BSc Sustainable Development

2005-2014 is the UNESCO decade of Education for Sustainable Development. Kingston University's response includes this innovative degree which brings together aspects of geography, environmental science, business and economics that pin-point the issues for sustainable development. Sustainability has been defined as development that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. However the world is far from agreement about how this may be achieved. For example is nuclear power the solution, or should we invest more heavily in renewables? Should we opt for desalination or should we look to more conservative models of food production and water use? What are the scientific, social, environmental and political challenges posed and how does this fit with global economic models?

Sustainable development is a major world wide challenge. It matters for our own developed society every bit as much as for emerging economies such as China and India and the developing nations of Africa. Scientific and environmental options are often poorly understood and too often addressed in a piecemeal fashion and with poor attention to economic, business and cultural contexts.

We offer you the opportunity to study priorities for sustainable futures at local, regional and global scales. You also learn about the perceived social, economic and scientific barriers to adoption of sustainability principles and the ways in which different cultures and societies prioritise and move towards sustainable development.

Field study is integral to this degree programme embracing UK, European and developing world locations. Throughout the degree professional skills are demanded You can opt for a full placement year or you can undertake a work shadowing module in your final year of study. Career opportunities are buoyant. The market for people with this linked expertise is expanding rapidly. Recent graduates in environmental science and management have found jobs in waste management, sustainable procurement and local development. It is their experience alongside our enthusiasm which has prompted the development of this new degree.

During your course you will also have opportunities to work with the Sustainability Team at Kingston University. Kingston University has recently gained Fairtrade status and student volunteers regularly help with Fairtrade fortnight and the Kingston Green fair as well as, for example energy audits, waste minimisation, and environmental mentoring for local business.

For more information about BSc Sustainable Development, see the University Prospectus Page