How I chose where to do my MSc in environmental studies

Choosing a Master's degree is no easy thing. There are so many variables to consider: course content, university status, fees and location for example. And in order to make sense of all these things it's necessary to prioritise them.

I've been searching for the ideal Master's in Sustainable Development. For me, the two most important criteria were course content and fees. As much as I loved the sound of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) course for example - and no matter how good a university it is - the £9,000 odd fees ruled it out straight off. 

Eventually I narrowed it down to two: De Monfort (Leicester) and Surrey. Both offer an appealing course at a good price: £5,100, and £4,325 respectively. In the end, because it's far closer for me than Leicester, I chose Surrey.  Duly, I applied, got an offer, and provisionally accepted.

So, all was set - until I happened upon People and Planet's brilliant Green League, and was forced to reconsider my choice. The Green League is an exhaustive, independent and award-winning table that ranks universities according to their green and ethical credentials. Its criteria are comprehensive and rigorous, covering issues such as carbon management, energy, waste, and ethical procurement. 142 universities were assessed, and depending on their scores classified as First, Upper Second, Lower Second, Third, or Failed.

Top of the Green League this year is Nottingham Trent followed by Gloucestershire and Worcester. I was most interested to see where my short-listed universities ranked. I was very pleased to find De Monfort was awarded a 'first' in joint 14th place, but somewhat dismayed to see that Surrey was third class, in joint 114th place.

Choosing to study Sustainable Development out of a deep conviction in its importance, I realised pretty quickly that this was not news I could overlook, and decided to apply to De Montfort after all. Less than 10 days after applying, I received an email offering me a place.

As there's not much information available assessing and comparing the quality of environmental Masters, it can be really tough to know whether you're making the right choice. But the results of the Green League certainly make the decision clearer.

I would recommend that everyone - undergrad and postgrad - have a look at the Green League when choosing a university. I found it to be a deal breaker.

Samantha Earle, Volunteer - Publishng & New Media team 

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