Master of Science in Environmental Sustainability Science
Endorsed by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the Master of Science in Environmental Sustainability Science (ESSS) equips graduates and working professionals with the scientific knowledge and practical skills to address complex environmental challenges.
The Master of Science in Environmental Sustainability Science (ESS) offered by the Asian School of the Environment is a dynamic and interdisciplinary programme, combining scientific training with real-world case studies, networking opportunities and capstone projects to prepare fresh graduates and working professionals to tackle complex environmental challenges across sectors.
Students may pursue one of three specialisations: Climate & Earth Science, Satellite Remote Sensing, or Environmental Health. Through a flexible and immersive learning experience, students develop practical knowledge and transferable skills for careers in environmental research, governance, consultancy and sustainability-related roles, contributing solutions to pressing global challenges and advancing the UN Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs).
Should you have any programme enquiries, please contact ASE's Academic Admin Team at aseacadteam@ntu.edu.sg.
- UNITAR-Endorsed Programme: This programme is endorsed by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR). Upon completion, all students will receive a personalised UNITAR-endorsed certificate, recognising their specialised training in environmental sustainability science.
- Specialised Pathways aligned with emerging needs: Students may tailor their learning through one of three specialisations: Climate & Earth Science, Satellie Remote Sensing, or Environmental Health. These pathways address some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges and prepare graduates for environmental science and sustainability-related roles.
- Integrated Learning and Industry Collaboration: Students gain hands-on experience through case studies, networking opportunities, and collaborative projects developed with industry experts and government agencies. This is enhanced by opportunities for cross-cohort engagement with ASE’s PhD and Master by Research students, providing a dynamic learning ecosystem.
The following are minimum admission requirements. Meeting these criteria does not guarantee admission, as selection is competitive.
- Bachelor’s degree holders and working professionals are welcome to apply.
- A good bachelor’s degree in a related science, engineering, or social science programme. Relevant working experience (in a related industry or environmental science related applications) and leadership potential will also be taken into consideration.
- A TOEFL (internet-based) score of 5.0 or more, or IELTS score of 6.0 or more, is required for international applicants for whom English is not their first language and/or graduates of universities in which English is not the medium of instruction. Test dates must be within 2 years or less from the date of your application. Special arrangements can be made for selected applicants to sit for NTU’s English Proficiency Test (EPT) in place of TOEFL/IELTS.
Duration: (Full-time) 1-2 years | (Part-time) 2-4 years
Structure: Semester-based
Mode: Full-time and part-time
Format: In-person
Intakes: August and January
Class Schedule: Classes are generally held on weekdays during daytime hours at NTU's main campus.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate, students must complete 30 Academic Units (AU), which is equivalent to approximately 10 graduate-level courses.
Course Type | No. of Academic Units (AU) | |
| Specialised Pathway | Interdisciplinary Pathway | |
| Core Courses | 9 | 9 |
| Prescribed Electives | 12 | Not Applicable (N/A) |
| Unrestricted Electives | 9 | 21 |
| Total AU Required | 30 | 30 |
Upon graduation, all students will receive individualised certificates endorsed by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
Students may choose from three specialisations: Climate & Earth Science, Satellite Remote Sensing, and Environmental Health, or pursue an interdisciplinary pathway, allowing them to tailor their learning across multiple thematic areas to suit their academic interests and career goals.
Specialised Pathways
- Climate & Earth Science: With climate change high on both national and global agendas, this specialisation equips students with the scientific expertise and leadership skills needed to address complex environmental challenges. Students gain a deep understanding of Earth systems and climate dynamics, preparing them to contribute to science-based policymaking, drive innovation in mitigation and adaptation strategies, and lead interdisciplinary research efforts. This training aligns with global frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals, empowering graduates to take on impactful roles across government, industry, and academia.
