Teaching & modules

Modules

Programme Structure

Programmes are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits. 

Required Modules

You are required to take the following modules: 

  • Dissertation Project (60 credits)
  • Environmental Field and Lab Techniques for Sustainability (15 credits)
  • Environmental Science for Sustainability (15 credits)
  • Environmental Data Analysis (15 credits)
  • Research Design and Project Management (15 credits)

Optional Modules

In addition, you are required to take at least 45 credits of prescribed modules. Prescribed List of options specific to this programme, which may typically include:

  • Earth Observation and Remote Sensing for Sustainability (15 credits)
  • GIS and Spatial Data Science (15 credits)
  • Modelling Environmental Change (15 credits)
  • Risk Analysis: Science and Applications (15 credits)

Other Optional Modules

If electing to take only 45 credits of the prescribed modules, you are required to take 15 credits of optional modules. Note: other optional modules are not provided as online modules so students studying via the blended route will need to take all modules from the prescribed list. Other possibly suitable modules include: 

Any other Level 7 (Masters) modules offered in the Geography Department that are not subject to exclusion criteria (e.g. prerequisite modules or restricted to a specific Masters’ programme). 

Up to 20 credits of Level 7 modules from any KCL Departments or Institutes outside of Geography with permission of the module director and the corresponding department. 

  • Internship (Environment and Society) (15 credits)

Part-time Students

Part-time students are advised to take 75-90 credits of taught modules in their first year, including Environmental Science for Sustainability (15 credits) and Environmental Data Analysis (15 credits), thereby allowing enough time to focus on the Dissertation in their second year. The module Research Design and Project Management should be taken in the second year. 

Teaching methods - what to expect

Lectures
Seminars
Self-Study

We will teach you through a combination of lectures and seminars, typically 20 hours per module. We also expect you to undertake 130 hours of independent study for each module. 

Module

Lectures, seminars and feedback

Self-study

Per 15-credit taught module

16-30 hours.

120-134 hours (some modules may involve lab work or e-learning which would require less self-

guided learning).

Dissertation module

Usually 5 contact hours of one-to-one or group consultation with supervisors.

595 hours of self-study and project work.

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work. 

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include essays and other written assignments, oral or visual presentations, lab work and occasionally by examination, depending on the modules selected. All students also undertake a research-based dissertation. 

Assessment

  • Course Work
  • Written Examinations
  • Practical Examinations
  • Essays
  • Oral Presentations
  • Lab Work

Application closing date guidance

Key Information

Course type:

Master's

Delivery mode:

In person

Study mode:

Full time / Part time

Duration:

Full-time: one year; part-time: two years

Application status:

Open

Start date:

September 2026