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Sustainable Resources: Economics, Policy and Transitions MSc

London, Bloomsbury

Globally we are unsustainably using our natural resources, causing major environmental, social and political challenges. This master’s degree in sustainability equips you with the skills and knowledge for a career driving change across business and policy, promoting efficient, circular, equitable and sustainable resource use. Our interdisciplinary curriculum focuses on the environmental, social, and economic aspects of managing resources from public policy and business perspectives.  

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
£21,500
£10,750
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£39,200
£19,600
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 academic year
2 academic years
5 academic years
Programme starts
September 2026
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 26 Jun 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in an appropriate subject (earth science, economics, political sciences, geography, physical sciences, law, engineering or related subject). These requirements may be relaxed for students who can demonstrate considerable and relevant aptitude and experience, for example, in business or government. Please clearly state in your personal statement how your educational or employment background (including any internships or projects) relates to the programme and what you aim to achieve through your studies.

The English language level for this course is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The Sustainable Resources: Economics Policy and Transitions MSc addresses the urgent global issue of unsustainable resource use and its impacts on climate change, ecosystem collapse, and political instability. This interdisciplinary sustainability degree covers economics, political science, engineering, natural sciences, business studies, and sociology, offering a comprehensive view of global resource challenges through understanding the resource nexus. You acquire in-depth knowledge and practical tools to manage and govern resources from both public policy and business perspectives, while also embracing social and environmental justice. This systemic approach equips you to tackle environmental, social, and economic aspects of resource management, preparing you to address these global challenges in your future career.

During your degree you:

  • Learn the fundamentals of natural resources and how to manage them sustainably, exploring the interconnections between different natural resources and their impacts climate change, justice, politics and governance.
  • Explore the economics and policy behind natural resources supply, use and conservation, exploring case studies on renewable and non-renewable resources including forests, mining, agriculture, land and water resources.
  • Learn how different international policies influence the sustainable management of natural resources.
  • Master tools to assess sustainable resource use ready to apply in your future career
  • Examine future pathways and visions, reviewing the steps needed to achieve various roadmaps and scenarios.
  • Learn how environmental and ecological economics can address environmental problems, such as climate change, sustainable development and pollution.
  • Explore your own interests by choosing from optional modules spanning resource governance in the Global South, industrial symbiosis, behavioural economics, innovation and sustainability in business, environmental GIS and more.

Who this course is for

This degree is suited for both recent graduates looking to build their sustainability career, and early to mid-career professionals looking to expand their knowledge of sustainable resources. Your academic background could be either in a quantitative subject – such as economics, engineering, natural sciences physical sciences, geography – or in a non-quantitative subject such as law, business studies or other related subjects with a demonstrable aptitude for quantitative methods. If your background is from a non-quantitative subject, we provide some introductory readings to help you prepare before your studies.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

A research-led, world-class education  
You learn from academic experts, actively shaping the sustainable use of natural resources in policy and industry around the world. Our faculty, The Bartlett, is a multidisciplinary hub for education and research, uniquely positioned to tackle some of the most crucial issues facing society and our planet. We are ranked #1 for Built Environment studies in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025). The Bartlett is also where the UK’s most ‘World Leading’ and ‘Internationally Excellent’ built environment research is undertaken (REF 2021).

Launch your career shaping sustainable resource use  
Upon graduation, you join our global network of alumni, who are now leveraging the skills and knowledge gained during their degrees in influential sustainability careers. Studying in London significantly enhances your networking prospects, as the city is a hub for industry events, conferences, and seminars. London is ranked the best city for students in the UK and Europe, and holds third place worldwide (QS Best Student Cities 2026).

Put theory into practice  
As a student, you engage in hands-on learning by analysing real-world case studies, interacting with experts in guest lectures, and attending site visits. Through case studies, you engage with practical scenarios, critically analyse problems, and develop problem-solving strategies that mirror professional challenges. Site visits enhance this learning by offering direct exposure to industry practices, operational processes, and on-the-ground realities. This builds career-ready practical skills and a deeper understanding of how concepts translate into professional practice.

