MSc — 2025 entry Sustainable Development in Practice (Online)

This module provides students with an overview of the key principles of circular economy and affords them hands-on-experience to develop circular economy-based projects and assess their economic feasibility. Students will be exposed to real-life case studies looking at how to convert waste to useful materials/products/energy. Students will also be introduced to specific methodologies such as the techno-economy analysis (TEA) with a view to equipping them with the necessary research skills to analyse case studies, produce written reports and develop problem-solving skills.

This module provides an up-to-date overview of key contemporary issues and debates fundamental to understanding the contribution contemporary social relations have had on the creation of the environmental crisis. The module is designed to provide students with an introduction to the social and political drivers which have led to a high carbon society, social consequences of environmental change and the social implications of different routes to a sustainable transition. It is taught through a number of case studies which both highlight specific issues and provide students with the skills and knowledge to evaluate the environmental consequences of a wide range of socially driven issues. By the end of the module students will be able to understand how and why contemporary society is locked into unsustainable practices and explore the risks, challenges and benefits of transitioning to a globalized low carbon world.

This module focuses on exploring different frameworks for measuring prosperity and sustainability, and their critique, on a national as well as organisational level. We will develop an understanding for sustainable development, green economy and circularity and explore their application in practice. The module enables students to interpret basic quantitative information about global sustainability and apply this information towards explaining and evaluating policy design from macroeconomic and microeconomic perspectives.

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are “actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously benefiting people and nature.” (International Union for Conservation of Nature).  They are advocated as a more sustainable way of managing environments or environmental systems and have been implemented today in a variety of settings from cities to rural and coastal areas to address urgent societal challenges (e.g., climate change, water security, air pollution, wastewater treatment, food security or natural disasters) effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing co-benefits and improving resilience. Through a series of recorded lectures, seminars and captured content, this module will provide students with an introduction to the scientific principles and practice of nature-based solutions, their implementation criteria and role in different modern contexts, with particular emphasis to sustainability and policies. The module will explore different environments (air, water, coastal, rural, and urban) through case studies and literature ensuring students are aware of the multidisciplinary nature of NbS. Students will critically assess, compare, and determine the feasibility of different published case studies where NbS have been successful implemented.

Human behaviour is at the heart of all 17 UN Sustainabie Development goals. Achieving good health and wellbeing, for example, requires that people adopt behaviours that have a positive impact on their physical and mental health, such as eating a healthy diet or taking regular physical activity, and responsible consumption and production requires that people consume resources carefully. Some goals, such as no poverty and gender equality, necessitate changes in the behaviour of government and policymakers responsible for creating and implementing policy. Achieving the 17 Sustainable Development goals requires an understanding of why people act as they do, and how to change behaviour in ways that support sustainability. This module will provide you with a cutting-edge understanding of core theories and concepts within behaviour change science, and the skills and methods needed to translate, and reflect on translation of, behavioural science into real-world contemporary sustainability contexts. You will be introduced to a range of different theoretical and practical approaches that can be used to understand and address many problems relating to sustainability and sustainable development facing global citizens. The module covers both theories and concepts that underpin modern understandings of human behaviour and behaviour change, and methods for systematically developing and evaluating behaviour change initiatives. The module supports employability by helping you to think systematically and critically about the application of behavioural science theories, concepts, methods and skills to different contemporary sustainable development domains.

This module provides students with an insight into the issues which a business has to manage if it is to remain a going concern. It explores the tension that arises between profit and delivering the UN sustainable development goals (SDG) adhering to environment, society, and corporate governance (ESG). The module will also examine the additional risk management which is associated with embedding sustainability into a business.  The module will enable students to forensically evaluate the contribution of ethics, governance, and risk management to responsible management in existing companies in different industry sectors. This will facilitate students experiencing the decision making that is involved when integrating sustainability and responsible management into business.   The module will use recent examples of business which are exemplars of sustainability as well as companies that compromise sustainability for profit and responsible management.  The module will use a number of case studies to illustrate the importance of SDGs, ESG and responsible management.

This module provides an exploration of the past, present, and future energy supply and demand infrastructure, policy and public engagement aimed at reaching greenhouse gas reduction targets and tackling climate change. This is a practical module aimed at a wide range of students, especially those interested in transdisciplinary people-focused energy transitions and climate change policy, focused on policy issues rather than theoretical arguments. This module will examine and critique relevant theories and frameworks on policy mixes, place-based approaches to social acceptance, individual behaviour change and energy justice. Additionally, students will explore relevant energy policy analysis, survey-based, and qualitative interview- and focus group-based methodological approaches common across disciplines discussed in this module. Students will gain a grounding in energy systems, the energy policy landscape, and gain a critical perspective on how to reach energy emissions reduction goals, with the use of the UK as a case study example. The module is of particular interest to those aiming to work in shaping energy policy at the regional, national or global level.

As our global population reaches and extends beyond the 8 billion mark, we must consider sustainable food solutions in the face of the global climate and biodiversity crisis. This module explores the history of global farming and food production and considers the importance of agriculture in livelihoods, economic growth and prosperity. This module is aimed/appropriate for students with varied educational backgrounds and uses a transdisciplinary approach to exploring the core concepts, methodologies, technology, policy and challenges of sustainable food production. The module builds upon the basic concepts of sustainable development, equipping students with a change-maker mindset required to find solutions to transform our global food system to meet the needs of an ever-changing world.

