University of Aberdeen

Sustainability Transitions - Feeding the demand for sustainability literate leaders

The Sustainability Transitions MSc builds on the foundation of an earlier Environmental Partnership Management programme and has established itself as a popular and successful degree. It is designed to train the future generation of innovators and thinkers with the passion and ambition to deliver on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and to become true sustainability leaders.

Through its mix of interdisciplinary teaching and practical projects and case studies, the programme conveys the complexity of the transition, as well as providing direct insight from professionals currently wrestling with sustainability challenges in their organisations.

The opportunity to undertake sustainability projects in partnership with local public, private and third sector bodies offers hands-on experience in influencing sustainability issues in real-world situations.

These projects have seen students working with partners in local authorities, charities, University departments and other bodies on issues including climate adaptation, circular economy, green events, biodiversity, active travel, and waste management.

Top 3 Learnings

1. Programme successfully evidences the public and private sectors’ appetite for graduates with sustainability leadership skills.
2. Practical approaches and applied project partnerships can build bridges both within and beyond the campus.
3. Adopting genuinely interdisciplinary teaching approaches helps integrate wider social science and entrepreneurship with sustainable development.