Overview
This interdisciplinary MSc programme explores how sustainability, entrepreneurship and design can be combined to address global environmental challenges and support organisational and societal change. It is designed for students who want to develop the knowledge and practical capabilities needed to work across sustainable innovation, business transformation, policy, enterprise and design-led problem solving.
The programme combines perspectives from science, design, engineering and business. Through taught modules, practice-led workshops and an independent project, you will examine sustainable development, environmental decision-making, innovation processes, and the tools and methods used to develop more sustainable products, services and organisations.
You may also choose to extend your degree through an optional Professional Development period. This extension provides an opportunity to apply academic learning in a professional context and to build experience relevant to careers in sustainability, consulting, enterprise, design and innovation.
Why choose this programme
Key features of the programme include:
- an interdisciplinary curriculum spanning sustainability, entrepreneurship, business and design
- teaching informed by expertise from across multiple colleges of the university
- a dissertation that may take the form of research, a business plan, or a design- and innovation-focused project
- opportunities to engage with external organisations in the UK and internationally
- an optional Professional Development period with pathways in consultancy, business transformation and design for sustainability
- connection to the university’s Centre for Pollution Research and Policy, offering an enriched academic environment through seminars, interdisciplinary exchange and opportunities for student engagement beyond the classroom.
- Opportunities to engage with Brunel’s Entrepreneurship Hub through workshops and events that help translate theory into practice and develop enterprise, communication and career-ready skills.
The programme is also approved by the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP), supporting students' professional development in sustainability.
You can explore our campus and facilities for yourself by taking our virtual tour.
Course content
The programme begins in September and combines taught study with a dissertation. The curriculum provides a shared foundation in sustainability, innovation and enterprise while allowing students to explore areas aligned with their academic interests and career goals.
Students develop understanding across scientific, social, design and business dimensions of sustainability. Learning emphasises systems thinking, problem solving, collaboration and the application of theory to real environmental and organisational challenges.
At the end of the taught part of the programme, students complete a dissertation in the form of an independent student-led project. Depending on your interests, this may be developed as a research study, pre-business plan, design proposal, or innovation-focused project, sometimes in collaboration with external organisations.
If you complete the optional Professional Development period, you will graduate with the award MSc Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Design (with Professional Development).
Professional Development
Students may choose to extend the MSc through an additional Professional Development period, normally lasting 6 months full-time equivalent. This period is designed to support progression from academic study into professional practice.
Students follow one of three broad pathways:
- Sustainable Innovation Consultancy - contributing to sustainability strategy, circular economy, ESG, impact assessment or innovation projects within organisations
- Entrepreneurship and Business Transformation - supporting sustainability-led change within established organisations, SMEs or public-sector bodies
- Design for Sustainability - developing sustainable products, services or experiences through design methods, prototyping and innovation practice
Professional Development is supported by mentoring, workshops and opportunities to present or showcase outcomes.
Compulsory
- MG5590 - Business Planning
This module is designed to foster a comprehensive grasp of the complexities and potential of business planning through practical application.
It elucidates the business planning journey and crafts a viable business plan. This involves synthesizing various aspects of business planning, including market analysis, competitive assessment, business model development, and financial planning, into a cohesive framework.
- MG5701 – Entrepreneurship, with ES5808 Plan and Pitch Assessment
This module introduces entrepreneurship both as an academic field and as a framework for analysis. It emphasizes the significance of entrepreneurship in society and explores its nature comprehensively. The module delves into the psychological and behavioural traits of entrepreneurs, and the procedural aspects by reviewing and analysing the main approaches to entrepreneurial processes.
- PP5708 - International Political Economy
This module offers a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts, debates, and theories in the study of International Political Economy (IPE). It critically examines several principal issues in the global economy as discussed in the IPE literature.
- DM5702 - Professional Design Studio
This module presents informed perspectives on the extensive societal, environmental, economic, and technological impact of design. It delves into the design process and elucidates distinctions in its application across external consultancies, corporate industrial settings, and global organizations.
- ES5605 - Portfolio (programme with the optional 6-month work placement)
The main goal of this portfolio is to articulate your professional experiences and highlight the skills honed through real-world engagement. It aims to encapsulate your learnings and elucidate the tools, methods, and techniques acquired during the MSc program with placement.
- ES5625 - Strategic Sustainable Development
This module covers the core concepts of Strategic Sustainable Development (SSD), offering an in-depth understanding of a structured planning and decision-making model applicable to real-world issues. It incorporates transition management theories and introduces an innovative tool for assessing sustainability.