This innovative new module provides a general introduction to the system of SDG Governance.  Students will engage with a general overview of key concepts, structures and theoretical debates in this field, on global governance and how IGOs work, including a historical overview of SDGs from Annan’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the 2030 Agenda, as a means of building knowledge. Students will then delve into specific SDGs grouped thematically, in terms of human, societal and economic development, inequalities and sustainability, and climate action, as well as capacity development, inter-agency coordination and stakeholder engagement.  Students will delve into the world of policy development and policy analysis. In doing so, students will combine interdisciplinary knowledge and insights to think critically about social, political and economic ramifications of the SDGs bridging the international environment with domestic politics and nuances. Students will also be given the opportunity to engage in their assignments with a comparative study of the SDGs and apply their knowledge in an assessment. This will allow students to develop five key areas: employability, global and cultural capabilities, digital capabilities, sustainability, and resourcefulness and resilience. 

The module provides a grounding in the role of marketing and communications to promote sustainable change in both organisations and consumers. We will review the role of marketing in promoting sustainability, and summarise the historical context and evolution of sustainability in marketing. We will delve into the societal expectations for ethical claims both to consumers and stakeholders, including Sustainability reporting frameworks. We will review the evidence on consumer behaviour and sustainable purchasing, and how this informs strategic sustainable marketing planning. We shall consider opportunities for green product, service and experience development, pricing decisions for sustainable products. We will move on to consider upstream and downstream distribution channels for sustainable products, including business to business marketing and sustainable supply chain management. We will finalise with a review of communication and messaging opportunities, such as techniques for crafting effective messages for sustainability, transparency and authenticity in communication, and addressing greenwashing and building trust.

This module constitutes the final output of the MSc. It is structured as a “Review Essay”, which should be of publishable quality in a peer-reviewed journal. It is similar to a mini-dissertation but will not require new research to be carried out. The student will need to identify a topic of interest based on the various modules completed.  The methodological support will be given through 12 dedicated live sessions, which will focus mostly on how to write for an academic audience. Moreover, the student will be able to build on the dedicated methodology units woven into each module of the programme.  After identifying the topic, he/she will need to analyze the relevant literature and then, based on that, address a “sustainability problem” by making use of practical real-life examples. Word count: max 5,000 words.

This module provides students with an overview of the key principles of circular economy and affords them hands-on-experience to develop circular economy-based projects and assess their economic feasibility. Students will be exposed to real-life case studies looking at how to convert waste to useful materials/products/energy. Students will also be introduced to specific methodologies such as the techno-economy analysis (TEA) with a view to equipping them with the necessary research skills to analyse case studies, produce written reports and develop problem-solving skills.

This module provides an up-to-date overview of key contemporary issues and debates fundamental to understanding the contribution contemporary social relations have had on the creation of the environmental crisis. The module is designed to provide students with an introduction to the social and political drivers which have led to a high carbon society, social consequences of environmental change and the social implications of different routes to a sustainable transition. It is taught through a number of case studies which both highlight specific issues and provide students with the skills and knowledge to evaluate the environmental consequences of a wide range of socially driven issues. By the end of the module students will be able to understand how and why contemporary society is locked into unsustainable practices and explore the risks, challenges and benefits of transitioning to a globalized low carbon world.

This module focuses on exploring different frameworks for measuring prosperity and sustainability, and their critique, on a national as well as organisational level. We will develop an understanding for sustainable development, green economy and circularity and explore their application in practice. The module enables students to interpret basic quantitative information about global sustainability and apply this information towards explaining and evaluating policy design from macroeconomic and microeconomic perspectives.

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are “actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously benefiting people and nature.” (International Union for Conservation of Nature).  They are advocated as a more sustainable way of managing environments or environmental systems and have been implemented today in a variety of settings from cities to rural and coastal areas to address urgent societal challenges (e.g., climate change, water security, air pollution, wastewater treatment, food security or natural disasters) effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing co-benefits and improving resilience. Through a series of recorded lectures, seminars and captured content, this module will provide students with an introduction to the scientific principles and practice of nature-based solutions, their implementation criteria and role in different modern contexts, with particular emphasis to sustainability and policies. The module will explore different environments (air, water, coastal, rural, and urban) through case studies and literature ensuring students are aware of the multidisciplinary nature of NbS. Students will critically assess, compare, and determine the feasibility of different published case studies where NbS have been successful implemented.

Human behaviour is at the heart of all 17 UN Sustainabie Development goals. Achieving good health and wellbeing, for example, requires that people adopt behaviours that have a positive impact on their physical and mental health, such as eating a healthy diet or taking regular physical activity, and responsible consumption and production requires that people consume resources carefully. Some goals, such as no poverty and gender equality, necessitate changes in the behaviour of government and policymakers responsible for creating and implementing policy. Achieving the 17 Sustainable Development goals requires an understanding of why people act as they do, and how to change behaviour in ways that support sustainability. This module will provide you with a cutting-edge understanding of core theories and concepts within behaviour change science, and the skills and methods needed to translate, and reflect on translation of, behavioural science into real-world contemporary sustainability contexts. You will be introduced to a range of different theoretical and practical approaches that can be used to understand and address many problems relating to sustainability and sustainable development facing global citizens. The module covers both theories and concepts that underpin modern understandings of human behaviour and behaviour change, and methods for systematically developing and evaluating behaviour change initiatives. The module supports employability by helping you to think systematically and critically about the application of behavioural science theories, concepts, methods and skills to different contemporary sustainable development domains.

This module provides students with an insight into the issues which a business has to manage if it is to remain a going concern. It explores the tension that arises between profit and delivering the UN sustainable development goals (SDG) adhering to environment, society, and corporate governance (ESG). The module will also examine the additional risk management which is associated with embedding sustainability into a business.  The module will enable students to forensically evaluate the contribution of ethics, governance, and risk management to responsible management in existing companies in different industry sectors. This will facilitate students experiencing the decision making that is involved when integrating sustainability and responsible management into business.   The module will use recent examples of business which are exemplars of sustainability as well as companies that compromise sustainability for profit and responsible management.  The module will use a number of case studies to illustrate the importance of SDGs, ESG and responsible management.

