100% online MSc Engineering with Sustainability

Gain the knowledge and skills central to developing sustainable engineering solutions with a life-changing, global university

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  • Apply by: 15 April 2025
  • To start: 29 April 2025

180 credits

complete within 24 months

£7,920 total fees

Why Sunderland?

  • 100% online MSc – complete within 2 years part-time
  • 5 star rating for teaching, inclusiveness, employability and facilities*
  • Member of AACSB, CABS, EFMD and PRIME
  • Top 40 UK University**
  • Training engineers and technicians for over 100 years
  • Engage in real-world projects inspired by our extensive research portfolio
  • Prepares graduates for application for IEng and CEng registration
  • £7,920 total fees, option to pay £660 per module

*QS Stars World University Rankings 2023
**Guardian University Guide 2025


A flexible online masters paving the way for your career in sustainable engineering

The MSc Engineering with Sustainability course is designed for professionals seeking to advance their expertise in engineering while integrating sustainable practices into their work. It helps you build the skills central to leadership of sustainable engineering projects, manage resources responsibly, and drive positive environmental and societal impact across industries.

You will explore key topics such as engineering principles, engineering impact, and human-centred engineering, with practical applications in sustainable engineering practices, project management, and strategic business integration. The course emphasises developing technical skills while fostering an in-depth understanding of sustainability within engineering contexts, enabling you to create innovative, eco-friendly solutions.

As a student you will experience transformative learning, preparing you for leadership roles in sustainability and engineering management, while cultivating critical thinking and a comprehensive understanding of how sustainable engineering practices can shape a greener, more responsible future.

Create a brighter future with a flexible MSc Engineering with sustainability

Our MSc Engineering with Sustainability course prepares you for a career in sustainable engineering from anywhere in the world. The course is designed to be flexible, allowing you to balance your studies with other commitments such as work, family, and friends.

Course materials can be accessed on a variety of digital devices at times convenient for you. Studying part-time will enable you to fit your studies around your lifestyle and career aspirations.

And, with six start dates per year, you can begin advancing your career in just a few weeks.

What will you study?

This 100% online MSc Engineering with Sustainability course will deepen your understanding of core engineering and sustainability principles, equipping you with the skills to lead sustainable engineering projects and drive positive environmental change. You will explore the societal and environmental impact of engineering, integrate human-centred design, and apply sustainability practices to ensure responsible resource management and eco-friendly project execution in diverse engineering settings.

Additionally, you will develop proficiency in strategic business integration, sustainable technologies, and emerging tools like AI and the Internet of Things (IoT), allowing you to address modern engineering challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions.

Key knowledge and skills taught on this course:

  • Engineering principles and impact
  • Human-centred engineering
  • Human, quality and project management
  • Engineering management techniques
  • Strategic business integration and set ups
  • Artificial intelligence and digital skills
  • Internet of Things (IoT) in engineering
  • Professional sustainability management
  • Sustainable engineering practices

A rich history and bright future, delivering global and inclusive education

The University of Sunderland has a rich history of offering global education. With campuses in Hong Kong, Sunderland, and London, alongside partnerships spanning the globe, we are committed to cultivating a diverse learning environment. Our international student body gains valuable experience through collaborative learning, while simultaneously expanding their global professional networks.

We have been recognised for our commitment to inclusion by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025, being ranked 8th in the UK for social inclusion by the guide. Our expertise, use of cutting-edge technology, and extensive experience in delivering high-quality online education distinguish the University of Sunderland and our MSc Engineering with Sustainability course.

Admission requirements

Applicants must be of age 19 and above and should have or be about to complete:

  • At least a UK 2.2 undergraduate degree in an engineering, STEM, or business area
or
  • A third-class honours degree with a minimum of two years’ appropriate work experience
or
  • Applicants without a degree must demonstrate a minimum of three years relevant experience. The degree / work experience must be in a STEM, Engineering or Business area.

