed for 24 months from your initial course start date. Thereafter, the course fee will rise at a rate of 2.5% per calendar year (subject to rounding for administration purposes). 

Please visit our fees and funding page for more information. 

20% alumni discount .

• Sussex is 1st in the world for Development Studies, and thanks to our pioneering research and academic team, we have held the top spot for nine years running (QS World University Ranking by Subject 2017–2025). 
• Our interdisciplinary curriculum covers science, technology, economics, social sciences, and innovation studies, helping you to develop joined-up solutions to complex global challenges. 
• The comprehensive focus of the course will give you a broad knowledge base and skill set in sustainability, helping you access a variety of sustainability roles across sectors. 
• Through various practical exercises, you’ll engage with real case studies, giving you hands-on experience of analysing sustainable development policies and strategies for varied organisations. 
• You’ll meet international students from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, benefitting from their unique perspectives in group projects, and forging valuable connections that could open doors to new career opportunities. 
• You’ll develop highly valued skills in policy analysis, research methods, and critical thinking, and enhance your employability in NGOs, government institutions, public and private businesses. 
• You’ll study 100% online and part-time, allowing you to upskill and earn a career-enhancing qualification without having to give up work or other important commitments.