This module provides an exploration of the past, present, and future energy supply and demand infrastructure, policy and public engagement aimed at reaching greenhouse gas reduction targets and tackling climate change. This is a practical module aimed at a wide range of students, especially those interested in transdisciplinary people-focused energy transitions and climate change policy, focused on policy issues rather than theoretical arguments. This module will examine and critique relevant theories and frameworks on policy mixes, place-based approaches to social acceptance, individual behaviour change and energy justice. Additionally, students will explore relevant energy policy analysis, survey-based, and qualitative interview- and focus group-based methodological approaches common across disciplines discussed in this module. Students will gain a grounding in energy systems, the energy policy landscape, and gain a critical perspective on how to reach energy emissions reduction goals, with the use of the UK as a case study example. The module is of particular interest to those aiming to work in shaping energy policy at the regional, national or global level.

As our global population reaches and extends beyond the 8 billion mark, we must consider sustainable food solutions in the face of the global climate and biodiversity crisis. This module explores the history of global farming and food production and considers the importance of agriculture in livelihoods, economic growth and prosperity. This module is aimed/appropriate for students with varied educational backgrounds and uses a transdisciplinary approach to exploring the core concepts, methodologies, technology, policy and challenges of sustainable food production. The module builds upon the basic concepts of sustainable development, equipping students with a change-maker mindset required to find solutions to transform our global food system to meet the needs of an ever-changing world.

This innovative new module provides a general introduction to the system of SDG Governance.  Students will engage with a general overview of key concepts, structures and theoretical debates in this field, on global governance and how IGOs work, including a historical overview of SDGs from Annan’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the 2030 Agenda, as a means of building knowledge. Students will then delve into specific SDGs grouped thematically, in terms of human, societal and economic development, inequalities and sustainability, and climate action, as well as capacity development, inter-agency coordination and stakeholder engagement.  Students will delve into the world of policy development and policy analysis. In doing so, students will combine interdisciplinary knowledge and insights to think critically about social, political and economic ramifications of the SDGs bridging the international environment with domestic politics and nuances. Students will also be given the opportunity to engage in their assignments with a comparative study of the SDGs and apply their knowledge in an assessment. This will allow students to develop five key areas: employability, global and cultural capabilities, digital capabilities, sustainability, and resourcefulness and resilience. 

The module provides a grounding in the role of marketing and communications to promote sustainable change in both organisations and consumers. We will review the role of marketing in promoting sustainability, and summarise the historical context and evolution of sustainability in marketing. We will delve into the societal expectations for ethical claims both to consumers and stakeholders, including Sustainability reporting frameworks. We will review the evidence on consumer behaviour and sustainable purchasing, and how this informs strategic sustainable marketing planning. We shall consider opportunities for green product, service and experience development, pricing decisions for sustainable products. We will move on to consider upstream and downstream distribution channels for sustainable products, including business to business marketing and sustainable supply chain management. We will finalise with a review of communication and messaging opportunities, such as techniques for crafting effective messages for sustainability, transparency and authenticity in communication, and addressing greenwashing and building trust.

This module constitutes the final output of the MSc. It is structured as a “Review Essay”, which should be of publishable quality in a peer-reviewed journal. It is similar to a mini-dissertation but will not require new research to be carried out. The student will need to identify a topic of interest based on the various modules completed.  The methodological support will be given through 12 dedicated live sessions, which will focus mostly on how to write for an academic audience. Moreover, the student will be able to build on the dedicated methodology units woven into each module of the programme.  After identifying the topic, he/she will need to analyze the relevant literature and then, based on that, address a “sustainability problem” by making use of practical real-life examples. Word count: max 5,000 words.

This module provides students with an overview of the key principles of circular economy and affords them hands-on-experience to develop circular economy-based projects and assess their economic feasibility. Students will be exposed to real-life case studies looking at how to convert waste to useful materials/products/energy. Students will also be introduced to specific methodologies such as the techno-economy analysis (TEA) with a view to equipping them with the necessary research skills to analyse case studies, produce written reports and develop problem-solving skills.

This module provides an up-to-date overview of key contemporary issues and debates fundamental to understanding the contribution contemporary social relations have had on the creation of the environmental crisis. The module is designed to provide students with an introduction to the social and political drivers which have led to a high carbon society, social consequences of environmental change and the social implications of different routes to a sustainable transition. It is taught through a number of case studies which both highlight specific issues and provide students with the skills and knowledge to evaluate the environmental consequences of a wide range of socially driven issues. By the end of the module students will be able to understand how and why contemporary society is locked into unsustainable practices and explore the risks, challenges and benefits of transitioning to a globalized low carbon world.

This module focuses on exploring different frameworks for measuring prosperity and sustainability, and their critique, on a national as well as organisational level. We will develop an understanding for sustainable development, green economy and circularity and explore their application in practice. The module enables students to interpret basic quantitative information about global sustainability and apply this information towards explaining and evaluating policy design from macroeconomic and microeconomic perspectives.

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are “actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously benefiting people and nature.” (International Union for Conservation of Nature).  They are advocated as a more sustainable way of managing environments or environmental systems and have been implemented today in a variety of settings from cities to rural and coastal areas to address urgent societal challenges (e.g., climate change, water security, air pollution, wastewater treatment, food security or natural disasters) effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing co-benefits and improving resilience. Through a series of recorded lectures, seminars and captured content, this module will provide students with an introduction to the scientific principles and practice of nature-based solutions, their implementation criteria and role in different modern contexts, with particular emphasis to sustainability and policies. The module will explore different environments (air, water, coastal, rural, and urban) through case studies and literature ensuring students are aware of the multidisciplinary nature of NbS. Students will critically assess, compare, and determine the feasibility of different published case studies where NbS have been successful implemented.

