Global Sustainable Development

This degree supports you to establish a foundational understanding in theories and concepts of sustainable development and examine their application from local to global levels, in both urban and rural contexts. You will develop a knowledge of the inter-related nature of economic, environmental and social systems when addressing global sustainable development, drawing on disciplinary insights from anthropology, political economy, business studies, human geography philosophy, and environmental science.

You will be equipped with a range of professional and technical skills in sustainable development including impact assessment, Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks, concept notes, data analysis and Agile project management. The knowledge and understanding gained through lectures and seminars will be enhanced through case studies, field visits and independent project work.

Year 1

You will be introduced to the key concepts and theories of sustainable development. The core courses in year 1 are:

• Introduction to Sustainable Development

• Introduction to Global Environmental Issues

• People, Power and Place

• Energy, Waste and Pollution: Options for Sustainability

Year 2

You will develop a deeper understanding and explore specific subject areas. Core courses in year 2 are:

• Global Perspectives on Health and Human Development

• Ethics: Environment and Development

• Political Economy of Globalisation and Development

• Politics and the Environment

• Environmental Communication and Behaviour

Year 3

As well as the core courses in year 3, you will have the opportunity for a UK-based or international placement experience which will allow you to put the theory you have learned into action.

• Advanced Texts in Sustainable Development

• Innovation and Enterprise for Sustainability

• Research Methods for Social Science

• Placement or Dissertation

Year 4

With the field course and research project, you have the freedom to pursue a specialism or career path you are passionate about, culminating in the presentation of your insights to practitioners.

• Sustainable Development Field Course

• Honours Action Research Project

• Migration and Development

• Water resources: Policy and Governance

Please note: The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract

This degree will equip you with interdisciplinary knowledge, analytical tools, research skills and professional ethos to become subject specialists. You will be ready to address the challenges and opportunities of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in career pathways as diverse as the development and humanitarian sectors; local and national government, and inter-governmental agencies such as the United Nations; the private sector, innovation and enterprise; risk management and consultancy; environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG); campaigning and advocacy; media and journalism; and research.

Some of these career paths include:

• Environmental Consultant/Specialist
• Environmental Policy Analyst
• Sustainability consultant
• Sustainability Analyst
• Sustainability Director
• Climate/Environmental Scientist
• Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist
• ESG Analyst
• Sustainability & CR Graduate
• Climate Change Analyst

FT World of Work Report March 2023:

“For young people looking to play their part in protecting the planet, a career path in sustainability is proving to be a resilient choice, as regulatory changes force companies to spend more on these roles. The number of green job openings worldwide has outpaced the number of people who say they have green skills over the past five years, according to a report from Columbia University, citing LinkedIn data …

Students need to show they can connect the dots between different subject areas, advises Aron Cramer, chief executive of BSR, a consultancy. “ESG is ultimately about connections: between business and society, between present and future, between the needs of people and planetary boundaries, and between rich data and human experience,” he says. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates with a broad range of skills who can help their organisations meet the demands of a greener future.” (Financial Times, 2023)