COURSE CURRICULUM

Year 1 focuses on developing a strong understanding of the core social and environmental challenges of sustainable development. The modules are designed to provide a broad view of global issues, helping you understand complex problems like poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. In this first year, you will also begin collaborating with real-world partners, through guest talks and site visits, to link theory with practice. You will explore critical global issues such as poverty, climate change, and inequality, with a focus on interdisciplinary perspectives. Sustainability concepts like carbon footprints, circular economy, and the Sustainable Development Goals will be examined, and you will develop academic research and writing skills. Key theories of development, such as neo-liberalism and human development, will be introduced, encouraging critical analysis of global inequalities and the political, social, and economic factors that shape them. The concept of planetary boundaries, resource cycles, and the impact of human actions on sustainability will be explored to understand the challenges of balancing development with environmental sustainability.Building on the foundation of Year 1, Year 2 emphasizes practical, solution-oriented learning. It focuses on addressing interconnected global challenges such as food security, water security, and climate change. The year includes a mix of individual and group-based research, as well as field studies to apply your learning in real-world contexts. You will have the flexibility to explore different areas of sustainability, such as environmental law and philosophy. The module on sustainable rural development will cover the theory and practice of rural development, focusing on the sustainable use of natural resources and agrarian transformation. The field course offers hands-on experience in field-based research, where you will engage with data collection and mixed-methods research to better understand sustainability challenges. A module on conservation, restoration, and environmental justice will focus on the global biodiversity crisis and the need for just and sustainable conservation practices, particularly in the Global South.In Year 3, you’ll gain invaluable professional experience through a 9-12 month work placement. This year allows you to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting, helping you gain the employability skills needed to build a career in sustainable development. During this placement, you'll work full-time in an organization related to sustainability, green transitions, or international development, with continued support from the university throughout the year.The final year focuses on independent research, practical experience, and the application of your growing expertise in sustainable development. You will have more flexibility to tailor your studies towards your specific interests and career goals, with opportunities to design an independent dissertation project and engage with sustainability planning through partnerships with local organizations. The module on just transformations to sustainability will address sustainability from an environmental justice perspective. It will explore the transformative politics of sustainability, including concepts like planetary boundaries, equity, and global justice. You’ll engage in student-led discussions, research, and group work to deepen your understanding of how societies can transition toward sustainable futures.This four-year program provides a well-rounded education in global development, combining theoretical exploration, practical research, professional experience, and specialized topics in sustainability. By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid understanding of the challenges and solutions for sustainable development, ready to make a meaningful impact in the field.