Human behaviour is at the heart of all 17 UN Sustainabie Development goals. Achieving good health and wellbeing, for example, requires that people adopt behaviours that have a positive impact on their physical and mental health, such as eating a healthy diet or taking regular physical activity, and responsible consumption and production requires that people consume resources carefully. Some goals, such as no poverty and gender equality, necessitate changes in the behaviour of government and policymakers responsible for creating and implementing policy. Achieving the 17 Sustainable Development goals requires an understanding of why people act as they do, and how to change behaviour in ways that support sustainability. This module will provide you with a cutting-edge understanding of core theories and concepts within behaviour change science, and the skills and methods needed to translate, and reflect on translation of, behavioural science into real-world contemporary sustainability contexts. You will be introduced to a range of different theoretical and practical approaches that can be used to understand and address many problems relating to sustainability and sustainable development facing global citizens. The module covers both theories and concepts that underpin modern understandings of human behaviour and behaviour change, and methods for systematically developing and evaluating behaviour change initiatives. The module supports employability by helping you to think systematically and critically about the application of behavioural science theories, concepts, methods and skills to different contemporary sustainable development domains.

This module provides students with an insight into the issues which a business has to manage if it is to remain a going concern. It explores the tension that arises between profit and delivering the UN sustainable development goals (SDG) adhering to environment, society, and corporate governance (ESG). The module will also examine the additional risk management which is associated with embedding sustainability into a business.  The module will enable students to forensically evaluate the contribution of ethics, governance, and risk management to responsible management in existing companies in different industry sectors. This will facilitate students experiencing the decision making that is involved when integrating sustainability and responsible management into business.   The module will use recent examples of business which are exemplars of sustainability as well as companies that compromise sustainability for profit and responsible management.  The module will use a number of case studies to illustrate the importance of SDGs, ESG and responsible management.

This module provides an exploration of the past, present, and future energy supply and demand infrastructure, policy and public engagement aimed at reaching greenhouse gas reduction targets and tackling climate change. This is a practical module aimed at a wide range of students, especially those interested in transdisciplinary people-focused energy transitions and climate change policy, focused on policy issues rather than theoretical arguments. This module will examine and critique relevant theories and frameworks on policy mixes, place-based approaches to social acceptance, individual behaviour change and energy justice. Additionally, students will explore relevant energy policy analysis, survey-based, and qualitative interview- and focus group-based methodological approaches common across disciplines discussed in this module. Students will gain a grounding in energy systems, the energy policy landscape, and gain a critical perspective on how to reach energy emissions reduction goals, with the use of the UK as a case study example. The module is of particular interest to those aiming to work in shaping energy policy at the regional, national or global level.

As our global population reaches and extends beyond the 8 billion mark, we must consider sustainable food solutions in the face of the global climate and biodiversity crisis. This module explores the history of global farming and food production and considers the importance of agriculture in livelihoods, economic growth and prosperity. This module is aimed/appropriate for students with varied educational backgrounds and uses a transdisciplinary approach to exploring the core concepts, methodologies, technology, policy and challenges of sustainable food production. The module builds upon the basic concepts of sustainable development, equipping students with a change-maker mindset required to find solutions to transform our global food system to meet the needs of an ever-changing world.

This innovative new module provides a general introduction to the system of SDG Governance.  Students will engage with a general overview of key concepts, structures and theoretical debates in this field, on global governance and how IGOs work, including a historical overview of SDGs from Annan’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the 2030 Agenda, as a means of building knowledge. Students will then delve into specific SDGs grouped thematically, in terms of human, societal and economic development, inequalities and sustainability, and climate action, as well as capacity development, inter-agency coordination and stakeholder engagement.  Students will delve into the world of policy development and policy analysis. In doing so, students will combine interdisciplinary knowledge and insights to think critically about social, political and economic ramifications of the SDGs bridging the international environment with domestic politics and nuances. Students will also be given the opportunity to engage in their assignments with a comparative study of the SDGs and apply their knowledge in an assessment. This will allow students to develop five key areas: employability, global and cultural capabilities, digital capabilities, sustainability, and resourcefulness and resilience. 

The module provides a grounding in the role of marketing and communications to promote sustainable change in both organisations and consumers. We will review the role of marketing in promoting sustainability, and summarise the historical context and evolution of sustainability in marketing. We will delve into the societal expectations for ethical claims both to consumers and stakeholders, including Sustainability reporting frameworks. We will review the evidence on consumer behaviour and sustainable purchasing, and how this informs strategic sustainable marketing planning. We shall consider opportunities for green product, service and experience development, pricing decisions for sustainable products. We will move on to consider upstream and downstream distribution channels for sustainable products, including business to business marketing and sustainable supply chain management. We will finalise with a review of communication and messaging opportunities, such as techniques for crafting effective messages for sustainability, transparency and authenticity in communication, and addressing greenwashing and building trust.

This module constitutes the final output of the MSc. It is structured as a “Review Essay”, which should be of publishable quality in a peer-reviewed journal. It is similar to a mini-dissertation but will not require new research to be carried out. The student will need to identify a topic of interest based on the various modules completed.  The methodological support will be given through 12 dedicated live sessions, which will focus mostly on how to write for an academic audience. Moreover, the student will be able to build on the dedicated methodology units woven into each module of the programme.  After identifying the topic, he/she will need to analyze the relevant literature and then, based on that, address a “sustainability problem” by making use of practical real-life examples. Word count: max 5,000 words.

