Overview

Our MSc Environmental Science for Sustainability is a skills-based programme that focuses on giving you the practical and technical skills that are widely used by the environmental science and sustainability sectors. The teaching covers the theoretical background to environmental science, environmental impact assessment, cost benefit analysis as well as practical training in computer, field and laboratory technical skills for the collection, analysis and interpretation of environmental data to evaluate environmental change.

Throughout the programme, you will learn to monitor and model the impact of environmental processes and change on environmental sustainability across land, water, atmosphere and biosphere.

You will develop practical and analytical skills that can be readily applied to monitoring, modelling and mapping of environmental data and for understanding and better managing environmental problems associated with a range of human activities.

This programme will enable you to learn skills that are actively sought by employers as environmental science training is now critical to ensure environmental sustainability across all industries. You will also get the opportunity to tailor your studies to your career and/or research interests.

You can choose to study full-time (one year) or part-time (2 years) meaning the programme is suitable for graduates ready to start their career or those already in work seeking to further develop their understanding and skills.

Key benefits

  • Enjoy a leading programme from a world class university that is highly practical providing training in laboratory skills, computer analytical skills and field skills.
  • Establish a cutting edge understanding of the environmental science needed to evaluate environmental sustainability and change critically to consider appropriate solutions and their societal and business implications.
  • Learn quantitative research skills including Geographical Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, modelling and monitoring depending on module selection, applied to environmental sustainability.
  • Take part in a flexible and blended approach to learning, enabling you to fit the programme around other commitments and maximise the use of class time for critical engagement, discussion and reflection.
  • Develop independent critical judgment in identifying, analysing and solving problems at an advanced level guidance by world-leading academics and practitioners.
  • Complement technical skills with highly employable expertise developed in communication, data analysis and interpretation, evidence-based decision making, practical problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork.
  • Learn sustainability science in a sustainable way - King's College London is fully divested from all fossil fuel investment, the Department of Geography has been awarded gold status by the National Union of Students (NUS) Green Impact scheme for its commitment to sustainability, and the Geography Lab also being awarded Gold in the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF).
  • An optional Internship module helps students take their first steps towards employment in a relevant vocational field.

Course essentials

This Environmental Science for Sustainability MSc is a skills-focused programme that provides advanced level training in environmental science to tackle the sustainability challenges faced by private and public sector organisations and society in general.

You will gain an in-depth understanding of the data, science and practice underlying a broad range of environmental issues and the process of scientific research and management for sustainability.

Your practical skills will be developed through teaching in the analytical laboratory, computer laboratory and through fieldwork. Laboratory skills will be learnt in the million-pound John B. Thornes Lab. This programme has an intensive two-week period of laboratory and fieldwork in the UK, involving day trips to regional locations near London.

The MSc is available full-time (1 year) for home and international students, or part-time (2 years) for home students only. Our flexible approach to learning means that home students can study part-time while you work, or study full time.

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

Credit value:

UK 180-190/ECTS 90

Application status:

Open

Start date:

September 2026

Administrative bodies

Regulating body

Application closing date guidance

Base campuses

A quad courtyard, with people queuing at a van selling coffee, and chatting in conversation

Strand Campus

Strand Campus feels like the heart of London—historic yet buzzing with energy. Nestled by the Thames, it offers world-class academics, vibrant student life, and endless inspiration from the city’s culture and diversity.

Waterloo - students walking

Waterloo Campus

Our Waterloo campus is home to the Florence Nightingale Faculty Nursing & Midwifery, and a vibrant hub for health, social science, and law students. Located moments from the iconic landmarks of South Bank and just a short walk to the Stand campus.