MRes Sustainable Futures
- MRes
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. 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
An upper second-class honours degree or international equivalent in any Law or Social Sciences discipline (including Geography and Geology). Degrees from other disciplines will be considered if supported by evidence of significant, relevant work experience.
For applicants who are currently completing a degree, we understand that their final grade may be higher than the interim grades or module/unit grades they achieve during their studies.
We will consider applicants whose interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements. We may make these applicants an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so the applicant would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of their degree.
We will consider applicants whose grades are slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements, if they have at least one of the following:
- evidence of significant, relevant work experience;
- a relevant postgraduate qualification.
If this is the case, applicants should include their CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when they apply, showing details of their relevant work experience and/or qualifications.
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.
Go to admissions statementIf 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
- £4,800 per year
- UK: part-time (two years)
- £2,400 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £20,700 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 2024/25
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 master's 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