This module provides students with an overview of the key principles of circular economy and affords them hands-on-experience to develop circular economy-based projects and assess their economic feasibility. Students will be exposed to real-life case studies looking at how to convert waste to useful materials/products/energy. Students will also be introduced to specific methodologies such as the techno-economy analysis (TEA) with a view to equipping them with the necessary research skills to analyse case studies, produce written reports and develop problem-solving skills.

This module provides an up-to-date overview of key contemporary issues and debates fundamental to understanding the contribution contemporary social relations have had on the creation of the environmental crisis. The module is designed to provide students with an introduction to the social and political drivers which have led to a high carbon society, social consequences of environmental change and the social implications of different routes to a sustainable transition. It is taught through a number of case studies which both highlight specific issues and provide students with the skills and knowledge to evaluate the environmental consequences of a wide range of socially driven issues. By the end of the module students will be able to understand how and why contemporary society is locked into unsustainable practices and explore the risks, challenges and benefits of transitioning to a globalized low carbon world.

This module focuses on exploring different frameworks for measuring prosperity and sustainability, and their critique, on a national as well as organisational level. We will develop an understanding for sustainable development, green economy and circularity and explore their application in practice. The module enables students to interpret basic quantitative information about global sustainability and apply this information towards explaining and evaluating policy design from macroeconomic and microeconomic perspectives.

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are “actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously benefiting people and nature.” (International Union for Conservation of Nature).  They are advocated as a more sustainable way of managing environments or environmental systems and have been implemented today in a variety of settings from cities to rural and coastal areas to address urgent societal challenges (e.g., climate change, water security, air pollution, wastewater treatment, food security or natural disasters) effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing co-benefits and improving resilience. Through a series of recorded lectures, seminars and captured content, this module will provide students with an introduction to the scientific principles and practice of nature-based solutions, their implementation criteria and role in different modern contexts, with particular emphasis to sustainability and policies. The module will explore different environments (air, water, coastal, rural, and urban) through case studies and literature ensuring students are aware of the multidisciplinary nature of NbS. Students will critically assess, compare, and determine the feasibility of different published case studies where NbS have been successful implemented.

Human behaviour is at the heart of all 17 UN Sustainabie Development goals. Achieving good health and wellbeing, for example, requires that people adopt behaviours that have a positive impact on their physical and mental health, such as eating a healthy diet or taking regular physical activity, and responsible consumption and production requires that people consume resources carefully. Some goals, such as no poverty and gender equality, necessitate changes in the behaviour of government and policymakers responsible for creating and implementing policy. Achieving the 17 Sustainable Development goals requires an understanding of why people act as they do, and how to change behaviour in ways that support sustainability. This module will provide you with a cutting-edge understanding of core theories and concepts within behaviour change science, and the skills and methods needed to translate, and reflect on translation of, behavioural science into real-world contemporary sustainability contexts. You will be introduced to a range of different theoretical and practical approaches that can be used to understand and address many problems relating to sustainability and sustainable development facing global citizens. The module covers both theories and concepts that underpin modern understandings of human behaviour and behaviour change, and methods for systematically developing and evaluating behaviour change initiatives. The module supports employability by helping you to think systematically and critically about the application of behavioural science theories, concepts, methods and skills to different contemporary sustainable development domains.

This module provides students with an insight into the issues which a business has to manage if it is to remain a going concern. It explores the tension that arises between profit and delivering the UN sustainable development goals (SDG) adhering to environment, society, and corporate governance (ESG). The module will also examine the additional risk management which is associated with embedding sustainability into a business.  The module will enable students to forensically evaluate the contribution of ethics, governance, and risk management to responsible management in existing companies in different industry sectors. This will facilitate students experiencing the decision making that is involved when integrating sustainability and responsible management into business.   The module will use recent examples of business which are exemplars of sustainability as well as companies that compromise sustainability for profit and responsible management.  The module will use a number of case studies to illustrate the importance of SDGs, ESG and responsible management.

This module provides an exploration of the past, present, and future energy supply and demand infrastructure, policy and public engagement aimed at reaching greenhouse gas reduction targets and tackling climate change. This is a practical module aimed at a wide range of students, especially those interested in transdisciplinary people-focused energy transitions and climate change policy, focused on policy issues rather than theoretical arguments. This module will examine and critique relevant theories and frameworks on policy mixes, place-based approaches to social acceptance, individual behaviour change and energy justice. Additionally, students will explore relevant energy policy analysis, survey-based, and qualitative interview- and focus group-based methodological approaches common across disciplines discussed in this module. Students will gain a grounding in energy systems, the energy policy landscape, and gain a critical perspective on how to reach energy emissions reduction goals, with the use of the UK as a case study example. The module is of particular interest to those aiming to work in shaping energy policy at the regional, national or global level.

As our global population reaches and extends beyond the 8 billion mark, we must consider sustainable food solutions in the face of the global climate and biodiversity crisis. This module explores the history of global farming and food production and considers the importance of agriculture in livelihoods, economic growth and prosperity. This module is aimed/appropriate for students with varied educational backgrounds and uses a transdisciplinary approach to exploring the core concepts, methodologies, technology, policy and challenges of sustainable food production. The module builds upon the basic concepts of sustainable development, equipping students with a change-maker mindset required to find solutions to transform our global food system to meet the needs of an ever-changing world.