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

95.6% of Sustainable Resources: Economics, Policy and Transitions MSc students were in work or further study within 15 months of graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-2023). 

Our alumni work in a broad range of sustainability-related career roles. Some examples include Environmental, Social and Governance Consultant, Strategy Consultant, Research Analyst, Innovation Officer, Environmental Economist, Environmental Scientist, Specialist in Environmental Law, Business Development Lead, and Policy & Public Affairs Officer.

Notable organisations where our graduates work include PwC, Natural England, Carbon Trust, Carbon Care Asia, Deloitte, European Commission, Alexander McQueen, Savannah Energy, Apple, Shell, XCO2, Reuters, the UK Government and city councils. Some of our graduates also go on to pursue further study and PhD research, for example in the areas of circular economy or critical minerals, using the academic networks from the MSc course. (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-2023, Alumni testimonials).

Read more about our alumni’s experiences ►

The MSc in Sustainable Resources program has greatly enhanced my expertise and skills in decarbonisation. This programme uniquely integrates technical, strategic, and policy implementations, cultivating students to become effective problem solvers in addressing the pressing challenges of the climate crisis.

Photo of Fitria in front of the steps of the UCL Portico

Fitria Wulandari

Investor Relations at Pertamina Group after graduation

Learn more about Fitria's experience

Employability

Upon graduation, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the key challenges surrounding sustainable resource use, supply and demand drivers, and future strategies for global resource management. You will be well-versed in various methods, models, and concepts, including the Resource Nexus, material flow analysis, life cycle analysis, footprints, macroeconomics, policy mixes, foresight and scenario techniques and, depending on your chosen optional modules, water-energy-food modelling and behavioural economics. Additionally, you will develop valuable skills for future employment, such as effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving, decision-making under uncertainty, intercultural communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and working in business contexts.

UCL Careers offers you have access support and activities to bolster your career development. Open across the Faculty, this includes a programme of lively industry panel discussions and interactive workshops, 1-2-1 careers advice, and employability skills sessions.

From our department, you receive a bespoke provision of practical workshops led by experienced Career Consultants that cover crucial topics of your career planning such as developing your networking skills and how to successfully navigate the job search.

Networking

We provide numerous networking opportunities to foster invaluable connections for our students. Many modules in this master’s degree feature guest speakers, industry leaders, and experts, offering students the chance to build professional relationships. During the dissertation module, students collaborate with UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources academic team and benefit from their extensive industry contacts. Our Institute's strong industry ties ensure that you will gain real-world insights and explore potential career pathways.

Additionally, we host alumni events where current and former students can connect and collaborate. Your peers form an international, interdisciplinary network of professionals passionate about sustainability and resource efficiency. This multifaceted approach to networking equips you with the skills and connections necessary to excel in the field of sustainable resources.

Teaching and learning

The course is delivered using a diverse array of teaching techniques. Lectures provide foundational knowledge and expert insights, often featuring presentations from visiting speakers. Seminars and tutorials foster active participation and critical discussion amongst you and your peers, enhancing your analytical skills and deepening understanding. Collaborative group projects promote teamwork and practical application, while case study analyses and workshops will help you tackle complex issues and develop problem-solving abilities. Additionally, we utilise an online platform for resource sharing, preparation, and revision.

Throughout your degree you will be assessed through written examinations, coursework, group work including class presentations, and a dissertation.

In Terms 1 and 2, full-time students can typically expect between 8 and 15 contact hours per teaching week. The remainder of the week (approximately 22-29 hours) should be dedicated towards self-directed study. In Term 3, you should be in regular contact with your dissertation supervisor and otherwise work independently on your dissertation.

Modules

Full-time students complete the course in one year and can expect to study for 37.5 hours per week during term time.

You take four core modules in Term 1, followed by two core module and two optional modules in Term 2. The dissertation skills module runs across Terms 1 and 2. In Term 3 students work on their dissertation.