Fees

  • Total course fees: £7,920
  • Per 15-credit module fee: £669

If you are based in the UK, you may be eligible for a government-backed postgraduate loan to cover the full costs of the course.

In addition, if you have successfully completed an undergraduate degree at the University of Sunderland, you are eligible for a 10% tuition fees reduction on our postgraduate programmes.

You pay tuition fees for each module taken, either module-by-module or in full at the start of your course.

If you pay module-by-module, you will pay in instalments of £669.

Modules

Engineering Principles

Gain an understanding of the fundamental engineering principles, including mechanics, engineering materials, manufacturing processes, electrical power, and ethical and professional standards in engineering practice.

Engineering Impact

Explore the impact engineering has had on society and the role it plays today. You’ll identify the responsibilities of engineers and the skills required to create an impact. Additionally, you’ll discuss case studies of projects which have had a significant impact on citizens and the environment.

Human-Centred Engineering

Examine a range of topics relating to human-in-the-loop, within contexts such as the management of digital transformation and integration, the utilisation of technology to simplify processes, manage knowledge and simplify product development for usability. You will develop the theoretical foundations and practical skills necessary to create systems, environments and products that enhance human performance, safety, usability and sustainability.

Human & Quality Management

Explore key quality concepts such as the meaning of zero defects, statistical control and management of quality, optimisation through robust design, and processes and procedures to manage the contribution of personnel within a quality context.

Project Management

Gain an understanding of two distinct strands. One strand looks at various processes and methodologies that can be used and applied to manage projects of various types, while the other strand explores project management tools for planning and control of project costs, schedules and risks. This module creates the opportunity for you to deal with a real-life scenario to manage all aspects of planning, controlling and closing a project.

Engineering Management Techniques

Gain an understanding of engineering maintenance management practices in modern engineering management. You’ll discuss modern manufacturing equipment, condition monitoring techniques, and gain the skills required to use these tools. Maintenance practices involve various management and technological techniques to support investigation and planning of activities.

Strategic Business Integration

Explore the foundational roles of business strategy, finance, marketing, HR, and operations, analysing how these functions interrelate to form a cohesive organisational strategy. By integrating insights from leading strategy theorists, the module offers a robust theoretical framework.

Commercial Business Setups

Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully start and manage a business. You’ll cover a wide range of topics, from developing an idea and market research to legal considerations, financial management, and growth strategies with environmental sustainability approach.

Artificial Intelligence & Digital Skills

Learn to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools and techniques for real-world problems. You will explore and learn how to use AI tools and techniques to develop and enhance your skills in data handling, data analysis, digital literacy, and programming. You’ll examine AI applications, including but not limited to machine learning, language processing, and computer vision, as well as their role in developing innovative solutions and advanced digital competencies. On completion, you’ll be able to use these applications to solve real-world problems.

Internet of Things in Engineering

Gain the knowledge and skills to design and engineer the next generation of connected devices and systems based on Internet of Things (IoT), particularly in the context of engineering. You’ll cover a combination of theoretical and practical topics in the domain of Internet of Things (IoT) in engineering, that is, the use of Internet technologies to access and interact with objects in the physical world, including IoT-enabled smart manufacturing and industrial automation.

Professional Sustainability Manager

Equip yourself with comprehensive training in sustainable business practices, strategic planning for net zero objectives, stakeholder engagement, and ethical leadership in sustainability management. Furthermore, you’ll gain practical insights into innovating sustainable solutions and navigating regulatory landscapes to prepare you to drive meaningful sustainability initiatives in diverse organisational settings.

Sustainable Engineering Practices

Examine various methodologies focusing on sustainable engineering practices, including material selection, processing, design, and manufacturing; energy and the environment; life cycle and material flow analysis; asset management, performance evaluation, and sustainable relationships among systems. These subject areas will empower you to ask critical questions about current engineering practices and their environmental impact, while also introducing you to sustainable engineering solutions, eco-friendly solutions and design improvements.