This innovative new module provides a general introduction to the system of SDG Governance.  Students will engage with a general overview of key concepts, structures and theoretical debates in this field, on global governance and how IGOs work, including a historical overview of SDGs from Annan’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the 2030 Agenda, as a means of building knowledge. Students will then delve into specific SDGs grouped thematically, in terms of human, societal and economic development, inequalities and sustainability, and climate action, as well as capacity development, inter-agency coordination and stakeholder engagement.  Students will delve into the world of policy development and policy analysis. In doing so, students will combine interdisciplinary knowledge and insights to think critically about social, political and economic ramifications of the SDGs bridging the international environment with domestic politics and nuances. Students will also be given the opportunity to engage in their assignments with a comparative study of the SDGs and apply their knowledge in an assessment. This will allow students to develop five key areas: employability, global and cultural capabilities, digital capabilities, sustainability, and resourcefulness and resilience. 

The module provides a grounding in the role of marketing and communications to promote sustainable change in both organisations and consumers. We will review the role of marketing in promoting sustainability, and summarise the historical context and evolution of sustainability in marketing. We will delve into the societal expectations for ethical claims both to consumers and stakeholders, including Sustainability reporting frameworks. We will review the evidence on consumer behaviour and sustainable purchasing, and how this informs strategic sustainable marketing planning. We shall consider opportunities for green product, service and experience development, pricing decisions for sustainable products. We will move on to consider upstream and downstream distribution channels for sustainable products, including business to business marketing and sustainable supply chain management. We will finalise with a review of communication and messaging opportunities, such as techniques for crafting effective messages for sustainability, transparency and authenticity in communication, and addressing greenwashing and building trust.

This module constitutes the final output of the MSc. It is structured as a “Review Essay”, which should be of publishable quality in a peer-reviewed journal. It is similar to a mini-dissertation but will not require new research to be carried out. The student will need to identify a topic of interest based on the various modules completed.  The methodological support will be given through 12 dedicated live sessions, which will focus mostly on how to write for an academic audience. Moreover, the student will be able to build on the dedicated methodology units woven into each module of the programme.  After identifying the topic, he/she will need to analyze the relevant literature and then, based on that, address a “sustainability problem” by making use of practical real-life examples. Word count: max 5,000 words.

This module provides students with an overview of the key principles of circular economy and affords them hands-on-experience to develop circular economy-based projects and assess their economic feasibility. Students will be exposed to real-life case studies looking at how to convert waste to useful materials/products/energy. Students will also be introduced to specific methodologies such as the techno-economy analysis (TEA) with a view to equipping them with the necessary research skills to analyse case studies, produce written reports and develop problem-solving skills.

This module provides an up-to-date overview of key contemporary issues and debates fundamental to understanding the contribution contemporary social relations have had on the creation of the environmental crisis. The module is designed to provide students with an introduction to the social and political drivers which have led to a high carbon society, social consequences of environmental change and the social implications of different routes to a sustainable transition. It is taught through a number of case studies which both highlight specific issues and provide students with the skills and knowledge to evaluate the environmental consequences of a wide range of socially driven issues. By the end of the module students will be able to understand how and why contemporary society is locked into unsustainable practices and explore the risks, challenges and benefits of transitioning to a globalized low carbon world.

This module focuses on exploring different frameworks for measuring prosperity and sustainability, and their critique, on a national as well as organisational level. We will develop an understanding for sustainable development, green economy and circularity and explore their application in practice. The module enables students to interpret basic quantitative information about global sustainability and apply this information towards explaining and evaluating policy design from macroeconomic and microeconomic perspectives.

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are “actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously benefiting people and nature.” (International Union for Conservation of Nature).  They are advocated as a more sustainable way of managing environments or environmental systems and have been implemented today in a variety of settings from cities to rural and coastal areas to address urgent societal challenges (e.g., climate change, water security, air pollution, wastewater treatment, food security or natural disasters) effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing co-benefits and improving resilience. Through a series of recorded lectures, seminars and captured content, this module will provide students with an introduction to the scientific principles and practice of nature-based solutions, their implementation criteria and role in different modern contexts, with particular emphasis to sustainability and policies. The module will explore different environments (air, water, coastal, rural, and urban) through case studies and literature ensuring students are aware of the multidisciplinary nature of NbS. Students will critically assess, compare, and determine the feasibility of different published case studies where NbS have been successful implemented.

Human behaviour is at the heart of all 17 UN Sustainabie Development goals. Achieving good health and wellbeing, for example, requires that people adopt behaviours that have a positive impact on their physical and mental health, such as eating a healthy diet or taking regular physical activity, and responsible consumption and production requires that people consume resources carefully. Some goals, such as no poverty and gender equality, necessitate changes in the behaviour of government and policymakers responsible for creating and implementing policy. Achieving the 17 Sustainable Development goals requires an understanding of why people act as they do, and how to change behaviour in ways that support sustainability. This module will provide you with a cutting-edge understanding of core theories and concepts within behaviour change science, and the skills and methods needed to translate, and reflect on translation of, behavioural science into real-world contemporary sustainability contexts. You will be introduced to a range of different theoretical and practical approaches that can be used to understand and address many problems relating to sustainability and sustainable development facing global citizens. The module covers both theories and concepts that underpin modern understandings of human behaviour and behaviour change, and methods for systematically developing and evaluating behaviour change initiatives. The module supports employability by helping you to think systematically and critically about the application of behavioural science theories, concepts, methods and skills to different contemporary sustainable development domains.

This module provides students with an insight into the issues which a business has to manage if it is to remain a going concern. It explores the tension that arises between profit and delivering the UN sustainable development goals (SDG) adhering to environment, society, and corporate governance (ESG). The module will also examine the additional risk management which is associated with embedding sustainability into a business.  The module will enable students to forensically evaluate the contribution of ethics, governance, and risk management to responsible management in existing companies in different industry sectors. This will facilitate students experiencing the decision making that is involved when integrating sustainability and responsible management into business.   The module will use recent examples of business which are exemplars of sustainability as well as companies that compromise sustainability for profit and responsible management.  The module will use a number of case studies to illustrate the importance of SDGs, ESG and responsible management.