- Satellite Remote Sensing: This specialisation trains students in the cutting-edge technology of satellite observation to monitor Earth’s systems. As the global remote sensing market rapidly grows (valued at USD 17B in 2022), students learn to apply spatial data to climate change tracking, agriculture, disaster response, and urban planning. With support from Singapore’s OSTIn, this track responds to national and regional needs for enhanced technical literacy and positions graduates to be key players in environmental management across ASEAN and beyond.
- Environmental Health: With nearly one-quarter of the global disease burden linked to environmental factors (WHO), this specialisation prepares students to assess and manage environmental risks that impact human health. Students gain expertise in evaluating biological and chemical contaminants, disease surveillance, and environmental quality management—skills critical for advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance. Rooted in the One Health framework, this pathway integrates human, animal, and ecosystem health, producing graduates ready to lead in policy, public health, and sustainability roles.
Interdisciplinary Pathway
This pathway enables students to customise their studies across our three specialisations. Students gain broad-based expertise and technical competencies that cut across sectors, preparing them to respond to complex, real-world environmental challenges. Whether addressing climate change, promoting public health, leveraging geospatial technologies, or advancing clean energy solutions, graduates will be equipped to contribute to global goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals and Paris Agreement targets. The generic pathway is ideal for students seeking a holistic foundation that opens doors to diverse careers in government, industry, NGOs, and academia.
1. Core Courses (9 AU)
All students, regardless of pathway, must complete 9 AU by taking the courses listed below:
| Course Code | Course Title | AU |
| ES7003 | Communication Skills for Scientists | 3 |
| ES7032 | Environmental Sustainability | 3 |
| ES6000 | Challenges and Strategy in Environmental Sustainability Science: Methods and Case Studies | 3 |
2. Prescribed Electives (12 AU for students in the Specialised Pathway)
Students in the Specialised Pathway must complete 12 AU, comprising:
- ES6001 Challenges and Strategies in Environmental Science and Sustainability: Research and Practice (Capstone)
- One compulsory course within the selected Specialisation*
- Any two other courses within the selected Specialisation
| Specialisation | Course Code | Course Title | AU |
| Compulsory Course for All Specialisations | ES6001 | Challenges and Strategies in Environmental Science and Sustainability: Research and Practice (Capstone) | 3 |
| Climate & Earth Science | ES7013 | Climate and Climate Change* | 3 |
| ES7005 | Environmental Earth Systems Science | 3 | |
| ES7010 | Introduction to Geochemistry | 3 | |
| ES7011 | Oceanography | 3 | |
| ES7025 | Biogeochemistry | 3 | |
| ES7029 | GIS and the Earth System | 3 | |
| Satellite Remote Sensing | ES6005 | Eyes on Earth – Satellite Remote Sensing* | 3 |
| ES7001 | Natural Hazards and Society | 3 | |
| ES7021 | Space Geodesy | 3 | |
| ES7023 | Fundamentals of Data Science for Earth and Environmental Earth Systems Science | 3 | |
| Environmental Health | ES6010 | Environmental Health Science* | 3 |
| ES6004 | The Urban Environment: Issues, Assessment, and Management | 3 | |
| ES6006 | The Genome & Society | 3 | |
| ES6009 | Conservation Biology and Biodiversity | 3 | |
| ES7011 | Oceanography | 3 | |
| ES7026 | Coupled Human and Natural Systems | 3 | |
| ES7030 | Nature-Based Solutions for Urban System | 3 | |
| ES7031 | Population Genetic Theory & Its Application | 3 |
3. Unrestricted Electives (9-21 AU depending on pathway)
Students in the Specialised Pathway must complete 9 AU, while those in the Interdisciplinary Pathway must complete 21 AU. Students from either pathway may also take courses from the Prescribed Electives basket to fulfil their Unrestricted Electives requirement.
