MRes Sustainable Futures
Overview
At a critical time in history, the MRes in Sustainable Futures presents an exciting opportunity to specialise in a field of research that tackles one of the most important questions facing society today - how human wellbeing can be maintained and enhanced into the future given rising populations, limited natural resources and a fragile environment.
This field, with its clear applied focus and strong strategic future-directed policy implications, has social sciences at its heart. On the programme you will develop rigorous research skills whilst cultivating a good understanding of the economics, law or politics of sustainability.
The MRes has an emphasis on practical research training, studying ESRC-accredited research methods that encourage you to think in broad theoretical and interdisciplinary terms about challenging environmental issues. You will learn how to plan, research and write a sophisticated dissertation.
As well as presenting a thorough introduction to academic research, the MRes offers excellent preparation for working for environmental ministries, agencies, consultancies or NGOs, or other organisations working for environmental change. Some students choose to enter the legal profession, carrying with them a broader understanding of how law operates in the context of sustainability and the environment.
The programme is one of five South West Doctoral Training Partnership interdisciplinary pathways delivered by world-leading researchers from the University of Bristol, University of Bath, University of the West of England and University of Exeter.
Programme structure
There are four core units and a selection of optional units, which can be taken at Bristol, Bath, UWE or Exeter. Please be aware that you may be required to travel to partner institutions for some collaborative teaching. Over the summer you will complete a masters-level research-based dissertation, individually supervised by a tutor.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MRes in Sustainable Futures.
Entry requirements
A minimum of an upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) from a social sciences or law discipline. Alternatively, an upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in any discipline and equivalent professional experience in areas closely related to the programme.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- UK: full-time
- £4,665 per year
- UK: part-time (two years)
- £2,332 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £20,100 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding for 2023/24
The Faculty of Social Sciences and Law has an allocation of 1+3 (MRes and PhD) and +3 (PhD) ESRC scholarships.
Information about funding and scholarships can be found on the University of Bristol Law School fees and funding webpages.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
The MRes in Sustainable Futures offers useful preparation for a number of careers. The MRes also provides the academic basis and preparation for students choosing the 1+3 programme (with three years of doctoral training following completion of this interdisciplinary Masters degree).
The MRes in Sustainable Futures is an ideal introduction to working for environmental ministries, agencies, consultancies or NGOs, or within government agencies or other organisations working for environmental change. Some students choose to enter the legal profession, carrying with them a broader understanding of how law operates in the context of sustainability and the environment.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk