UBC's Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability runs a thesis-based research master's — MSc or MA by the flavour of your work — inside a community of roughly a hundred graduate students working on water, energy, land and environmental governance; the research-first sibling to the applied Master of Land and Water Systems already in this directory.
Key facts
Duration
24 months (2 years)
Language
English
Format
Full-time
Intake
September
Curriculum modules
RES core seminar — Interdisciplinary sustainability research foundations.
Methods & electives — Tailored coursework supporting the thesis.
Thesis — Supervised independent research project.
Admission requirements
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with strong standing
TOEFL/IELTS for non-native English speakers
Confirmed IRES faculty supervisor, statement of interest and references
Career destinations
Environmental Researcher — Academia & institutes
Policy / Resource Analyst — Government & consultancies
The 2026 Sustainability Degree Shortlist Guide: pick, compare and afford the right programme — plus occasional emails with new programmes, scholarships and application tips.