- ES5630 - Sustainability, Policy, and Governance
The aim of this module is to immerse students in the intricacies of environmental governance, providing a comprehensive understanding of how policies and decision-making processes influence sustainability on global and local scales. Students will learn how responsible resource management, social equity and justice can be integrated with economic and technological progress to create governance systems that are transparent, accountable, and adaptable, responding to the evolving needs of both human societies and natural ecosystems.
- DM5533 - Sustainable Design
This module seeks to pinpoint critical contemporary environmental and socio-economic sustainability concerns. It aims to cultivate a profound understanding of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), including its strengths and limitations. Additionally, it offers training on the steps followed for the environmental assessment of a product during the initial phases of the design process.
- ES5500 - Dissertation
The dissertation offers you the opportunity to delve deeply into a research concept or a business proposal, often in partnership with external organizations either within the UK or internationally, utilizing primary or secondary data sources. The goal is to foster a comprehensive, interdisciplinary comprehension of the chosen topic.
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This course has a placement option. Find out more about work placements available.
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Read more about the structure of postgraduate degrees at Brunel
Careers and your future
The programme prepares graduates for careers at the intersection of sustainability, innovation, enterprise and design. Its interdisciplinary structure supports progression into roles that span organisational strategy, policy, product and service development, equipping students to work across a wide range of environmental and societal challenges.
It is approved by the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP), which entitles students to a FREE student membership for the duration of the course, and on successful completion, graduates will qualify for GradISEP.
Graduate membership is a launchpad for future leaders within environment and sustainability and offers a range of benefits to support you throughout your career. You can then "Fast track" to Practitioner Membership (PISEP) following successful completion of the work-based assessment of competence.
Free student membership of ISEP further supports career development through access to professional resources and guidance on sustainability career pathways.
Possible destinations include:
- sustainability and environmental strategy roles in private, public and third-sector organisations
- innovation and transformation roles within established organisations
- consulting roles related to sustainable business, circular economy and impact assessment
- enterprise and start-up development
- policy, governance and advisory work
- further academic research
UK entry requirements
2026/7 entry
- A 2:2 (or above) UK Honours degree, or equivalent internationally recognised qualification, in Design, Science (e.g. Environmental and Social Sciences Engineering), Management, Business Studies or a related subject.
Applicants with other qualifications will be considered if these are supported by a science A-level (or equivalent) and relevant work experience
Other relevant qualifications may be considered if applicants hold 3 years' relevant work experience.
The personal statement must show an interest in Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Business/Design together.
International entry requirements
If you require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you must prove knowledge of the English language so that we can issue you a Certificate of Acceptance for Study (CAS). To do this, you will need an IELTS for UKVI or Trinity SELT test pass gained from a test centre approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and on the Secure English Language Testing (SELT) list. This must have been taken and passed within two years from the date the CAS is made.
English language requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
- Pearson: 59 (59 in all subscores)
- BrunELT: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
- TOEFL: 5 (min 4.5 in all subscores)
You can find out more about the qualifications we accept on our English Language Requirements page.
Should you wish to take a pre-sessional English course to improve your English prior to starting your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider for the same reason. We offer our own BrunELT English test and have pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet requirements or who wish to improve their English. You can find out more information on English courses and test options through our Brunel Language Centre.
Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants. This information is for guidance only and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Entry requirements are subject to review, and may change.
Fees and funding
2026/27 entry
UK
£12,125 full-time
International
£22,320 full-time
More information on any additional course-related costs.
Fees quoted are per year and are subject to an annual increase.
See our fees and funding page for full details of postgraduate scholarships available to Brunel applicants.
Scholarships and bursaries
Teaching and learning
Teaching is delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, practical sessions, webinars and problem-based learning activities. Students are also expected to undertake guided independent study.
The programme places particular emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, inquiry-based learning and applied problem solving. Most teaching takes place on campus, with some supplementary online activity where appropriate. Digital resources, including recordings, learning materials and recommended reading, are provided through the university's virtual learning environment.
The programme also draws on expertise from multiple colleges across the university, enabling students to learn across sustainability, engineering, design, business and policy perspectives.
Access to a laptop or desktop PC is required for joining online activities, completing coursework and digital exams, and a minimum specification can be found here.
We have computers available across campus for your use and laptop loan schemes to support you through your studies. You can find out more here.
The programme brings together expertise from the College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, and the College of Business, Arts and Social Sciences.
You will study within an interdisciplinary postgraduate environment, with opportunities to engage with students and staff from a range of academic and professional backgrounds.
Non-academic support is available through the university's student support and welfare services.
Assessment and feedback
Assessment takes a range of forms across the programme, including written examinations, coursework, practical assessments, individual and group assignments, presentations, and project-based work.
The independent project forms a substantial part of the final assessment. Students who complete the optional Professional Development period are also assessed through an additional reflective portfolio.
Read our guide on how to avoid plagiarism in your assessments at Brunel.