MRes Sustainable Futures

Programme overview

This programme is one of five South West Doctoral Training Partnership interdisciplinary pathways that are delivered in partnership with the University of Bath, University of the West of England and University of Exeter.

Sustainability research asks how human wellbeing can be maintained and enhanced in the long term, given rising populations, limited natural resources and a fragile environment. This field, with its clear applied focus and strong strategic future-directed policy implications, has social sciences at its heart. It also requires a broad interdisciplinary approach and an understanding of the economics, law, politics and psychology of sustainability, as well as the geography and demographics of those affected.

Careers

The MRes in Sustainable Futures offers useful preparation for a number of careers. Foremost, the MRes is the academic basis and preparation for students choosing the 1+3 programme (ie the first year is the MRes and the +3 the PhD).

The MRes emphasises ESRC-accredited research methods training, the ability to plan, research and write a sophisticated dissertation, and the ability to think in broad theoretical and interdisciplinary terms about challenging environmental issues. These provide an ideal introduction to academic research and to working for environmental ministries, agencies, consultancies or NGOs, or other organisations working for environmental change. The skills of research and writing, which are central to the programme, are invaluable for this kind of work.

Another possibility is working within government agencies, again through the development of rigorous research training skills and the ability to engage in broader social and environmental understanding.