Sustainable Development (Climate Change and Risk Management) (MSc)

Careers

Employer-valued skills this course develops

Throughout the course you will gain confidence in systems thinking and complex problem-solving, as well as acquire the sought after, transferable skills needed for a successful career in the field. A key feature of the programme is the diversity of assessment which imitate tasks that may be required of you in future employment. Emphasis is placed upon applying learning to real-world challenges and enhancing your employability, as well as network building opportunities throughout the programme.

You will develop an in depth understanding of how your academic work is engaged within wider social, economic and policy debates. Upon graduation, you will have the experience and skills necessary to become agents of change for a sustainable future.

Graduates of this programme might expect to gain the following attributes:

• An imaginative critical thinker and problem solver
• An active global citizen
• A creative and enterprising team player
• An engaged and participative leader
• A confident, resilient and adaptable individual

Career paths There is increasing demand for sustainability professionals in commercial, private and third sector organisations. GSS graduates have pursued careers in a variety of roles including: sustainability consultant sustainability analyst carbon project management sustainability manager ESG (environment, social and governance) analyst policy analyst outreach and community engagement We have a selection of GSS alumni profiles available to demonstrate a few different companies and roles that our alumni have gone to, but the variety for each cohort is huge, depending on each student’s passion and preferred career path. Regardless of your career goal, the MSc GSS will provide you with essential skills for employment, as well as several opportunities to connect with GSS alumni for career advice and potential future employers. Placement opportunities This programme offers the opportunity for a research project to be undertaken with a local , national or international organisation to address a real-world sustainability challenge as an alternative to a traditional academic dissertation. You will identify and secure your own placement but will be facilitated with appropriate support. We have links with numerous organisations who offer inter n ship opportunities to our students, including the Met Office, wh ich is based in Exeter, Lloyds, ARUP, Environment Agency , National Trust, and the Galapagos Conservation Trust . You are also supported to forge you r own connection with an external company to create a unique learning experience that works for you if you prefer. As well as this dissertation module, we also have an optional 15-credit module, Sustainability in Practice, where you can capitalise on a short work placement to get an applied understanding of sustainability in practice. We have links with various companies for this shorter placement opportunity, including CO2 balance, Devon NHS Foundation Trust, and Green Future Solutions (powered by the University), and you are supported in the preparation for securing this placement. Supporting your career We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service , ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation. We offer the Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award which include employability-related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market. Our graduates compete very successfully in the employment market, with many employers targeting the University when recruiting new graduates. You will benefit from employability training , course specific and relevant Un iversity careers events and engagement with world leading academics and experts. You will capitalise on the Global Systems Institute academics and external partner network, for collaboration on the Solutions Project Academic module and placement opportunities for the Solutions Project Internship module. This network will also accelerate your search for employment or future career paths after graduation. Each year students are able to access a huge range of opportunities when considering their future career options , specifically with GSS Alumni and potential employers. Recent events have included: career insights with visiting GSS alumni career conversations with employers on campus career mentor scheme and the Environment and Sustainability Careers Fair.