Our Term 1 core modules provide essential knowledge in:

  • The fundamental principles of relevance to natural resources and the challenges of managing them sustainably
  • The economic principles behind the supply, use and conservation of key natural resources
  • How to use policies for managing natural resources in a more sustainable way
  • Some of the key methodological tools for understanding the flow of resources through the economy and assessing the sustainability of resource use

In Term 2, these foundations are developed and refined. In the two core modules in Term 2, you will study the practical application of how economic activity and policy affect the environment in which we live, and strategies and key concepts for identifying viable resource futures. You will also dive deeper into the areas which most interested you from Term 1 by selecting two optional modules.

Our selection of optional modules enables you to find your own path, shaped by your interests and career aspirations. You can dive deeper into social science theories used to understand energy related behaviours and lifestyles, the role of industrial ecology and industrial symbiosis in moving towards more sustainable industrial systems, the economics of international trade, quantitative models for research, resource governance and the Global South, business sustainability, risk management, data analytics, social value, and more.

Throughout the year you will also develop your research skills in the dissertation module, with classes in Term 1 and 2 on study design, data collection, critical analysis skills and more. In Term 3 and the summer, you will complete assessments for Term 2 modules and those modules with unseen written examinations. You will also work on your dissertation. This is an opportunity to pursue in-depth, innovative research on a topic of your choice within the field of sustainable resources with guidance from a dedicated supervisor.

Part-time students complete the full course over two years.  

As a part-time student, in your first year you will take two modules in Terms 1 and 2. In your second year you take two modules in Term 1, two modules in Term 2, and complete your dissertation research in Term 3. Some term 2 modules may have pre-requisites.

Our Term 1 core modules provide essential knowledge in:

  • The fundamental principles of relevance to natural resources and the challenges of managing them sustainably
  • The economic principles behind the supply, use and conservation of key natural resources
  • How to use policies for managing natural resources in a more sustainable way
  • Some of the key methodological tools for understanding the flow of resources through the economy and assessing the sustainability of resource use

These modules build the foundations of your knowledge in this complex area of sustainable resource management, and of your economics and policy analysis skills.

In Term 2, these foundations are developed and refined. The economic principles and methodological tools modules from Term 1 are pre-requisites for the two core modules in Term 2, where you will study the practical application of how economic activity and policy affect the environment in which we live, and strategies and key concepts for identifying viable resource futures. You must take the pre-requisite Term 1 core modules before taking the Term 2 core modules.

You will also dive deeper into the areas which most interested you from Term 1 by selecting two optional modules. Our selection of optional modules enables you to find your own path, shaped by your interests and career aspirations. You can dive deeper into social science theories used to understand energy related behaviours and lifestyles, the role of industrial ecology and industrial symbiosis in moving towards more sustainable industrial systems, the economics of international trade, quantitative models for research, resource governance and the Global South, business sustainability, risk management, data analytics, social value, and more.

Throughout your second year you will also develop your research skills in the dissertation module, with classes in Term 1 and 2 on study design, data collection, critical analysis skills and more. In Term 3 of your second year and the summer, you will also work on your dissertation. This is an opportunity to pursue in-depth, innovative research on a topic of your choice within the field of sustainable resources with guidance from a dedicated supervisor.

The flexible option allows you to complete your studies within five years. Study is undertaken on a module-by-module basis, with the student accumulating credit by selecting which module(s) to complete in any given year. Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits over the full duration of their course. This comprises core modules (90 credits), optional modules (30 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits). Some Term 2 modules may have pre-requisites.

Our Term 1 core modules provide essential knowledge in:  

  • The fundamental principles of relevance to natural resources and the challenges of managing them sustainably
  • The economic principles behind the supply, use and conservation of key natural resources
  • How to use policies for managing natural resources in a more sustainable way
  • Some of the key methodological tools for understanding the flow of resources through the economy and assessing the sustainability of resource use

These modules build the foundations of your knowledge in this complex area of sustainable resource management, and of your economics and policy analysis skills.

