Sustainability Degree Programs: United Kingdom
APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
INSTITUTION: University of Birmingham, Interdisciplinary Technologies DEGREE OFFERED: Sustainable Technology (B.Sc.), Arts and Humanities and Technology (B.A.) DESCRIPTION: A significant element of the teaching of these programmes is case-study driven, involving external clients addressing real sustainability challenges. Examples have included a team of 18 students acting as a consultancy for the university environmental coordinator, (examining sustainable practices on campus) and looking at how to recycle old computers for a local charity. A common core of general technological principles, techniques and materials is complemented by a wide range of special topics covering disaster management, sustainable energy, developing countries and appropriate technology and sustainability. Arts and humanities students combine their degree with science and technology there is a major research or design project in the final year. WEBSITE: http://www.stp.bham.ac.uk/sustainable.htm CONTACT: The University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TT United Kingdom Phone: 0121 414 3344 from within the UK; +44 121 414 3344 from overseas
BUSINESS
INSTITUTION: University of Bath, School of Management, New Academy of Business DEGREE OFFERED: Responsibility and Business Practice (M.Sc.) DESCRIPTION: This two-year part time program integrates successful business practice with a concern for social, environmental and ethical issues. The program is delivered by the Centre for Action Research in Professional Practice in the School of Management in partnership with the New Academy of Business. Students learn about innovative management techniques and approaches and test the relevance of these ideas and practices in their own workplaces. Participants are encouraged to act and reflect on their learning while in the workplace. Many aspects of the course are open to negotiation between staff and students, individually and collectively. Peer support and mutual learning are important features of the course and staff and participants work together to review the program on an ongoing basis. WEBSITE: http://www.bath.ac.uk/carpp/msc.htm CONTACT: Centre for Action Research in Professional Practice (CARPP) School of Management University of Bath Bath, BA2 7AY UK Phone: +44 (0)1225 383861 Fax: +44 (0)1225 386473 mscrbp@management.bath.ac.uk
EDUCATION
INSTITUTION: London South Bank University DEGREE OFFERED: Environmental and Development Education (M.Sc.) DESCRIPTION: "The [Education for Sustainability] programme is unique in exploring both environmental education and development education in the context of education for sustainability. It has been recognised internationally for its contribution to the field and has welcomed a rich diversity of students from many different regions and disciplines." It is available in a full-time or part-time distance learning format. A "fast-track" option is available to complete the M.Sc. degree in 1 year. Students can choose the units they would like to study with unit 1 (Introduction to Environmental Education and Development Education) in any order. There are options for a University Certificate, Postgraduate Certificate, and a Postgraduate Diploma in addition to the Masters of Science degree that is offered. Students also have the opportunity to go on a work experience placement when studying. WEBSITE: http://www.lsbu.ac.uk/efs/ CONTACT: London South Bank University 103 Borough Road London SE1 0AA Phone: +44 (0)20 7815 7869 Fax: +44 (0)20 7815 7899 efs@sbu.ac.uk
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
iNSTITUTION: Cardiff University, School of City and Regional Planning DEGREE OFFERED: Sustainability, Planning, and Environmental Policy (M.Sc.) DESCRIPTION: This program is taught in the School of City and Regional Planning and links the theoretical debates about sustainability with the practical dimensions of environmental policy formulation and implementation. The course includes an overseas field study visit and is assessed through written, practical and project work. The course consists of ten taught modules, including Theories and Principles of Sustainable Development, Sustainable Towns and Cities, Environmental Assessment and Corporate Environmental Management. WEBSITE: http://www.cf.ac.uk/cplan/modules_pg/msc_spep-ftd.html CONTACT: Cardiff School of City and Regional Planning Cardiff University Glamorgan Building King Edward VII Avenue Cardiff 3F 10 3WA Wales, UK Phone: +44 (0) 29 208 26131 Fax: +44 (0) 29 208 74845 sawyeri@cardiff.ac.uk
GENERAL OR MULTIDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
INSTITUTION: The College of St Mark and St John DEGREE OFFERED: Sustainable Development (B.A.) DESCRIPTION: The first year of this course introduces sustainable development using local, national, and international case studies and students develop a number of key skills for working in a multidisciplinary field. Students then specialize in either environmental or socio-economic and political strands. Modules in the environment strand vary from Habitat Conservation to Space, Power and Society, and modules in the socio-economic strand include Management Ethics and Social Exclusion. Field work and work placements include environmental conservation, sustainable tourism and rural and urban regeneration. WEBSITE: http://www.marjon.ac.uk CONTACT: College of St Mark & St John Derriford Road Plymouth Devon PL6 8BH Phone: 01752 636 700 Overseas Phone: +44-1752-636-700
