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MScPractising Sustainable Development

More information

royalholloway.ac.uk/..ble-development.aspx 

Overview

Interested? To learn more about this study programme, entry requirements and application process, please contact one of our consultants in a country nearest to you.

Programme structure

Core modules
Sustainability, Development and Governance
In this module you will develop an understanding of the development of sustainable development as a discourse. You will explore key sustainability issues such as climate change, globalisation, and human responses, considering the emergence of environmental governance as a means to pursue sustainability.

Sustainability, Development and Society
In this module you will develop an understanding of the key social and environmental relationships, incorporating contemporary issues in the geographies of sustainability. You will look at the concept of ‘risk society’, sustainable cities, and the impacts of corporate sector activities on the environment. You will consider the challenges to sustainable development at household and community levels, with a focus on community-based approaches to sustainable development.

Technologies, Innovation and Development
In this module you will develop an understanding of the role of technology in development, with particular focus on mobile phone and computer technologies. You will examine the key theoretical debates and look at how technologies have been applied in and across diverse sectors such as health and education. You will also learn how to use GIS (geographical information systems) methods and techniques within a development context.

Community Volunteer Project
You will undertake an independent volunteering project, giving you practical experience sustainability-related work in a not-for-profit organisation. The project will enhance your employability by providing you with an opportunity to gain a practical understanding of third-sector organisational objectives, cultures and practices.

Participatory Methods
In this module you will develop your understanding of the theoretical groundings of participatory research, and gain practical experience in using various methods and techniques. You will look at participatory diagramming, participatory video, and participatory environmental monitoring, reflecting on these approaches and evaluating the limitations of each method. You will also consider the role of participatory approaches to monitoring and evaluation.

Research Training
In this module you will develop an understanding of the practices of research design and training crucial to the practice of contemporary cultural geography. You will consider how you can take your research skills out into the world beyond the academy, with social social media training in blog writing and podcasting to communicate your research and facilitate knowledge exchange. You will reflect on the transferrable skills you have learned and consider how you may use these in your future career. You will also learn how to prepare your CV, write grant applications, and prepare a PhD proposal.

Dissertation
You will carry out an extended project on a topic of your choice, producing a written report of between 12,000 and 15,000 words. Working with your supervisor, you will carry out primary and secondary research, using theoretical and practical methods to tackle your research question. You will carry out your dissertation in collaboration with an organisation in the field of development and the environment.

Optional modules
In addition to these mandatory course units there are a number of optional course units available during your degree studies. The following is a selection of optional course units that are likely to be available. Please note that although the College will keep changes to a minimum, new units may be offered or existing units may be withdrawn, for example, in response to a change in staff. Applicants will be informed if any significant changes need to be made.

Climate Change, Governance and the Seas
In this module you will develop an understanding of the issues surrounding climate change and the governance of the seas, encompassing their development, geopolitics and security. You will look at key spaces where these issues intersect, such as small island states, and consider the governance challenges of both climate change and geographical engagements with the sea.

Project Work for Managers – Sustainability and Societies
In this module you will develop an understanding of how ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) inform sustainability management issues in large, transnational organisations. You will look at issues such as consumption and sustainability, assessing the dichotomy of economic and environmental interests. You will also examine a range of ethical beliefs and expectations that underpin environmental and social sustainability.

Career opportunities

Practising Sustainable Development at Royal Holloway, University of London is a highly-regarded programme that provides graduates with excellent employability prospects in the environmental and developmental sectors. Our alumni have gone on to enjoy rewarding careers as environmental and development workers, activists, teachers and researchers in a variety of international institutions and agencies.

You’ll be equipped with a range of transferable skills, including research design, project development, environmental monitoring and geographic information systems, making you a highly attractive candidate for employers in a variety of sectors. The programme can also be used as part of an ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council) research training pathway for PhD study.

Apply now! Fall semester 2023/24
Application period has ended
Notes
Please see the university profile or contact us for the deadlines that apply to you
Apply now! Fall semester 2023/24
Application period has ended
Notes
Please see the university profile or contact us for the deadlines that apply to you