3-Term Pathway - Pre-Master's in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics - Continue to Master of Science - Environment and Development

This program will prepare students for entry to a postgraduate degree in a STEM-related subject at Lancaster university, where £17 million is currently being invested in state-of-the-art engineering facilities.

The need for sustainable development is a global concern. This interdisciplinary, flexible Master's degree prepares students to address the challenges faced in safeguarding natural resources, livelihoods and the alleviation of development problems.

This programme is ideal for those with a natural sciences background wishing to focus on environmental science with a perspective of social science, and for those who plan a career in international development or in an environmental field, in the private, public, or not-for-profit sectors.

Students will be based within one of the largest groups of geographers, resource management specialists and environmental scientists in the UK whose specialities span the social and natural sciences. Modules will be taught by world-leading researchers.

Students will complete six taught modules and a dissertation research project, with individual supervision from a research-active expert. On this MSc students will take one core module “Perspectives in Environment and Development”, and five optional modules, of which at least three should be natural-sciences focused. Those who prefer a social-science focused programme are advised to take the MA Political Ecology.

Lancaster offers great flexibility with over 30 optional modules to choose from, spanning the social and natural sciences, and with the opportunity to gain key practical skills that are valued by employers, such as environmental analysis of development projects, data analysis and programming, geo-informatics and auditing. This enables students to construct a degree that fits their interests and career ambitions and to put their learning in a wider cultural context.

The dissertation project forms a substantial part of the Master's degree. It will enhance students' practical and analytical skills and give them the opportunity to apply their learning to a real-world challenge. Dissertation topics are available in both environmental and development themes. A combination of natural and social science elements is popular, and students are free to devise their own tailor-made project, in collaboration with their dissertation supervisor. Research projects and partners across the globe provide exciting possibilities for overseas fieldwork opportunities when students are choosing their dissertation topic.