The University of Gloucestershire has joined forces with UNITAR – the United Nations’ dedicated training arm – to create the MSc Sustainable Global Futures, an innovative course aimed at developing long-term solutions to sustainability issues.
Positioned as the only programme of its kind, the degree brings together expertise from University of Gloucestershire academics and UN policy professionals, with contributors including experts across key global issues including climate change, global health, gender equity, energy policy and responsible production.
The course is designed around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – described as 'the global blueprint for peace and prosperity' – aiming to equip students with the skills needed to address complex social, economic, political and environmental challenges.
Dr Rachel Bennett, senior lecturer in human geography and course lead at the University of Gloucestershire, said: ‘We’re proud to have collaborated with UNITAR on the ground breaking MSc Sustainable Futures degree, which directly responds to the growing demand for sustainability professionals across various sectors.
‘We know that traditional policymaking structures struggle to respond to our incredibly pressing yet uncertain and long-term sustainability challenges. This distinctive new course responds to the strategic priority of long-term planning, thinking and delivery for an inclusive, socially just and climate resilient future, and it culminates in an extended project that could take the form of a project with UNITAR.'
With a strong focus on closing sustainability skills gaps identified by the UN, the course aims to develop expertise in areas such as data analysis, policy evaluation, strategic foresight and partnership development.
UNITAR’s director of the division for multilateral diplomacy, Rabih El-Haddad, emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing global challenges. He said: ‘The MSc Sustainable Global Futures, launched in partnership with University of Gloucestershire, lies at the heart of UNITAR's efforts to strengthen global capacities by training leaders in diplomacy-driven skills such as strategic foresight, multi-stakeholder partnerships, and policy analysis.
Adding: ‘We look forward to welcoming our first cohort of professionals ready to drive sustainable development in line with the 2030 Agenda and Pact for the Future.’
The University of Gloucestershire is now recruiting students for the first intake of the MSc Sustainable Global Futures, which will be an online part-time course, set to begin in September 2026.
