Information for applicants and offer holders to the MSc Environment and Development. On this page, you will find information on how to set up a meeting request with Dr. Clare Barnes, upcoming event information, and further information about your chosen degree. MSc Environment and Development Our programme enables you to critically evaluate the interrelationships between development and the environment, with a strong emphasis on social and environmental justice. Meet your Programme Director and Cohort Lead Dr. Clare BarnesThe Programme Director and Cohort Lead for the MSc Environment and Development programme is Clare Barnes. Clare works in natural resource governance in the Global South from a critical social sciences perspective. This means she is interested in issues of common lands, resource use, politics and inequalities in rural areas. Her PhD research was conducted in India and looked at how NGOs support community forestry – both directly through influencing communities, and also indirectly through policy and advocacy. Clare's current research looks at questions of scale in natural resource governance, forest livelihoods and reflexive learning. She is involved in the School’s efforts to widen student participation and diversify our student community. Book a one-to-one meeting with your Programme Director Connect directly with your Programme Director, Dr. Clare Barnes, to ask further questions, get tailored advice, and explore what your degree could look like. Upcoming events Sign up to the events below for further information about your chosen degree. EventDateTimeBooking LinkMSc Environment and Development Information SessionWednesday 25 February, 202612:00 - 13:00 GMTBook SessionPostgraduate Student Q&AThursday 07 May, 202617:00 - 18:00 BSTBook Session Previous recorded events Introduction to MSc Environment and DevelopmentThis event was filmed in November 2025 as part of Postgraduate Virtual Open Week. Pre-arrival reading list Before you arrive with us, take a look at the suggested pre-arrival reading for your programme. This includes online resources and book recommendations provided by your Programme Director. View pre-arrival reading list Why choose the University of Edinburgh? Renowned expertsYou will be taught by world-leading researchers and experienced practitioners working in environment and development fields in various sectors from non-government organisations (NGOs), consultancies, or state organisations. InterdisciplinaryThe programme provides you with a unique critical perspective, drawing on expertise from across the University, especially from development geography, social and political sciences, and environmental studies. FlexibilityThere is diversity in what you can study and conduct research on. Our flexibility enables you to develop your interests in an area you are most passionate about. Key trainingThis programme provides a strong basis for engaged citizenship in the world, enabling you to contribute to world debates and actions for reducing inequalities and working towards social and environmental justice and more sustainable practices. Our student Natalie on studying the MSc More information about your degree Compulsory and optional courses Please note, Degree Programme Tables will be updated in April, 2026. Please use the current edition as an example, only. Degree breakdown The future of your subjectThe programme provides a strong basis for engaged citizenship in the world, enabling you to contribute to world debates and actions for reducing inequalities and working towards social and environmental justice and more sustainable practices. The skills and knowledge gained are much desired in the environment and society sectors - from NGOs, to governmental bodies, international agencies, businesses and academia. Staff and student field trip testimonialsThrough our compulsory field trip, you will have the unique opportunity to experience first-hand the intersection of environment and development issues within the global South through collaboration with leading indigenous research organisations - this trip has been to Nepal and Cuba in the past.Yueqi's testimonialFleur's testimonialSonya's testimonialPeter's testimonialDr Sam Staddon's testimonialPlease note that field course locations may vary year to year, but will always align with course learning outcomes. Hear from our students Our postgraduate students share their experiences of life during university and after on our blog and through alumni profiles. GeoSciences blog Alumni profiles This programme expanded my understanding of environmental challenges and provided an atmosphere of care at every step of the way. Our programme director and lecturers fostered a community of reciprocity, and our field experience in Nepal was invaluable to my professional development. I will be forever grateful for this programme, and would highly recommend it to anyone considering this pathway. Callista Wilson MSc Environment and Development, graduated 2025 Featured scholarships School of GeoSciences scholarshipsSee potential funding for GeoSciences studentsScholarships and student fundingYou can find funding opportunities, tuition fees and costs of living for prospective UK and international postgraduate students on the University website.Postgraduate scholarships and student fundingYou are also encouraged to undertake your own research into the range of potential scholarships and other funding outside the University for which you may be eligible. This article was published on 2026-01-14
