Single Honours Global Sustainable Development
Bachelor of Arts & Science (BASc)
Three year full-time programme
Flexible single honours degree
Study abroad & work placement opportunities
The United Nations describes Global Sustainable Development as ‘development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’ (Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future, 1987).
On this flexible degree you will explore how we can work and live in a way that safeguards environmental, social, and economic wellbeing, both in the present and for future generations.
Duration*
- 3 years full-time; or
- 3 years full-time with integrated study abroad programme; or
- 4 years full-time with intercalated year spent either studying abroad or on work placement.
Entry requirements
Please see our Entry Requirements page.
UCAS code
CATS
An Honours Degree requires a minimum of 360 CATS during the course, comprising 120 CATS per year.
Qualification
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
Location of study
University of Warwick
Tuition fees
Find out more about fees and funding
Scholarships and bursaries
Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship
At Warwick, we believe there should be no barrier to talent. That's why we are committed to offering a scholarship that makes it easier for gifted, ambitious international learners to pursue their academic interests at one of the UK's most prestigious universities. This new scheme will offer international fee-paying students 250 tuition fee discounts ranging from full fees to awards of £13,000 to £2,000 for the full duration of your undergraduate degree. Find out more about the Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship.
Find out more about scholarships and bursaries.
Additional course costs
There may be costs associated with other items or services such as academic texts, course notes, and trips associated with your course. Students who choose to complete a work placement or study abroad will pay reduced tuition fees for their third year.
* You will be automatically enrolled on the three-year course, however, you have the option to change to a four-year course with an intercalated year in your third year. During the intercalated year, you may pursue a study abroad programme or a work placement (subject to you meeting departmental academic requirements).
Global Sustainable Development (GSD) students are broad-minded, adaptable, and aspiring global citizens with social consciences.
By studying GSD, you will take a transdisciplinary approach and confront issues from a diverse range of perspectives. You will also need to think creatively and embrace new opinions from your peers across the world.
We will challenge you to become an active participant in your own learning and help you to develop professional skills throughout your degree. You can enhance your skills and studies through optional work placements, study abroad, and certificates.
Hear from GSD student ambassador, Kristina
First Year
Core modules
- Economic Principles of Global Sustainable Development (GD104)
- Environmental Principles of Global Sustainable Development (GD105)
- Social Principles of Global Sustainable Development (GD106)
- Global Sustainable Development Project (GD107)
Optional module(s) with a GSD focus
- Approved module(s) with a GSD focus, including from other departments across the University
Certificates
Second Year
(remaining at Warwick)
Optional core modules
You will choose two modules from the following list:
- Health and Sustainable Development (GD204)
- Security, Sovereignty and Sustainability in the Global Food System (GD205)
- Inequalities and Sustainable Development: Inclusion and Dignity for All (GD206)
Optional modules with a GSD focus
-
Approved modules with a GSD focus, including from other departments across the University
Certificates
Second Year
(integrated year abroad with Terms 2 and 3 at Monash University)
Term 1
Optional core modules
You will choose two modules from the following list:
- Health and Sustainable Development
- Security, Sovereignty and Sustainability in the Global Food System
- Inequalities and Sustainable Development: Inclusion and Dignity for All
Optional module(s) with a GSD focus
- Approved module(s) with a GSD focus, including from other departments across the University
Terms 2 and 3
Students spend Terms 2 and 3 abroad at Monash University, studying relevant modules. Students are required to register on the module Study Abroad Part-Year (GD200) which recognises the period of study abroad.
Final Year
Core module
Optional GSD module(s)
- Optional module(s) from within the GSD Department
Optional modules with a GSD focus
- Approved modules with a GSD focus, including from other departments across the University
Certificate
Explore the list of modules you might study in the GSD Department:
Your university experience could be a truly global one by studying overseas. You can access study abroad opportunities via two routes:
1. Study abroad in terms 2 and 3 of your second year
Read the transcript for this video.
You could spend terms 2 and 3 of your second year studying abroad at our Department's partner institution, Monash University, home to the world-leading Monash Sustainable Development Institute. Our integrated programme is specifically structured so you can spend time abroad without having to extend the overall length of your course. Your academic achievements abroad will count towards your degree awarded by Warwick, meaning your studies will be both rewarding and rewarded! You will continue to pay your course fees in full to Warwick and you will also continue to receive your student loan, if eligible.
2. Year-long study abroad
You may, alternatively, choose to spend an intercalated year at one of Warwick's many other partner institutions across the world. You'll spend your first and second years at Warwick, studying abroad in your third year. You'll then return to Warwick for your final year. Your year abroad won't count towards your final mark, but it will be recorded on your Higher Education Achievement Report, giving you the freedom to take chances with your module choice and push yourself outside of your comfort zone with your learning. Please see here for more information about the intercalated study abroad opportunity.
Find out more about your options for studying abroad.
Read the transcript for this video.
In the GSD Department, we have a dedicated Employability and Placement Manager who’ll provide you with one-to-one careers guidance. They work in collaboration with employers, so you’ll be supported in securing appropriate work placements. You’ll have access to specialist pre-placement advice, guidance and preparation, as well as on-going support during your placement.
Find out more on our Careers pages.
- Economic Studies and Global Sustainable Development
- Education Studies and Global Sustainable Development
- Global Sustainable Development and Business Studies
- Hispanic Studies and Global Sustainable Development
- History and Global Sustainable Development
- Life Sciences and Global Sustainable Development
- Philosophy and Global Sustainable Development
- Politics, International Studies and Global Sustainable Development
- Psychology and Global Sustainable Development
- Sociology and Global Sustainable Development
- Theatre and Performance Studies and Global Sustainable Development
93.3%
Our single honours Global Sustainable Development course scored 93.3% for overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2022