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Global Sustainable Development

  • BA (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 28/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Main Site
More about University of Sheffield

Course options

2026-2027
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Course summary

Take an interdisciplinary focus on international development, examining global issues through the lens of social justice and sustainability. You will benefit from innovative practice-based learning, and develop your professional skills in research, ethics, policy analysis and stakeholder management.

Learn to see emerging global issues through the lens of social justice and environmental sustainability – and apply strategies to make real change happen.

In global sustainable development, we show you how to become a globally competent citizen who can make a positive difference to the world around you.

Your tutors are experts in international development and the social sciences who bring an interdisciplinary perspective to their teaching. Together, you’ll add to our understanding of the world’s most complex and challenging problems – from climate change to poverty, from inequalities to security.

Our approach to learning and skills development means you'll be fully prepared for employment in the public, private or third sector.

Why study this course?

  • Practice-oriented learning - hands-on and problem-based learning, through team projects, policy analysis, professional skills building and fieldwork experiences.

  • We cover field trip costs - to ensure everyone has the chance to carry out fieldwork, all costs for the core residential field classes are met by the department. This includes the costs of travel, accommodation and food during your residential stay.

  • Top 10 for geography and environmental science (This includes global sustainable development). - Complete University Guide 2026

  • Top 10 for geography (This includes global sustainable development). - Guardian University Guide 2026

  • Student life - get involved in GeogSoc and become part of one of the biggest societies at the University of Sheffield. Over 400 members enjoy socials, spending time in the Peak District, career and academic support, volunteering, sports and more.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 28/09/2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
L800
Institution code:
S18
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Sheffield has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
L800
Institution code:
S18
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - AAB

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD

in a relevant subject

Access to HE Diploma - D: 36 credits M: 9 credits P: 0 credits

Award of Access to HE Diploma in a Social Science or Arts and Humanities subject, with 45 credits at Level 3, including 36 at Distinction and 9 at Merit

Scottish Higher - AAAAB

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD

+ A at A Level

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 33 - 34 points

34; 33, with B in the Extended Essay

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H2, H2, H2, H3

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE Maths grade 4/C

To find out if you're eligible for additional consideration or an alternative offer, visit: ww.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply/access-sheffield

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

English language requirements

You must demonstrate that your English is good enough for you to successfully complete your course. For this course we require: GCSE English Language at grade 4/C; IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component; or an alternative acceptable English language qualification

English language requirements for undergraduates https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply/english-language

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

The entry grades data only represents a proportion of our cohort. We accept a broad range of qualifications on our degrees and we're committed to ensuring all students with the potential to succeed at Sheffield are informed and feel encouraged to apply. If you meet one or more of our Access Sheffield criteria, we may be able to give your application additional consideration when we receive it and when exam results are released.

Learn more on the University of Sheffield website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course and 8 other sociology, social policy and anthropology courses
Date range:
2022-2024

Grades held by accepted students

For University of Sheffield, the top and bottom 5% of student grades have been removed from these calculations. This change helps to remove any extraordinary circumstances that could impact the data. Learn more here .
ABB Most common
  1. A*A*A
  2. Highest grades
  3. BBB
  4. Lowest grades

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

90% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

65 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

85 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Tuition fees for 2026 entry have not been confirmed. Please use 2025-26 information as a guide.

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