Course summary
More of the world's extreme poor now live in middle-income than in low-income countries. These changing socio-economic dynamics, alongside processes such as climate change, transnational migration and globalisation, demand a global consideration of the state of the planet. Reflecting these trends, concepts of 'development' have evolved away from an understanding of something that takes place in the 'Third World' or 'Global South' and towards notions of global 'Sustainable Development.' Contemporary global challenges demand the linking of environmental issues to conventional foci of development (like health, urbanisation, poverty, food security and migration). They also demand an understanding of how the world's resources (such as water, energy, land, minerals, demography) are allocated and managed, and how contestations over these distributions play out. The MSc Global Development and Environment programme is aimed at talented graduates seeking to develop or enhance their expertise in the fields of development and environment. We welcome a diverse array of students from different subject backgrounds interested in the large-scale drivers of environmental consumption and stewardship, and how these interlink with and produce developmental outcomes. You will explore the relationship between international, environmental and developmental concerns and current socio-political events. You will gain a perspective that is at once global and interdisciplinary while also paying attention to locality (place) and people's agency in forging a just and sustainable future. The School of Geographical Sciences is ranked first in the UK for 'Geography and Environmental Studies' research (Times Higher Education analysis of REF 2021) and has an outstanding reputation for teaching and learning. This programme builds upon Bristol's existing research strengths in these fields, with links to the University's Cabot Institute, Perivoli Africa Research Centre, Elizabeth Blackwell Institute, Jean Golding Institute, and Bristol Poverty Institute. As a student on our MSc programme, you’ll join a lively School and University community. We host invited speakers in weekly seminars organised by our School’s academic research groups. These events are open to all and offer you the opportunity to meet leading specialists in a range of subjects. Research groups may also host social events, run specialist workshops and organise reading groups you are welcome to join. We also organise get-togethers for MSc students across our programmes to mark major milestones and celebrate your success.
Assessment method
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/media/postgraduate/admissions-statements/2026/msc-global-development-and-environment.pdf
How to apply
International applicants
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students and accepts a wide range of qualifications for postgraduate study. If you study or have studied at a university outside the UK, please select the relevant page for further information on qualifications, scholarships and education representatives in your country/region: bristol.ac.uk/international/countries
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree or an international equivalent in Biology, Botany, Ecology, Forestry, Microbiology, Zoology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, Anthropology, Communication Studies, Criminology, Economics, Geography, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or professional degrees (Medicine, Architecture, Planning or Engineering). We will also consider applicants with other degree subjects on a case-by-case basis if they have at least one year's recent work experience (within the last four years) in a policy-facing role, a government department in the UK or overseas, development or environmental consultancies, multilateral organisations or NGOs. Internships are acceptable as long as they were taken with organisations active in the development or environmental field. We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree. Specific module requirements would still apply. We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement. If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional relevant work experience or qualifications. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing: - evidence of relevant paid work experience (minimum one year) in a policy-facing role, government department in the UK or overseas, development or environmental consultancies, multilateral organisations, or NGOs. Internships are acceptable as long as they were taken with organisations active in the development or environmental field. - a relevant postgraduate qualification. See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/international/countries/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £14800 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £14800 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £14800 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £14800 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £14800 | Year 1 |
| EU | £32600 | Year 1 |
| International | £32600 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
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: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/support/finances/
Sponsorship information
Students from developing Commonwealth countries may be eligible to apply for the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme, University of Bristol Think Big Postgraduate Scholarship, and the School of Geographical Sciences Phyllis Mary Morris Bursaries. Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/support/finances/
Provider information
University of Bristol
Beacon House
Queen’s Road
Bristol
BS8 1QU