INSTITUTION: Forum for the Future DEGREE OFFERED: Leadership for Sustainable Development (MProf) DESCRIPTION: The Programme is validated as a Masters in Professional Studies (MProf) by Middlesex University. This MProf is a work-based equivalent of an academic MA or MSc. The three core elements of the program are: 1. Understanding leadership and sustainability, 2. Work based learning, and 3. Skills and personal development programme. "Forum for the Future is recognised as the UK’s leading sustainable development charity." WEBSITE: http://www.forumforthefuture.org.uk/publications/Prosp05_page1911.aspx CONTACT: Forum for the Future Overseas House 19-23 Ironmonger Row London EC1V 3QN Phone: +44 (0) 20 7324 3630 info@forumforthefuture.org.uk
INSTITUTION: London School of Economics and Political Science, Development Studies Institute (DESTIN) DEGREE OFFERED: Environment and Development (MSc) DESCRIPTION: "This one-year MSc programme (two years for part-time students) will enable participants to acquire the necessary training to work in the field of environment and development. Training will come from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds, but all within a distinctive social science framework. It will enable participants to: " gain a deeper understanding of the way environmental degradation and low levels of development are linked together; and " analyse more meaningful policies that aspire to make economic development more environmentally sound and ultimately sustainable." WEBSITE: http://www.lse.ac.uk/collections/geographyAndEnvironment/study/graduateProgrammes/ MScEnvironmentAndDevelopment.htm CONTACT: Development Studies Institute London School of Economics and Political Science Houghton Street London WC2A 2AE Tel: +44 (020) 7955-7425 Fax: +44 (020) 7955-6844
INSTITUTION: Middlesex University Biological and Health Sciences DEGREE OFFERED: Sustainable Development (M.A.); Sustainable Environmental Management (M.A. or M.Sc.) DESCRIPTION: These programs are located in the School of Health and Social Science and are designed for both UK and overseas students with an interest in development interventions in developing countries. Many of the modules are shared with the MA/MSc in Sustainable Environmental Management and these include disaster mitigation, gender power relations and sustainable tourism management. All students undertake training in research and project methods and carry out field work and some students go on work placements. Middlesex also validate the Forum for the Future Masters in Leadership for Sustainable Development. WEBSITE: http://www.mdx.ac.uk/subjects/bse/postgraduate.htm CONTACT: Middlesex University, North London Business Park Oakleigh Road South London N11 1QS Phone: + 44 (0)20 8411 5000
INSTITUTION: The Open University, England DEGREE OFFERED: Environmental Decision Making (Advanced B.A., leading to M.A.) DESCRIPTION: This program focuses on decision making in the context of sustainable development and is interdisciplinary in nature. Students learn ways in which to introduce environmental management systems and make environmental decisions in a variety of contexts. WEBSITE: http://www.open.ac.uk/new/distance-learning.shtml CONTACT: The Open University Walton Hall Milton Keynes MK7 6AA Tel: +44 (0) 1908 274066 Fax: +44 (0) 1908 653744
INSTITUTION: Queen's University of Belfast, Gibson Institute for Land, Food, and Environment DEGREE OFFERED: Leadership for Sustainable Development (M.Sc. starting Fall 2005) DESCRIPTION: This program is designed for students who plan to be in decision-making roles about sustainable development issues. Students participate in four types of modules: taught modules (Leadership for Sustainable Development and Foundations of Sustainable Development), work placement modules (including leadership in Non-Governmental Organizations, governance, the rural sector, business and finance, and media and communications), one group project module, and one individual portfolio module. WEBSITE: http://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/GibsonInstitute/AboutUs/ CONTACT: 3 Lennoxvale Malone Road Belfast BT9 5BY Tel: 02890 975562 Fax: 02890 975457 s.shortall@qub.ac.uk
INSTITUTION: Schumacher College, An International Centre for Ecological Studies, in partnership with the University of Plymouth DEGREE OFFERED: Holistic Science (M.Sc.) DESCRIPTION: "The MSc in Holistic Science advocates a participatory science of qualities, values and interactions which underpins an ecological world view. This approach is more capable than traditional science of relating to the problems of environmental degradation, spiritual decline and collapsing communities that face humanity today. Graduates of the MSc in Holistic Science will be able to take a broad, integrated systemic approach to, for example, environmental management, education for sustainability, biological research, business management or health issues. They will be equipped with skills ideally suited to self-employment or professional consultancies." WEBSITE: http://www.schumachercollege.org.uk/HolisticScience/HolisticScience.html CONTACT: Schumacher College The Old Postern Dartington Devon TQ9 6EA UK Tel : +44 (0)1803 865934 Fax : +44 (0)1803 866899 Gideon@schumachercollege.org.uk