This module provides an exploration of the past, present, and future energy supply and demand infrastructure, policy and public engagement aimed at reaching greenhouse gas reduction targets and tackling climate change. This is a practical module aimed at a wide range of students, especially those interested in transdisciplinary people-focused energy transitions and climate change policy, focused on policy issues rather than theoretical arguments. This module will examine and critique relevant theories and frameworks on policy mixes, place-based approaches to social acceptance, individual behaviour change and energy justice. Additionally, students will explore relevant energy policy analysis, survey-based, and qualitative interview- and focus group-based methodological approaches common across disciplines discussed in this module. Students will gain a grounding in energy systems, the energy policy landscape, and gain a critical perspective on how to reach energy emissions reduction goals, with the use of the UK as a case study example. The module is of particular interest to those aiming to work in shaping energy policy at the regional, national or global level.

As our global population reaches and extends beyond the 8 billion mark, we must consider sustainable food solutions in the face of the global climate and biodiversity crisis. This module explores the history of global farming and food production and considers the importance of agriculture in livelihoods, economic growth and prosperity. This module is aimed/appropriate for students with varied educational backgrounds and uses a transdisciplinary approach to exploring the core concepts, methodologies, technology, policy and challenges of sustainable food production. The module builds upon the basic concepts of sustainable development, equipping students with a change-maker mindset required to find solutions to transform our global food system to meet the needs of an ever-changing world.

This innovative new module provides a general introduction to the system of SDG Governance.  Students will engage with a general overview of key concepts, structures and theoretical debates in this field, on global governance and how IGOs work, including a historical overview of SDGs from Annan’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the 2030 Agenda, as a means of building knowledge. Students will then delve into specific SDGs grouped thematically, in terms of human, societal and economic development, inequalities and sustainability, and climate action, as well as capacity development, inter-agency coordination and stakeholder engagement.  Students will delve into the world of policy development and policy analysis. In doing so, students will combine interdisciplinary knowledge and insights to think critically about social, political and economic ramifications of the SDGs bridging the international environment with domestic politics and nuances. Students will also be given the opportunity to engage in their assignments with a comparative study of the SDGs and apply their knowledge in an assessment. This will allow students to develop five key areas: employability, global and cultural capabilities, digital capabilities, sustainability, and resourcefulness and resilience. 

The module provides a grounding in the role of marketing and communications to promote sustainable change in both organisations and consumers. We will review the role of marketing in promoting sustainability, and summarise the historical context and evolution of sustainability in marketing. We will delve into the societal expectations for ethical claims both to consumers and stakeholders, including Sustainability reporting frameworks. We will review the evidence on consumer behaviour and sustainable purchasing, and how this informs strategic sustainable marketing planning. We shall consider opportunities for green product, service and experience development, pricing decisions for sustainable products. We will move on to consider upstream and downstream distribution channels for sustainable products, including business to business marketing and sustainable supply chain management. We will finalise with a review of communication and messaging opportunities, such as techniques for crafting effective messages for sustainability, transparency and authenticity in communication, and addressing greenwashing and building trust.

This module constitutes the final output of the MSc. It is structured as a “Review Essay”, which should be of publishable quality in a peer-reviewed journal. It is similar to a mini-dissertation but will not require new research to be carried out. The student will need to identify a topic of interest based on the various modules completed.  The methodological support will be given through 12 dedicated live sessions, which will focus mostly on how to write for an academic audience. Moreover, the student will be able to build on the dedicated methodology units woven into each module of the programme.  After identifying the topic, he/she will need to analyze the relevant literature and then, based on that, address a “sustainability problem” by making use of practical real-life examples. Word count: max 5,000 words.

This module provides students with an overview of the key principles of circular economy and affords them hands-on-experience to develop circular economy-based projects and assess their economic feasibility. Students will be exposed to real-life case studies looking at how to convert waste to useful materials/products/energy. Students will also be introduced to specific methodologies such as the techno-economy analysis (TEA) with a view to equipping them with the necessary research skills to analyse case studies, produce written reports and develop problem-solving skills.

This module provides an up-to-date overview of key contemporary issues and debates fundamental to understanding the contribution contemporary social relations have had on the creation of the environmental crisis. The module is designed to provide students with an introduction to the social and political drivers which have led to a high carbon society, social consequences of environmental change and the social implications of different routes to a sustainable transition. It is taught through a number of case studies which both highlight specific issues and provide students with the skills and knowledge to evaluate the environmental consequences of a wide range of socially driven issues. By the end of the module students will be able to understand how and why contemporary society is locked into unsustainable practices and explore the risks, challenges and benefits of transitioning to a globalized low carbon world.

This module focuses on exploring different frameworks for measuring prosperity and sustainability, and their critique, on a national as well as organisational level. We will develop an understanding for sustainable development, green economy and circularity and explore their application in practice. The module enables students to interpret basic quantitative information about global sustainability and apply this information towards explaining and evaluating policy design from macroeconomic and microeconomic perspectives.

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are “actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously benefiting people and nature.” (International Union for Conservation of Nature).  They are advocated as a more sustainable way of managing environments or environmental systems and have been implemented today in a variety of settings from cities to rural and coastal areas to address urgent societal challenges (e.g., climate change, water security, air pollution, wastewater treatment, food security or natural disasters) effectively and adaptively, while simultaneously providing co-benefits and improving resilience. Through a series of recorded lectures, seminars and captured content, this module will provide students with an introduction to the scientific principles and practice of nature-based solutions, their implementation criteria and role in different modern contexts, with particular emphasis to sustainability and policies. The module will explore different environments (air, water, coastal, rural, and urban) through case studies and literature ensuring students are aware of the multidisciplinary nature of NbS. Students will critically assess, compare, and determine the feasibility of different published case studies where NbS have been successful implemented.

