Overview
On our Global Sustainable Futures MA you’ll develop the essential skills needed to respond to the global sustainability challenges impacting people and places.
On this programme you’ll take a multi-disciplinary approach to addressing the well-being, stability and sustainability of humanity and the planet as a whole.
Explore the causes of real-world problems and critically evaluate the competing solutions needed to enable a sustainable future.
Study a diverse range of topics from war and conflict, to development and sustainability, cities and creative methods.
Engage with our subject experts and utilise their extensive international knowledge to address these challenges effectively.
Gain the critical and transferrable skills sought after by employers, allowing for a diverse range of impressive graduate career options.
Important information
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Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
On our Global Sustainable Futures MA you’ll critically explore new spatial possibilities for social justice, sustainable development and empowerment of marginalised groups around the world.
You’ll develop new in-depth knowledge by addressing vital questions:
- What is meant by ‘sustainability’, and how does it apply to different spatial contexts?
- What are ‘global issues’ and what can we do to address them locally?
- Where are global issues located, and which are most pressing in what places?
- Can individuals make a difference, or can global challenges only be addressed by global governance and cooperation?
- What other kinds of worlds are possible?
- How can we ensure that sustainable futures will benefit all, in a just society?
The diverse expertise of our academic staff allows you to tailor your degree to your interests through a range of optional modules. You’ll explore themes such as:
- Environment and Climate
- People and Society
- Sustainable Cities
- Economy and Policy
- Politics and Security
Through engaged and innovative teaching – including fieldwork options and community projects – you’ll learn in real-world settings, through engagement with civic groups, and from experts who are passionate about their research-led teaching.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Global Sustainable Futures MA modules
You will take all of the following modules:
All students will take 80 credits from the following modules:
How you’ll learn
Teaching methods will depend on the optional modules you choose. You’ll be taught using a range of methods, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Group work
- Fieldwork
- Workshops
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Case study
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Oral presentation
- Portfolio
- Research proposal
- Written exercise
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Our staff
You’ll join a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community at Newcastle University. Our staff are specialists in their fields, which range from the local to the global, and provide a pool of expertise in Economic Geography, Political Geography and Social Geography.
Our interdisciplinary research themes include:
- Development, migration, displacement, and humanitarianism
- Precarity, inequality, housing and social justice
- Conflict, militarism, and war/peace
- Cities, economies and sustainable development
- Identity, nationalism, and everyday geopolitics
- Gender, race, and multiculturalism
Your development
Over the course of your degree you’ll develop a range of professional, research and practical skills highly desired by a range of employers.
You’ll enhance your ability to communicate both orally and in writing, and gain experience in working closely with others in an intellectually stimulating environment.
You’ll learn how to:
- Critically evaluate key arguments and themes
- Analyse, evaluate and interpret a diverse range of primary and secondary source materials
- Plan, conduct and communicate your own research and work
- Develop innovative, practical solutions to real-world challenges
You’ll also have the option to build digital and creative skills such as documentary film making, photography, podcasts and website creation.
Your future
Careers
Students on this programme receive advanced research training. This is excellent preparation for those interested in further academic study and research, as well as other careers that require excellent analytical skills.
Our graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers across the world, including:
- government and policy
- non-government organisations (NGOs)
- renewable energy
- environmental research and consultancy
- charity and aid organisations
- education
- planning and urban development
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
You’ll be based in the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology in the Henry Daysh Building. Here you’ll have access to high quality modern classrooms, comfortable study spaces, and research facilities.
Our department staff all have offices on the same floor and are on hand to support you with your assignments and academic work.
The School is centrally located on Newcastle University’s vibrant city centre campus. There is nearby access to the university’s library, the student union, and the city centre.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