| Course Code | Course Title | AU |
| ES6002 | Environmental Science and Policy | 3 |
| ES6003 | Global Environmental Politics and Governance | 3 |
| ES6007 | Environmental Management and Valuation | 3 |
| ES6008 | Environmental Hydrology | 3 |
| ES7002 | Research Skills for Scientists | 3 |
| ES7012 | Structural Geology and Tectonics | 3 |
| ES7015 | Supervised Independent Study I | 3 |
| ES7018 | Supervised Independent Study II | 3 |
| ES7020 | Introduction to Geophysics | 3 |
| ES7024 | Global Change Ecology | 3 |
| ES7028 | Experimental Design & Analysis for Ecology | 4 |
| ES7033 | Introduction to Southeast Asian Biodiversity | 3 |
Please note that this MSc programme is a non-MOE subsidised programme. A limited number of financial awards up to S$5,000 will be given out.
| Academic Year 2026/27 | Academic Year 2027/28 | Academic Year 2028/29 | ||||
| Nationality | Tuition Fee | Modular Fee* | Tuition Fee | Modular Fee* | Tuition Fee | Modular Fee* |
| Singapore Citizen (SC) | $60,000 | $2,000 | $62,100 | $2,070 | $64,274 | $2,142 |
| Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) | ||||||
| International Student (IS) | ||||||
Fees listed in the table are in Singapore dollars (S$), and exclusive of GST.
A one-time administrative fee of $2,500 will be payable with deposit upon acceptance of an offer from school.
*For more information on modular fee, please refer to FAQ section.
Payment Schedule
Full-Time
| Academic Year 2026/27 | ||
| Deposit | First Payment | Subsequent Payment |
Non-refundable & non-transferable. Payable upon acceptance of an offer from school. | Deposit has been applied as an offset toward first tuition fee payment | Modular Basis |
| $8,000 | $24,500 | =no. of AUs x $2,000 |
Part-Time
| Academic Year 2027/28 | ||
| Deposit | First Payment | Subsequent Payment |
Non-refundable & non-transferable. Payable upon acceptance of an offer from school. | Deposit will be used to offset tuition fee payment Modular Basis | Modular Basis |
| $8,000 | =no. of AUs x $2,000.00 | =no. of AUs x $2,000.00 |
Fees listed in the tables are in Singapore dollars (S$), and exclusive of GST.
Note:
- A one-time miscellaneous fee will be billed every academic year. Please click here for details.
- The University reserves the right to revise its fees every year without notice.
- Tuition fees payment schedule:
- The deposit payment will be used to offset payment of the tuition fees billed.
- Students who withdraw or apply for leave of absence after the 2nd Teaching Week are liable for the payment of tuition fees for the entire semester/trimester/fees as billed by the university. More information can be found on NTU’s website.
- Tuition fees do not include the cost of recommended textbooks and other course materials. The costs of travel, accommodation and miscellaneous expenses must be borne by the student.
NTU Post-graduate Incentives:
- All Singaporeans and Permanent Residents:
From the academic year starting in 2024, Singaporeans and permanent residents who enrol in self-funded master’s by coursework programmes at NTU will enjoy a $5,000 subsidy, with those in need of financial aid will receive up to $10,000.
For academic year starting in 2025, the $5,000 subsidy for Singaporeans and permanent residents will continue to apply. New students enrolled in AY25 in need of financial aid will receive up to $15,000.
- All NTU Alumni:
Alumni (Bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degree) of Nanyang Technological University will enjoy a 10% course fee concession.
More information on NTU’s Post-graduate Incentives can be found here.
What are Modular fees?
The programme fee covers the full 30 AUs required for the Master of Science in Environmental Sustainability Science programme. Students who retake courses or register for additional AUs beyond the 30-AU requirement will be charged on a per-AU basis.
When can I submit my application?
There are two intakes per year (August and January) and applications are to be submitted online via the NTU online application system here.
How do I apply to the programme?
Application has to be done online. More information on application process can be found via the Coursework Programmes Admission Guide. In your application, please indicate the specialisation you are pursuing, if applicable.