MSc Accounting
The MSc Accounting at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, is a specialized po...
MA Social Change, Environment and Sustainability
Manchester, England
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
The MA Social Change, Environment and Sustainability program at the University of Manchester offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex relationships between social change, environmental sustainability, and global challenges. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to critically analyze environmental and social issues and develop solutions that address the urgent challenges of climate change, social inequalities, and sustainable development. Through a combination of theoretical understanding and practical application, the program prepares graduates to lead transformative change in communities, organizations, and governments. Students explore global sustainability frameworks while examining the social, political, and economic factors that influence environmental decision-making and policy.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA Social Change, Environment and Sustainability program blends social sciences with environmental studies, offering students the opportunity to explore core themes such as environmental justice, climate adaptation, and sustainable development. Core modules cover subjects such as global environmental politics, social theory, sustainability strategies, and the role of social movements in advocating for environmental justice. Students also have the opportunity to take elective courses in areas like urban sustainability, environmental ethics, or environmental policy-making. The program emphasizes critical thinking and interdisciplinary research, combining academic study with real-world problem-solving skills. Additionally, the program includes a dissertation component, where students can explore a specific area of interest in greater detail.
Research Focus: The research focus of the MA Social Change, Environment and Sustainability program is centered on understanding how social systems interact with environmental systems, and how these interactions can be reshaped to promote sustainability. Faculty members engage in cutting-edge research that addresses a wide range of global sustainability issues, from the effects of climate change on marginalized communities to the development of sustainable urban policies. Students have the opportunity to engage in research projects that explore topics such as environmental governance, climate justice, sustainable food systems, and the role of social media in environmental advocacy. The program fosters a strong research culture, encouraging students to contribute to new knowledge that can drive positive social and environmental change.
Industry Engagement: The MA Social Change, Environment and Sustainability program is designed to bridge the gap between academia and the real world. Through its industry engagement initiatives, students have the opportunity to work with a variety of stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), governmental agencies, private sector companies, and grassroots movements. Students are encouraged to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical contexts, either through internships, industry-led projects, or collaborations with environmental and social organizations. These industry connections offer students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, network with professionals in the field, and develop skills that are highly valued by employers in the environmental and sustainability sectors.
Global Perspective: The MA Social Change, Environment and Sustainability program has a global perspective, acknowledging that environmental challenges and social inequalities are interconnected on a worldwide scale. The curriculum incorporates case studies from different regions of the world, allowing students to explore the unique challenges and solutions implemented in diverse global contexts. Students learn about international sustainability frameworks, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and critically examine how countries around the world address issues like environmental degradation, climate justice, and poverty reduction. This global outlook equips graduates with the skills to work in international organizations, policy think tanks, and non-profits that focus on global environmental and social change.
Location
Manchester, England
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 25500
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application fee: £60
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Manchester offers a range of scholarships to support international students in funding their education and making their academic journey more accessible. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, support students from diverse backgrounds, and help ease the financial challenges of studying abroad.
Global Futures Scholarship: The Global Futures Scholarship is a prestigious award for international students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential. This scholarship offers a £5,000 contribution towards tuition fees, providing financial assistance for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship is open to students from specific countries and disciplines, so it is essential to check eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Manchester Master’s Bursary: The Manchester Master’s Bursary is a financial aid program aimed at helping postgraduate students who come from lower-income backgrounds. This bursary offers support for UK, EU, and international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree at the university. The bursary can cover a significant portion of tuition fees and is awarded based on financial need.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Many departments at the University of Manchester offer subject-specific scholarships for students enrolling in their programs. For example, students applying for programs in engineering, business, life sciences, and the arts may be eligible for additional funding based on academic performance and their future potential. These scholarships are often offered to high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional skills and dedication to their field of study.
Chevening Scholarships: The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded award provided by the UK government, open to outstanding international students from over 160 countries. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and other related costs. The University of Manchester is a proud participant in this global program and welcomes applications from students wishing to pursue a master's degree in a variety of disciplines.
Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers fully funded scholarships for international students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships support students pursuing postgraduate studies in fields such as engineering, health sciences, and education. They cover the full cost of tuition fees, travel, and living expenses during the duration of the program.
Regional Scholarships: The university also offers regional scholarships for students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These scholarships are designed to make studying at the University of Manchester more accessible to students from these regions and offer both partial and full financial support depending on the scholarship type.
