BASc Psychology and Global Sustainable Development

Bachelor of Arts & Science
Three Year Programme
Joint Honours with GSD and Psychology Departments
Study Abroad or Work Placement
Why do people think, behave, and understand themselves in certain ways? Why does this vary between individuals and across cultures? How might a more complete understanding of human behaviour help to achieve a more sustainable future for all? A BASc in Psychology and Global Sustainable Development challenges you to ask these questions across both sides of your degree programme. You will study biological, developmental, and social aspects of human psychology with Warwick's Psychology Department. Meanwhile, you will balance your studies with the Global Sustainable Development Department by delving into the Big Questions of today, including food and water security, gender equality, and climate change. Throughout, you will be researching the relationship between individual behaviour and the global challenges we all face.

If you are interested in the world's problems, want to learn more about them and have a social conscience, then you should study Global Sustainable Development. If you are flexible and adaptable and able to consider global issues from different perspectives, understand their complexity, can think creatively about potential solutions and want to be equipped to make a real difference to the world, then you should study Global Sustainable Development at Warwick. A BASc in Psychology and Global Sustainable Development will give you an interdisciplinary skill set for analysing human behaviour. Your research and studies will form a bridge between scientific methods, statistical analysis, and social implications. You will take a holistic approach throughout, exploring the psychology of behaviour, cultures, and law, and linking this knowledge into discussions of climate change and alleviating poverty. Upon completing your degree, you will have the opportunity to explore career pathways in both the arts and sciences, applying your diverse skill set to a wide variety of employment opportunities.
Explore the list of GSD and Psychology modules in full
Year One
GSD Modules
- Economic Principles of GSD (15 CATs, Term 1)
- Social Principles of GSD (15 CATs, Term 1)
- Environmental Principles of GSD (15 CATs, Term 2)
- GSD Mini-Project (15 CATS, Term 2)
Psychology Modules
TWO OPTIONS
- Brain and Behaviour (30 CATS, Terms 1 & 2)
- Psychology in Context (30 CATS, Terms 1 & 2)
- Psychology in the Real World (30 CATS, Terms 1 & 2)
Certificates
Year Two (with Term Abroad)
GSD Modules
- Bodies, Health and Sustainable Development (15 CATs, Term 1)
OR - Food Systems: Security, Sovereignty and Sustainability (15 CATs, Term 1)
AND - Any approved optional module with a GSD focus (including from other department) (15 CATs, Term 1)
Psychology Modules
- Any approved Second Year modules offered by Psychology Department (30 CATS, Term 1)
Study Abroad
- Term 2 and 3 is spent abroad, where relevant courses are taught by a partner institution
Year Two (remaining at Warwick)
GSD Modules
- Bodies, Health and Sustainable Development (30 CATs, Terms 1 & 2)
OR - Food Systems: Security, Sovereignty and Sustainability (30 CATs, Terms 1 & 2)
AND - Any approved optional module with a GSD focus (including from other department) (30 CATs, Terms 1 & 2)
Psychology Modules
- Any approved Second Year modules offered by Psychology Department (60 CATS, Terms 1 & 2)
Certificates
- Certificate of Coaching Practice
- Certificate of Professional Communication with Work Placement
- Certificate of Sustainability
Work Placement
- Completed over four weeks (150 hours) during Summer, Year Two
Year Three
GSD Modules
- Dissertation/Long Project (30 CATs, Terms 1 & 2)
- Any approved optional module with a GSD focus, (including from other departments) (30 CATs, Terms 1 & 2)
Psychology Modules
- Any approved Final Year modules offered by Psychology Department (60 CATS, Terms 1 & 2)

