COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA (Hons) in Sustainable Development and Social Science provides students with a rich and interdisciplinary foundation to engage with today’s most urgent global challenges. Starting in the first year, students are introduced to key concepts in sustainability, social justice, and global political economy. Modules such as Introduction to Sustainable Development and The Mess We Are In (And How We Got Here) explore complex themes such as ecological crisis, colonialism, social inequality, and economic systems. The curriculum combines theoretical learning with practical and personal development, particularly through the Mental Wealth modules, which build essential skills in activism, resilience, and critical self-reflection. In the second year, the program deepens this knowledge by focusing on pressing contemporary issues such as climate justice, migration, inequality, and human rights. Modules like Environmental Justice, Inequalities and Social Change, and Space, Bodies and Power examine how global and local systems affect diverse communities. Students also learn practical tools for change, including fundraising, planning for the third sector, and research skills through the Mental Wealth and Research Methods modules. This prepares them to design, evaluate, and implement sustainable initiatives. In the final year, students apply their knowledge and skills in a work placement with an NGO, gaining real-world experience in sectors such as humanitarian aid, education, or public health. Through the Mental Wealth 3: Placement Reflections module, they connect practice with theory, reflecting on their development and impact. The program culminates in an Applied Research Project, allowing students to investigate a topic they are passionate about and contribute meaningfully to the field of social sciences and development. This course equips graduates with the critical insight, research abilities, and professional experience needed for careers in NGOs, public service, social policy, or further academic research focused on sustainable development.