Graduates of the MA Social Change, Environment and Sustainability program from the University of Manchester are well-equipped to pursue diverse career opportunities across a range of industries focused on environmental sustainability, social justice, and global development. The interdisciplinary nature of the program offers graduates a unique skill set that blends social sciences, environmental studies, and policy analysis, preparing them for leadership roles in various sectors.
Sustainability Consultant: Graduates can work as sustainability consultants, advising businesses, governments, and organizations on how to reduce their environmental impact, enhance sustainability practices, and comply with environmental regulations. In this role, consultants help organizations create strategies for sustainable operations, energy management, waste reduction, and resource conservation.
Environmental Policy Analyst: With expertise in policy analysis and environmental justice, graduates can pursue careers as environmental policy analysts. In this role, they assess the effectiveness of existing environmental policies, recommend new policy initiatives, and work with government agencies or international organizations to promote sustainable policy frameworks and regulations.
Social Impact Consultant: As social impact consultants, graduates apply their knowledge of social change to help organizations design and implement programs that address social inequalities and environmental challenges. They assess the social and environmental impacts of business operations and recommend strategies to improve community welfare, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Non-Profit/NGO Project Manager: Many graduates go on to work with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and non-profits focused on environmental sustainability, social justice, or human rights. As project managers, they oversee the planning and execution of projects related to climate action, community development, or poverty alleviation, often working in developing countries or marginalized communities.
Climate Change Specialist: Graduates with an interest in climate change can work as climate change specialists, focusing on researching, advocating for, and implementing strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change. They may work for international organizations, research institutions, or governmental agencies, providing expertise on climate adaptation, carbon reduction, and sustainability measures.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager: Graduates can work as CSR managers, responsible for ensuring that companies act ethically and sustainably. They develop and manage CSR programs, which include environmental sustainability initiatives, community engagement, and responsible sourcing. In this role, graduates help businesses improve their public image and achieve long-term sustainability goals.
Environmental Educator/Trainer: Graduates can pursue careers as educators or trainers in the field of environmental sustainability, working for educational institutions, environmental organizations, or corporate training programs. They educate others about sustainability practices, climate change, and social responsibility, helping individuals and organizations adopt environmentally conscious behaviors.
Sustainable Development Specialist: As sustainable development specialists, graduates focus on promoting sustainable practices in urban planning, rural development, and community resilience. They may work with governments, international development agencies, or private companies to design projects that promote economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
Researcher in Sustainability or Social Change: For those interested in research, graduates can work as researchers in the fields of social change, environmental sustainability, or climate justice. They conduct studies on the impacts of social policies, environmental degradation, or the effectiveness of sustainability programs, contributing to the development of new knowledge and innovative solutions.
Urban Sustainability Planner: Urban sustainability planners focus on making cities more sustainable by addressing issues such as energy use, waste management, green spaces, and transportation. Graduates can work for city councils, urban planning departments, or private sector companies, creating strategies to improve urban living and reduce environmental footprints.
Environmental Advocacy and Campaign Manager: Graduates passionate about social movements can pursue careers as campaign managers or advocacy specialists in environmental organizations. They lead campaigns that raise awareness about environmental issues, such as deforestation, pollution, or climate change, working to influence public opinion and policy decisions.
International Development Specialist: Graduates may also choose careers in international development, working with international organizations, governmental agencies, or NGOs to design and implement sustainable development projects. These projects may focus on poverty alleviation, water access, food security, or education, with an emphasis on creating long-term, positive impacts for vulnerable communities.
Corporate Environmental Manager: In this role, graduates work for corporations, focusing on minimizing the company's environmental impact. Corporate environmental managers develop sustainability strategies, oversee environmental audits, and ensure that the company complies with environmental regulations, helping the company meet its environmental goals while maximizing operational efficiency.
Sustainable Agriculture Specialist: Graduates interested in agriculture can pursue careers as sustainable agriculture specialists. They work with farmers, agricultural businesses, and policymakers to promote environmentally sustainable farming practices, water conservation, and sustainable food systems, helping to create more sustainable agricultural practices globally.
Humanitarian Aid Worker: Graduates can work for international aid organizations, focusing on delivering social and environmental assistance to populations in need. Humanitarian aid workers may be involved in responding to natural disasters, climate-induced migration, or community rebuilding efforts, providing support to vulnerable communities worldwide.
Environmental Journalist: For those with an interest in writing and communication, graduates can become environmental journalists, writing for media outlets, magazines, and blogs about environmental issues, social justice, and sustainability. They help raise awareness of pressing environmental and social challenges while promoting public dialogue on sustainability topics.
