Master of Science in Sustainable Global Futures – University of Gloucestershire and UNITAR.

Develop sustainability expertise on the world’s only course of its kind developed and delivered in partnership with UNITAR – the training body of the United Nations.

Supported by UN experts and leading academic researchers, you’ll develop foresight-based skills and knowledge equipping you to effect tangible positive change for current and future generations. The course responds to the strategic priority of long-term planning, thinking and delivery for an inclusive, socially just and climate resilient future and directly aligns with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the United Nations Pact for the Future.

The course content spans all the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) clustered thematically into modules to cover knowledge of and solutions to social, political, economic and environmental challenges. These are coupled with modules focused on practical skills identified as capacity building priorities in sustainability, namely strategic foresight, multi-stakeholder partnership development and the use of policy analysis, data, and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) approaches.

The course culminates in a Sustainable Development Goals extended project, where you’ll develop a solutions-focused project linked to the SDGs. This can take the form of an applied project in collaboration with UNITAR or another partner organisation, or an academic research project in collaboration with an academic expert from the University. This provides an exceptional opportunity for professional exposure and creating impact during your studies.

You will graduate ready for a career driving meaningful long-term progress on sustainability challenges across private, public sector and non-governmental organisations at global, national or local levels. The degree is awarded by the University of Gloucestershire, with award certificates displaying the UNITAR and University of Gloucestershire logos in recognition of the joint nature of delivery.

Study style

This course is delivered online on a part-time basis, affording the flexibility to develop your knowledge and skills and earn your postgraduate qualification around other commitments.

Practice focused modules are led by experienced UN personnel and conceptual modules are informed by the University of Gloucestershire’s cutting-edge, policy relevant sustainability research and are taught by the academic researchers directly, with contributions from guest lecturers with relevant professional experience.

Course materials are available on-demand through our intuitive virtual learning environment, supported by tutor led activities, class discussions and progress checks and support. You will also benefit from bespoke live online sessions designed to deepen your learning, grow your networks, and provide CV enhancing opportunities – such as professional panel sessions and an end of course conference.

Your assessment is focused on output styles used in sustainable development organisations, including policy briefings, technical reports, presentations, infographics and blogs. In addition to support from the University and UNITAR teams, you will receive bespoke career coaching, ensuring you graduate ready for the next step in your journey.