Course information

The MRes in Sustainable Development is a one-year, full-time taught postgraduate programme run by the School of Geography and Sustainable Development. The programme is aimed at those looking to pursue further research in sustainable development or to develop their research skills within an employment context. Training in qualitative and quantitative methods, theorectical approaches and research design is an integral part of the MRes programme.

Sustainable development is now widely regarded as the most promising framework within which the challenges of clean water and adequate sanitation, energy generation and supply, human health, food production and distribution, and the threats to biodiversity can be addressed. The MRes programme will enable you to develop the knowledge and understanding you need to evaluate and address sustainability issues from multiple perspectives.

Highlights

• Interdisciplinary teaching provides multiple perspectives. Students are taught by experts from disciplines across the University and beyond. 
• Field trips, such as to a Scottish highland estate, bring the subject alive by exploring practical applications of sustainable development. (Field trips are run at no additional cost.)
• Practical experience supplements leading theory. Most lecturers and visiting speakers have practical experience of advising government, business and communities on aspects of sustainable development, and are all leaders in their academic fields. 

Teaching format

During the taught portion of the programme, students take six compulsory modules which are taught via lectures, tutorials, seminar presentations, student-led workshops, as well as field trips and away days. Modules are assessed through written examinations and coursework including class tests, presentations and essays.

Over the course of the programme, but with particular focus during the summer month, students will research and write a 15,000-word dissertation.

Further particulars regarding curriculum development.

Modules

The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2016-2017 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2017 entry.

Compulsory modules

• Interrogating Sustainable Development: provides an introduction to sustainable development.
• Master Class in Sustainable Development: trains students to critically reflect on the potential and limitations of sustainable development.
• Being a Social Scientist: explores the fundamental skills required by all social scientists and prepares you for the research dissertation and professional development.
• Quantitative Research in Social Science: a user-friendly introduction to the fundamental concepts of quantitative analysis.
• Qualitative Methods in Social Research: offers both a theoretical and practical introduction to the collection, analysis and writing of qualitative social science research.
• Philosophy and Methodology of the Social Sciences: introduces the basic theoretical approaches in the social sciences, encouraging you to make connections between the methodological and epistemological issues involved in conducting social scientific research.

The modules listed ran in the academic year 2016–2017 and are indicative of this course. There is no guarantee that these modules will run for 2017 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.

Dissertation

The dissertation gives students the chance to fully engage with the area of sustainable development about which you are most passionate, by researching and writing a 15,000-word dissertation which is the culmination of your degree. Advised by a member of academic staff, you will work across the summer months on your individual dissertation.

Conferences and events

The School of Geography and Sustainable Development's vibrant research culture is reflected in an extensive programme of events including seminars and conferences, in addition to the regular meetings organised by the research clusters and centres. 

Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy.

Curriculum development

As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online. (PDF, 72 KB).

Tuition fees

The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online. (PDF, 84 KB).