Department of Development Studies

MSc Global Sustainability (Online)

Key information

Duration
2 years (accelerated) or 3 years
Start of programme
September 2026 or January 2027
Attendance mode
Part time
Fees

MSc: £12,000

PGDip: £8,000

PGCert: £4,000

Course overview

The online MSc Global Sustainability at SOAS will prepare you to lead change in a complex world.

Environmental crises and sustainability are fundamentally connected to both global economic and policy processes and local contexts. You will develop the ability to critically analyse these global to local drivers of change and to design evidence-based policy responses to advance equitable, inclusive, and impactful solutions to sustainability challenges. 

Alongside core modules, students can study across a range of related topics from across disciplines such as development studies, politics, law and anthropology. Combining rigorous academic training with real-world applications, the programme enables students to turn theory into action. 

Studying at SOAS

We're ranked 5th in the world for Development Studies and 2nd in the world for Academic Reputation in Development Studies (QS 2025). Gain a global perspective unlike any other from a world-renowned university based in the heart of London.

Study Tours

All postgraduate students can take part in our Study Tours and explore the world’s most dynamic regions. Destinations include New Delhi, Lahore, Seoul, Luang Prabang, Almaty, Bishkek, Kigali, Johannesburg, and Doha. For more information, see our Study Tours page.

Structure

Full module information coming soon. 

You can study this programme as an:

  • MSc: six modules
  • Postgraduate Diploma: four modules
  • Postgraduate Certificate: two modules

Teaching and learning

Each module is 14 weeks long and represents 300 hours of learning: 100 hours of assessment preparation and 200 hours of directed and self-directed learning with extensive teacher contact throughout.

Assessment

Instead of exams, we use a range of assessment methods designed to reflect different learning styles and develop real-world employability skills, giving you a real opportunity to demonstrate what you’ve learned. 

You’ll be evaluated through a mix of innovative practical projects, like creating a policy brief, a patchwork assignment, or fact-checking generative AI; participation activities such as video presentations and feedback; and reflective written work. 

Employment

We know you’re choosing this programme to advance your career and make a real difference in the world. That’s why we embed employability in every module and offer a range of innovative assessment methods. Graduates leave with:

  • Substantial independent projects that demonstrate applied expertise.
  • The ability to articulate the value of their degree to employers or future collaborators.
  • A range of practical skills valued by employers.

You’ll develop critical thinking, communication, research, digital skills and much more. These attributes are valued across sectors including public policy, international development, business, sustainability, media, and NGOs.