Sustainable Development

The world is facing the prospect of a climate emergency, with decision-makers grappling with how to understand and respond to the pressures on our environment and society. Sustainable Development, from the local to the global, is essential if society is to tackle the challenges faced. The necessary changes will impact on every facet of society, culture and the economy; this is a critical moment to study sustainability.

On this BA (Hons) Sustainable Development degree you will learn the facts about climate change, explore the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and consider potential and emerging solutions such as the Green New Deals, the concept of ‘degrowth’ and the transition to wellbeing economies, leaving you ideally placed to influence, or indeed become, one of the decision-makers.

This degree also focuses on how communities can shape this more sustainable form of development, particularly rural communities. Most of our teaching team are located in the Western Isles, where 75% of people live on community-owned land, which sets the context for you to study community-based development, land reform, community empowerment and community energy projects, which can all contribute to a more sustainable future.

To develop a critical understanding of the three pillars of sustainability (social, environmental, economic), you will study modules drawn from a range of social science disciplines, such as: geography; economics; politics; sociology; and environmental studies, as well as developing practical skills in research and working with communities. The course takes a critical approach to examining the historical context to development whilst looking firmly to the future, drawing examples of change in action from around the globe.

You will benefit from collaborative discussions and activities with colleagues from a range of diverse backgrounds and experiences, facilitated by tutors with many years of experience in delivering online education.

Please see our FAQ sheet on our website for further information on this course.

Please note this course is delivered entirely online and available to study from anywhere in the world. Applicants outwith Scotland including International, should apply to the UHI North, West and Hebrides study location.

Module outline

Year 1 - CertHE

You will study the following core modules:

• Exploring economics in a changing world

• Introduction to land reform and community land ownership

• Understanding sustainable development

You will also choose three option modules from our range of humanities and social science subjects.

Year 2 - DipHE

You will study the following core modules:

• Approaches to economic development

• Empowering communities

• Exploring the urban and rural: places, people and policies

You will also choose three further option modules from across the Humanities subject area, which includes our optional international field trip module, 'Sustainable development approaches in an international context'.

Year 3 - BA

You will study the following core modules:

• Advanced social research methods

• Climate science

• Community-based economic development

• Globalisation and sustainable development

• Sustainable tourism and the environment

You will also choose one option module from our range of humanities and social science subjects.

Year 4 - BA (Hons)

You will study the following core modules:

• Agroecology: regenerative food systems

• Consumerism and the circular economy

• Geo-political development issues

• Social enterprise and the social economy

• Sustainable development dissertation

This outline reflects the modules as currently delivered and is subject to change.

For more information on what you’ll study on your degree, as well as our range of other degree options, please explore our Humanities subject area page on our website.