How will we tackle ongoing global challenges? Join our new MSc programme –Transformative Change for Sustainable Development.
Transformative change is widely advocated by global organisations, such as the United Nations, as a roadmap towards a more sustainable future.
Despite progress in many aspects of global development over recent decades, 690 million people experienced hunger in 2020. Degradation of our natural resources – land, water, forests, and biodiversity – continues at alarming rates. These challenges are exacerbated by climate change and violent conflicts in many parts of the world. Tackling these challenges and ensuring a sustainable future will require Transformative Change (TC) – change that is disruptive, systemic, occurs at relatively large scales, and involves a reconfiguration of technology, economy, institutions, and society.
Our Transformative Change for Sustainable Development MSc will provide you with an in-depth understanding of Development Studies theory and practice, including different conceptions of human, societal and environmental changes. Drawing on real-world-lessons from various domains (economic, environmental, social, and institutional), sectors (agri-food, energy, education, and financial services) and contexts (developing and developed countries), you will develop the capacity to critically discuss, analyse, and evaluate TC. You will develop hands-on skills in sustainable development design and planning, project management, research, and impact evaluation methods, and familiarity with systems modelling and relevant software. The MSc will enhance your communication, networking and community-engagement skills.
How you will learn
Teaching
This course is taught by lectures, seminars, visits and fieldworks, IT/computer lab sessions, supervised research, and guided studies. You also take an independent research project. This gives you the opportunity to carry out original research in a well-equipped department, supported by staff with diverse interests and experience.
Class sizes
We limit class sizes to enhance the learning experience. The average class size on this course is around 10 students per year. Class size depends on your choice of optional modules.
Independent learning
Our courses are designed to give you the space for exploratory and independent study. You'll work towards individual and group assignments and undertake the preparation/follow-up work associated with lectures, seminars, integrative assignments and IT/computer lab sessions.
A research skills module will shape your approach to independent learning, especially for your research project.
We encourage students to take advantage of a range of related extra-curricular opportunities. The faculty hosts regular seminars from NRI staff and external visitors on a range of diverse topics.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job. For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion with the number of courses you are studying.
Assessment
Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, such as:
- Assignments based on problem solving and analytical tasks
- Essays, reports and presentations (oral, podcasts, videos, etc.)
- A final dissertation which is required to achieve the MSc.
Feedback summary
University policy is to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days of the coursework submission date.
Examination results will be available within 28 days.
Dates and timetables
Each academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
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