INSTITUTION: Staffordshire University, Sustainability and the Environment DEGREE OFFERED: Sustainable Development (M.A.), NGOs and Sustainable Development (M.A.), Governance and Sustainable Development (M.A.), Sustainability and Environmental Management (M.A.) DESCRIPTION: Each of these degree programs is offered online and available in a certificate program. The office of sustainability and the environment has created these programs with the issue of sustainability as the basis. WEBSITE: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/schools/sciences/distlearn/sustain/index.php CONTACT: Staffordshire University Faculty of Health and Sciences Mellor Building College Road Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DE Phone: 01782 294573 Fax: 01782 294986 sciences@staffs.ac.uk
INSTITUTION: University of Aberdeen, Sustainable Rural Development DEGREE OFFERED: Sustainable Rural Development (MSc/PGDip) DESCRIPTION: This program incorporates the economic, social and environmental dimensions of rural development. It is based in the Department of Geography and Environment and has components delivered by the departments of Philosophy, Agriculture and Forestry, Plant and Soil Science and Zoology. A European language module is available and there is emphasis on transferable intellectual, practical and personal skills. The recent course review was informed by a survey of former graduates, and research into rural employment markets. This course is marketed using an e-logo in the prospectus. WEBSITE: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/srd/ CONTACT: SRD Programme Department of Geography & Environment University of Aberdeen Aberdeen AB24 3UF · UK Phone: +44 (0)1224-272328 Fax: +44 (0)1224 272331
INSTITUTION: The University of Edinburgh, Science and Engineering DEGREE OFFERED: Environmental Sustainability (M.Sc.); Environment and Development (M.Sc.); Ecological Economics (M.Sc.) DESCRIPTION: Each of these degrees within the science and engineering department advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to sustainable development. WEBSITE: http://www.geos.ed.ac.uk/postgraduate/MSc/mscprogrammes/ CONTACT: The University of Edinburgh Grant Institute The King's Buildings West Mains Road EDINBURGH EH9 3JW Phone: +44 (0) 131 650 7542 FAX: +44 (0) 131 668 3184 info@geos.ed.ac.uk
INSTITUTION: University of Plymouth (ESD CETL) DEGREE OFFERED: Master's in Learning for Sustainability DESCRIPTION: This interdisciplinary MSc programme explores ethical, theoretical and practical frameworks enabling personal, professional, organizational, community and social change towards sustainability. It emphasizes learning rather than education in that learning is a lifelong concept, not so constrained by formal institutions, and allowing for a radical rethink of educational aims and processes. At the heart of the program is the idea that learning communities and organizations are vital for promoting sustainability, i.e. communities and organizations that: • Reflect on what they are doing in the light of social, economic and ecological needs• Build shared vision and genuine commitment to that vision• Embed the vision in the details of their daily existence• Understand the complexities of natural and social systems and know that habituated behaviours that constantly go challenged are unsustainable.CONTACT: Dr. Stephen SterlingTel. +44 1752 238898 Fax.+44 1752 238891http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/cetl/esd
INSTITUTION: University of Wales, Bangor Sustainable Development DEGREE OFFERED: Sustainable Development (B.A.or B.Sc.) DESCRIPTION: This program is delivered by various departments including Business and Regional Development, Social Sciences, Ocean Sciences, Agriculture and Forest Sciences and Biological Sciences. After a first year of compulsory modules, students take a core of modules to retain breadth while specializing in either economics and society (BA) or the science of the environment (BSc). A third of the final year is spent on an individual research project. WEBSITE: http://sbard.bangor.ac.uk/index_english.asp?page=254 CONTACT: School for Business and Regional Development University of Wales Hen Goleg College Road Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG Phone: +44 (0) 1248 383231 Fax: +44 (0) 1248 383228 sbard@bangor.ac.uk
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
INSTITUTION: Royal Agricultural College DEGREE OFFERED: MSc in Sustainable Agricultural Systems DESCRIPTION: WEBSITE: http://www.rac.ac.uk/index.php?_id=590 CONTACT: Dr. John S. Conway, Principal/ Lecturer in Soil Science Royal Agricultural College Cirencester, Gloucester, UK GL7 6JS Tel. +44 1285 652531, ext. 2234 Fax.+44 1285 650219email: john.conway@rac.ac.uk
