Sustainability MSc

Core modules

• Introduction to Sustainability and Systems

  Sets the scene for the rest of the course. And addresses the questions; 'What is sustainability?', 'What are its components?' and 'Why is it so important?' The importance of a systems-based approach to addressing sustainability and its epistemology will be discussed and you will examine a range of current concepts and models of sustainability (including 'circular economy', 'five capitals', 'natural step', 'one planet living' etc.) and their usefulness in increasing our resilience to environmental, social and economic change.

• System Pressures

  This module will help you understand the complexities of the natural, economic and social systems and how these are linked with global risks such as climate change. The module also focuses on ways to increase resilience through specific case studies influenced by research conducted at the GSI. Topics covered may include energy use, biodiversity loss, social inequality and the links between environmental resource use and the performance of global and local economies.

• Research in Sustainability

  This module ‘Research in Sustainability’ aims to provide you with the necessary knowledge around the research methods applied in the field of Sustainability and to assist you in developing essential employability skills. These methods are taught through specific case studies-examples, focusing on important and timely issues around the field of sustainability such as climate change, ecosystem services, population, well being and health. These case studies will be drawn in the main from the research currently been undertaken within the GSI and will be therefore cutting edge.

• Governance and Behavioural Change

  In this module you will learn explore the issue of behavioural change within the context of top-down and bottom-up governance approaches found on global, national and local levels of society as well as what it takes on an individual level to be a successful change agent. Main topics covered include: drivers for change, assessing the effect of top-down approaches (legislation, incentives and deregulation) in governance, exploring the effectiveness of bottom-up approaches on global, national, and local scale and developing successful communication strategies.

• Better Business

  In this module you will focus on the growing business case for sustainability and examine the role of leadership, purpose, innovation and culture to create an organisation which 'does business better'. You will examine The Eden Project itself as a social enterprise, to help you understand its characteristics, culture and ethos and you will assess the transferability of some of key principles to other organisations in Cornwall and internationally. You will also have the opportunity to develop your own plan for a social enterprise.

• Working Towards Change

  This module is closely linked with a 200 hour work placement where you will undertake practical and supported work-based learning. Your work placement will combine your knowledge and understanding of sustainability with the practicalities and compromises of an organisation, as well as your requirements for personal learning and development. You will gain an insight into the challenges and opportunities of learning and driving change and critically analyse your own strengths and weaknesses through a programme of reflective learning and feedback. During your placement you’ll also be developing a range of work-based skills, recognised as vital by employers.

• Masters Project

  During your final research project you will choose an independent research topic from an area of expertise within the GSI and Anglia Ruskin University (subject to availability of suitable supervision) and will conduct a significant research project in that area which may involve a literature review, data collection, analysis and a write-up. The final piece of work should be equivalent to a maximum of 12,500 words.