A Global Sustainable Development programme offers you the opportunity for a truly global outlook. You could spend from February to July of your Second Year studying at the University of Warwick's partner institution, Monash University, either in Melbourne, Australia or their campus just outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You may, alternatively, spend an intercalated year at one of Warwick's many other partner institutions across the world. More information
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Our integrated programme is specifically structured so you can spend time abroad, without having to extend the overall length of your undergraduate course.
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Study at Monash University, home to the Sustainable Development Institute, a world-leading centre for multi-disciplinary research into sustainability.
- Your academic achievements at Monash will be accredited and transferred to your overall degree classification awarded at Warwick.
- Immerse yourself in the culture of one of the Pacific's most vibrant cities, Melbourne or Kuala Lumpur, and gain invaluable personal experience from living and studying abroad.
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Course fees continue to be paid in full to Warwick. You will continue to receive your student loan, if eligible.
Warwick is a world of possibility but it is up to you as to what opportunities you take. Our students gain a broad range of interests and commitments during their time studying at the University. Each experience can greatly benefit your future career, and all experiences can be beneficial when it comes to applying for volunteer work, internships, or a paid position. Here are just some of the countless opportunities you will have at Warwick:
- Societies - Join one of Warwick's 250+ Student societies. Societies provide you with access to an incredible network of diverse students, the hub of campus life. Taking up a position on a society's executive committee also provides an invaluable opportunity to develop leadership and communication skills, highly desired by employers. You might even want to join the Global Sustainable Development Society
- Sports - Grow new talents and push your limits by joining one of campus' outstanding Sports Clubs. As of Spring 2019, you will have access to Warwick's new multi-million pound Sports Hub, one of the largest in the United Kingdom.
- Volunteer - Get out into the community and sign up with Warwick Volunteers. Other projects also include Warwick In Africa, and the Laksh Project. Many departments also offer dedicated outreach programmes.
- Research - Diversify your knowledge and gain invaluable research experience through one of our undergraduate funds: Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning, Undergraduate Research Support Scheme (URSS), Lord Rootes Memorial Fund, Opportunity Fund. You could even present your research at the British Conference of Undergraduate Research (BCUR) or the International Conference of Undergraduate Research (ICUR).
- Work - Find part-time employment with UniTemps, Warwick Summer Internships, and Warwick Students' Union. Many students also take the chance to search for work in Coventry, Leamington Spa, Warwick, and surrounding areas of the University. Warwick's Careers Service offer comprehensive support for writing CVs and Cover Letters.
- Sustainability - green energy; environmental consultancy; conservation; sustainable transport; sustainable fashion; food and beverage industry; big businesses and banking; marketing; creative design and innovation; start ups; research and academia.
- International Development - Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), charities, and Think Tanks often employ fundraising officers, project managers, logistics, communications and PR, researchers, caseworkers, and overseas fieldwork positions.
- Social Justice and Humanitarian Aid - NGOs, charities, Think Tanks, and pressure groups are major employers in this sector. Key areas include law, advocacy, campaigning, policy specialists, engineers, marketing, communications and PR, caseworkers, administration, overseas fieldwork, journalism and media.
- Government and Politics - Civil Service (the Treasury, Foreign Office and Department for International Development run Graduate Schemes, alongside the wider Civil Service Graduate Scheme), Think Tanks, local government, political risk, journalism and media, academia and research.
- Supranational Institutions - United Nations, European Union, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, World Health Organisation, Commonwealth Secretariat.
- Health Care and Psychology - pharmaceuticals, research and academia, behavioural economics, marketing, sustainability innovations in NHS.
This list is far from comprehensive. You may also want to bear in mind that as the world's economy, climate, and political systems change, so too will the jobs associated with it.
- Global Sustainable Development (Single Honours)
- Life Sciences and Global Sustainable Development
- Sociology and Global Sustainable Development
- Global Sustainable Development and Business Studies
- Philosophy and Global Sustainable Development
- Politics and Global Sustainable Development
- History and Global Sustainable Development
- Hispanic Studies and Global Sustainable Development
- Economics and Global Sustainable Development
- Theatre and Performance Studies and Global Sustainable Development
Essential Information
Entry Requirements
A level AAB, plus B in English and B in Mathematics at GCSE (Offers exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking)
IB 36 to include Mathematics and English
Access to HE Diploma (QAA recognised) including appropriate subjects with distinction grades in level 3 units.
We welcome applicants with other internationally recognised qualifications. Please see UK Equivalent Scores and WIFP
UCAS Code
C8L8
Second Personal Statement
After initial application
Course Duration
3 Years (Full Time)
Award
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (BASc)
Location
University of Warwick, Coventry
Tuition Fees
More Information
Study Abroad
Intergrated (Year Two) or Intercalated options available. More Information
Other Course Costs
There may be costs associated with other items or services such as academic texts, course notes, and trips associated with your course.
For further information on the typical additional costs please see the Additional Costs page.