MSc Global Sustainability Engineering provides you with the opportunity to develop your engineering knowledge to identify existing unsustainable processes and practices and implement strategies to improve sustainability. The programme has been created in response to the current gap in industry and create graduates who have both a background in science or engineering and who can provide technical consultation and deliver specialist solutions to improve sustainability.
Youll learn from academics and a curriculum focused on and drawing inspiration from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Youll develop the knowledge and skills to become advocates for change within the sustainability engineering field, by understanding how both incremental and disruptive approaches can be harnessed for effective sustainable development. The programme adopts an interdisciplinary approach, to provide you with a holistic view of problems and solutions which can be developed.
During the masters programme, youll develop a working knowledge of the relevant science and technology core to sustainability engineering, including environmental science and engineering, energy, recycling, sustainable processing, impact assessment, and environmental economics. Youll gain an awareness of the context and framework within which the environmental degradation and sustainability problem and solutions exist. Youll explore the implications of global trends on the environment, society, economy, and organisations to develop sustainable products and services with the aim to improve sustainability performance.
The flexible degree structure allows you to focus in on your specific Global Sustainability Engineering interests. On top of the mandatory fundamental teachings of energy, climate change, sustainability and adaptation, process engineering, sustainable processing, environmental impact assessment, and critical analysis and research preparation, youll have the opportunity to choose optional courses from an extensive list. Part-time option also available.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
September 2025
Edinburgh Campus
Edinburgh,
Edinburgh,
EH14 4AS, Scotland, United Kingdom
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
January 2026
Edinburgh Campus
Edinburgh,
Edinburgh,
EH14 4AS, Scotland, United Kingdom
A minimum of honours degree at 2:1 or non-UK equivalent in a relevant background with a minimum of 3-4 maths modules at C grade or above. Relevant backgrounds include chemical and process engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, civil engineering, environmental engineering, marine engineering, aerospace/aeronautical engineering, and energy and power generation. Applicants with qualifications in mathematical, chemical or physical sciences can also be considered where both substantial mathematics content and coursework in subjects such as fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics can be evidenced. Applicants with a lower Second Class Honours Degree will be considered with substantial work experience. If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5. TOEFL iBT: 79 (including reading 18, listening 17, speaking 20, and writing 21).
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
Heriot-Watt University is a world-leading institution ranked 235th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024).
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