Sustainable Futures
Co-create equitable, resilient and liveable futures by rethinking the present and transforming the systems that shape our world.
As ecological pressures and societal tensions intensify, the task of shaping sustainable, just and democratic futures becomes increasingly complex and urgent. Imagining such futures is a long-standing human practice. Yet building them, free from systems of extraction, exclusion and instability, requires more than imagination. It calls for knowledge of the planet and its systems, together with critical insight into the social, political and institutional dynamics that drive change. From climate adaptation and democratic resilience to territorial transformation and community-led initiatives, sustainable futures depend on institutions, policies and collective action that can respond to crisis while enabling long-term transformation and inclusion. Recognising the complexity of our interconnected world means engaging with both human and more-than-human communities, the places they inhabit and the political and administrative frameworks through which change unfolds.
✔️ Interdisciplinary approach grounded in geography and the social sciences.
✔️ Sustainability, governance and socio-cultural perspectives at the core.
✔️ Two specialisations: Territories in Transition and Governance & Security.
The MSc in Sustainable Futures equips students with the analytical tools and practical skills to understand and transform the relations between people, places, ecosystems and institutions, preparing them to navigate complexity and contribute to resilient, democratic and sustainable societies.
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- Full English Bachelor's degree*, where the only language of instruction is English;
- Cambridge C1/C2 certificate: overall score of 180;
- IELTS Academic*: overall score 6.5 (min. 6.0 in all categories);
- Pearson Academic: overall score 66 (min. 62 in Reading, 54 in Reading and Listening, 62 in Writing);
- LanguageCert Academic: overall score 70 (min. 65 in all categories);
- TOEFL iBT**: overall score 90 (min. 18 for Reading and Listening, 20 for Speaking, 21 for Writing).
We welcome students from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including geography, tourism, liberal arts and sciences, and social sciences. This diversity enriches the learning experience and fosters the exchange of ideas across different perspectives.
Applicants whose previous education does not fall directly within these areas are still encouraged to submit their application. Our admissions team will be happy to assess their eligibility and advise them on their options.
You're a great fit for the MSc in Sustainable Futures if you:
- Have experience with academic research (equivalent to 5 ECTS in research methods) and have written a bachelor's thesis.
- Are eager to engage with plural perspectives and willing to question and unlearn existing assumptions.
- Want to collaborate across disciplines, communities, generations, and ideologies to co-create more just and sustainable futures.
Job prospects
Career paths include roles in policy, consultancy, NGOs and government, research, and project management. Graduates may design and evaluate climate adaptation strategies, advise organisations on sustainability transitions, collaborate with communities on heritage and tourism initiatives, or pursue research careers to shape future-oriented policies and knowledge.
Job examples
- Policy Analyst
Researches and analyses policies shaping societal and ecological futures, providing evidence-based recommendations to address inequalities and environmental challenges.
- Sustainability Consultant
Advises organisations, governments, or NGOs on strategies for sustainability transitions, community resilience, or place-based development.
- Policy Officer
Designs, implements, and evaluates policies in areas such as climate adaptation, migration, or sustainable tourism, ensuring they align with social and ecological justice.
- Project Manager
Leads interdisciplinary projects on sustainability transitions, working with diverse stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for communities and ecosystems.
- Researcher or PhD candidate
Conducts academic or applied research on futures-oriented sustainability topics, contributing new insights into cultural, social, and ecological transformation.