Human behaviour is at the heart of all 17 UN Sustainabie Development goals. Achieving good health and wellbeing, for example, requires that people adopt behaviours that have a positive impact on their physical and mental health, such as eating a healthy diet or taking regular physical activity, and responsible consumption and production requires that people consume resources carefully. Some goals, such as no poverty and gender equality, necessitate changes in the behaviour of government and policymakers responsible for creating and implementing policy. Achieving the 17 Sustainable Development goals requires an understanding of why people act as they do, and how to change behaviour in ways that support sustainability. This module will provide you with a cutting-edge understanding of core theories and concepts within behaviour change science, and the skills and methods needed to translate, and reflect on translation of, behavioural science into real-world contemporary sustainability contexts. You will be introduced to a range of different theoretical and practical approaches that can be used to understand and address many problems relating to sustainability and sustainable development facing global citizens. The module covers both theories and concepts that underpin modern understandings of human behaviour and behaviour change, and methods for systematically developing and evaluating behaviour change initiatives. The module supports employability by helping you to think systematically and critically about the application of behavioural science theories, concepts, methods and skills to different contemporary sustainable development domains.

This module provides students with an insight into the issues which a business has to manage if it is to remain a going concern. It explores the tension that arises between profit and delivering the UN sustainable development goals (SDG) adhering to environment, society, and corporate governance (ESG). The module will also examine the additional risk management which is associated with embedding sustainability into a business.  The module will enable students to forensically evaluate the contribution of ethics, governance, and risk management to responsible management in existing companies in different industry sectors. This will facilitate students experiencing the decision making that is involved when integrating sustainability and responsible management into business.   The module will use recent examples of business which are exemplars of sustainability as well as companies that compromise sustainability for profit and responsible management.  The module will use a number of case studies to illustrate the importance of SDGs, ESG and responsible management.

This module provides an exploration of the past, present, and future energy supply and demand infrastructure, policy and public engagement aimed at reaching greenhouse gas reduction targets and tackling climate change. This is a practical module aimed at a wide range of students, especially those interested in transdisciplinary people-focused energy transitions and climate change policy, focused on policy issues rather than theoretical arguments. This module will examine and critique relevant theories and frameworks on policy mixes, place-based approaches to social acceptance, individual behaviour change and energy justice. Additionally, students will explore relevant energy policy analysis, survey-based, and qualitative interview- and focus group-based methodological approaches common across disciplines discussed in this module. Students will gain a grounding in energy systems, the energy policy landscape, and gain a critical perspective on how to reach energy emissions reduction goals, with the use of the UK as a case study example. The module is of particular interest to those aiming to work in shaping energy policy at the regional, national or global level.

As our global population reaches and extends beyond the 8 billion mark, we must consider sustainable food solutions in the face of the global climate and biodiversity crisis. This module explores the history of global farming and food production and considers the importance of agriculture in livelihoods, economic growth and prosperity. This module is aimed/appropriate for students with varied educational backgrounds and uses a transdisciplinary approach to exploring the core concepts, methodologies, technology, policy and challenges of sustainable food production. The module builds upon the basic concepts of sustainable development, equipping students with a change-maker mindset required to find solutions to transform our global food system to meet the needs of an ever-changing world.

This innovative new module provides a general introduction to the system of SDG Governance.  Students will engage with a general overview of key concepts, structures and theoretical debates in this field, on global governance and how IGOs work, including a historical overview of SDGs from Annan’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to the 2030 Agenda, as a means of building knowledge. Students will then delve into specific SDGs grouped thematically, in terms of human, societal and economic development, inequalities and sustainability, and climate action, as well as capacity development, inter-agency coordination and stakeholder engagement.  Students will delve into the world of policy development and policy analysis. In doing so, students will combine interdisciplinary knowledge and insights to think critically about social, political and economic ramifications of the SDGs bridging the international environment with domestic politics and nuances. Students will also be given the opportunity to engage in their assignments with a comparative study of the SDGs and apply their knowledge in an assessment. This will allow students to develop five key areas: employability, global and cultural capabilities, digital capabilities, sustainability, and resourcefulness and resilience. 

The module provides a grounding in the role of marketing and communications to promote sustainable change in both organisations and consumers. We will review the role of marketing in promoting sustainability, and summarise the historical context and evolution of sustainability in marketing. We will delve into the societal expectations for ethical claims both to consumers and stakeholders, including Sustainability reporting frameworks. We will review the evidence on consumer behaviour and sustainable purchasing, and how this informs strategic sustainable marketing planning. We shall consider opportunities for green product, service and experience development, pricing decisions for sustainable products. We will move on to consider upstream and downstream distribution channels for sustainable products, including business to business marketing and sustainable supply chain management. We will finalise with a review of communication and messaging opportunities, such as techniques for crafting effective messages for sustainability, transparency and authenticity in communication, and addressing greenwashing and building trust.

This module constitutes the final output of the MSc. It is structured as a “Review Essay”, which should be of publishable quality in a peer-reviewed journal. It is similar to a mini-dissertation but will not require new research to be carried out. The student will need to identify a topic of interest based on the various modules completed.  The methodological support will be given through 12 dedicated live sessions, which will focus mostly on how to write for an academic audience. Moreover, the student will be able to build on the dedicated methodology units woven into each module of the programme.  After identifying the topic, he/she will need to analyze the relevant literature and then, based on that, address a “sustainability problem” by making use of practical real-life examples. Word count: max 5,000 words.