Initiated as Warwick’s response to the global climate challenges, Global Sustainable Development (GSD) has been one of the pioneered programmes to address sustainability in the UK. Sustainability and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), hence are the core missions of GSD, reflected in the Undergraduate (UG), Postgraduate Taught (PGT), and Postgraduate Research (PGR) programmes since the establishment of the GSD department in 2016.

GSD takes a transdisciplinary approach from the arts, humanities, social and natural sciences, aiming to bridge the theoretical discussions of the economic, environmental, cultural and social principles of GSD, and the practical policies and solutions that could shape the future. The undergraduate Single Honours Global Sustainable Development degree Link opens in a new windowoffers students a chance to engage with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, tackling the ‘wicked problems’ such as water scarcity, climate change, human rights, wealth inequality, bodies and health, ‘green growth’, and sustainable finance.

In additional, GSD offers 12 Joint Honours degreeLink opens in a new window, with a wide range of departments across the three faculties such as Warwick Business SchoolLink opens in a new window, the Department of Economic StudiesLink opens in a new window, PsychologyLink opens in a new window, Film and Television Studies Link opens in a new windowor Life SciencesLink opens in a new window, providing unique opportunities for students to experience interdisciplinary study by applying the knowledge acquired in their desired discipline to the Sustainable Development framework.

Here are some examples of modules that GSD offers:

GD104 Economic Principles of Global Sustainable DevelopmentLink opens in a new window

GD105 Environmental Principles of Global Sustainable DevelopmentLink opens in a new window

GD106 Social Principles of Global Sustainable DevelopmentLink opens in a new window

GD107 Global Sustainable Development ProjectLink opens in a new window

GD204 Health and Sustainable DevelopmentLink opens in a new window

GD205 Security, Sovereignty and Sustainability in the Global Food SystemLink opens in a new window

GD206 Inequalities and Sustainable Development: Inclusion and Dignity for AllLink opens in a new window

GSD highlights the importance of not only teaching students within an environment of cultural diversity, but also by providing opportunities to engage with different cultural environments. Students have the opportunity to study abroad both as part of the intercalated year programme, as well as through the unique integrated programme Link opens in a new windowwith the University of Monash (Australia) and the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Spain).

The postgraduate degree in MASc in Global Sustainable DevelopmentLink opens in a new windowoffers a unique opportunity for students to "learn by doing" through a transdisciplinary capstone project. Students can choose from one of three options – a Workplace Project, a Practice-based Project, or a Research Project – to develop the knowledge and skill set they desire for their future careers. Students from GSD have pursued a variety of topics, ranging from the energy sector to everyday-life issues, through the degree's design. For example, Alexander Stewart, a former GSD student, chose the Workplace Project path and developed a sustainability framework for football clubs to enhance the club's business, social, and environmental valueLink opens in a new window. Todd Olive, another former GSD postgraduate student who is currently pursuing his PhD, examined the implications of the zero-carbon transition for development and services in rural EnglandLink opens in a new window. These projects not only provide practical experience but also allow students to contribute to meaningful sustainability research and initiatives. By engaging with real-world problems, students gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of sustainable development and are better equipped to make a significant impact in their chosen fields.

Employability

Employability is always at the centre of GSD’s values since its establishment. GSD’s mission is to craft educational pathways that not only impart essential knowledge but also foster the competencies and capacities crucial for driving social change towards a sustainable future. GSD provides distinctive placement opportunities with employers for whom sustainability is a fundamental aspect of their operations, as an addition to all other placement opportunities offered to the rest of the university.

Students have the flexibility to opt for a year-long work placement Link opens in a new windowin their third year or engage in shorter placements during their academic term, both of which are duly acknowledged in the students’ Higher Education Achievement Report. GSD students have had the opportunity to intern across various transdisciplinary sectors in renewable energy, urban development, climate actions, and more. They have contributed to and learned from leading organizations such as Environmental and Social Impact (ESI) Monitor, Ecorys, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, and the UN Global Compact Network UK. These experiences not only enhance the students’ academic journey but also significantly boost their employability, ensuring they are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to the global sustainability agenda.

"Studying GSD really helped me work on my writing and research skills, both of which have been super useful for my roles. Studying GSD also gave me a strong foundation and understanding of why sustainability is so important. However, I think that most of my knowledge on urban mobility specifically was acquired through my work experiences."- Camilla Zanetti (Recent graduate of GSD and currently the Urban Mobility Research Assistant at the World Resources Institute (WRI), Washington D.C.)

Beyond placements, GSD also offers a series of professional certificates outside the standard curriculum to enrich students’ career development. For instance, students may enrol in the Certificate of Sustainability Consultancy (Auditing) Link opens in a new windowto understand the process of institutional environmental auditing. In this program, Learner Project Teams will serve as Sustainability Consultants, collaborating with stakeholders and decision-makers in local sustainability companies to tackle real-world challenges. Working in teams, students collect data using a suitable audit methodology, analyse their findings, write a comprehensive brief, and present the recommendations to internal and external stakeholders for potential further action.

Another offering is the Certificate of Professional CommunicationLink opens in a new window, designed to foster an understanding of the professional environment while enhancing personal growth and professional development for students. This certificate explicitly connects communication skills with practical experience, offering students valuable insights into professional behaviors, positive citizenship, and business culture, which are integral to their career development. Students are required to attend a short-term work placement to enhance their learning and apply the skill sets learned in real-life settings. By integrating employability with ESD, GSD is committed to shaping the next generation of leaders who are ready to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges with innovative solutions and a sustainable mindset.

'The Certificate of Professional Communication is very much designed to give students an exposure and understanding of the working environment. After they have completed this short course, they then go out to work for an employer for around a month to really get a feel for the working environment.'

– Bodrun, the Employability and Placement Manager of GSD