In Term 2, these foundations are developed and refined. The economic principles and methodological tools modules from Term 1 are pre-requisites for the two core modules in Term 2, where you will study the practical application of how economic activity and policy affect the environment in which we live, and strategies and key concepts for identifying viable resource futures. You must take the pre-requisite Term 1 core modules before taking the Term 2 core modules, but you do not need to take them in the same year.

You will also dive deeper into the areas which most interested you from Term 1 by selecting two optional modules. Our selection of optional modules enables you to find your own path, shaped by your interests and career aspirations. You can dive deeper into social science theories used to understand energy related behaviours and lifestyles, the role of industrial ecology and industrial symbiosis in moving towards more sustainable industrial systems, the economics of international trade, quantitative models for research, resource governance and the Global South, business sustainability, risk management, data analytics, social value, and more.

Throughout your final year you will also develop your research skills in the dissertation module, with classes in Term 1 and 2 on study design, data collection, critical analysis skills and more. In Term 3 of your second year and the summer, you will also work on your dissertation. This is an opportunity to pursue in-depth, innovative research on a topic of your choice within the field of sustainable resources with guidance from a dedicated supervisor.

Compulsory modules









Optional modules





Resource Governance and the Global South



Environmental and Social Sustainability risk management in natural resource projects




Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Sustainable Resources: Economics, Policy and Transitions.

Fieldwork

Depending on your module choices you may have the opportunity to attend optional site visits to explore relevant sustainable resource challenges in-situ. These site visits will not contribute towards your final grade. Past visits include to the London Sustainable Industries Park, a C&D recycling plant, and more.

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Where you'll study

Students in an Economics and Policy of energy and the Environment MSc lecture

You will study at the UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources in The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources, home to four sustainability-focused institutes. Our vision is a sustainable, resilient and equitable net-zero future. We train students to become leaders in energy and sustainability related business, finance, policymaking and academia.

Find out more

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Discover MSc Courses at the UCL Institute For Sustainable Heritage

Join The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources for an online taster session exploring MSc Courses at The UCL Institute For Sustainable Heritage.

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Graduate Open Events: Bartlett Promise UK Scholarship

Join our virtual event to explore our postgraduate courses, hear from academic staff and current students, and learn about the application process, scholarships, and career support. A live Q&A will give you the chance to get your questions answered. Take the next step toward shaping a more sustainable built environment with us.

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Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) £21,500 £10,750
Tuition fees (2026/27) £39,200 £19,600

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

Postgraduate Taught students benefit from a cohort guarantee, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Where the course is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a £350 deposit will be charged.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a £500 deposit will be charged.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

All students will be expected to pay their travel costs for any site visits in London and you should budget £15 to £20 per day for subsistence on these short trips. You should expect to budget £80 for this across the year for site visits in London, based on last year. There will not be a charge for any other field trips or site visits which may be offered as optional activities.

If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc on this course, please get in touch with the education team by emailing bseer-studentqueries@ucl.ac.uk.

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

In our faculty, The Bartlett Promise Scholarship aims to enable students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue Master's studies. Please see the Master's scholarship and Sub-Saharan Africa Master's scholarship pages for more information on eligibility criteria, selection process and FAQs.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Bartlett Promise Sub-Saharan Africa Masters Scholarship

Deadline: 29 March 2026
Value: Fees, stipend and other allowances (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: Overseas

Bartlett Promise UK Master's Scholarship

Deadline: 31 May 2026
Value: Full tuition fees and an annual stipend of £17,096 for a 12 month master's or £15,864 for a 9 month (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this course of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we access your application, we would like to learn:

  • Why you want to study Sustainable Resources: Economics, Policy and Transitions at graduate level
  • Why you want to study Sustainable Resources: Economics, Policy and Transitions at UCL
  • What particularly attracts you to the chosen course
  • How your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging course
  • Where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2026-2027

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources
Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources

bartlett.pg-bseer@ucl.ac.uk

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