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Economic Studies and Global Sustainable Development BASc (L1L8)

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Explore our Economic Studies and Global Sustainable Development degree at Warwick

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GSD (Single Honours and Joint Courses)

88.6% Overall satisfaction for Global Sustainable Development students at Warwick (The National Student Survey 2021)

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We have revised the information on this page since publication. See the edits we have made and content history.

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L1L8

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Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (BASc)

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3 years full-time or 4 years full-time with intercalated year

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26 September 2022

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Global Sustainable Development

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University of Warwick

3a

Our BASc Economic Studies and Global Sustainable Development (GSD) degree will harness your passion for Economics and, in combination with the study of GSD, allow you to answer the Big Questions of our time.

3b

Economics is at the core of Global Sustainable Development (GSD). On this degree you will critically analyse economic models and theories of sustainable development through quantitative and qualitative approaches. Economics modules will provide you with an essential background in micro and macro economics, as well as methodologies for statistical analysis.

Your studies in GSD will empower you to consider the human and environmental implications of development. You will consider challenging questions on climate change, biodiversity, gender equality, and other core components of sustainability. The combination of Economic Studies and GSD encourages you to take a new perspective on our changing global economy.

You can enhance your skills and studies through optional work placements, study abroad, and certificates.

3c

Teaching on this course will be equally split between the GSD Department and the Economics Department.

In the first year you will study core GSD modules designed to provide a critical understanding of the 'three pillars of sustainable development':

You will also study the core Global Sustainable Development Project module, giving you the chance to see how the principles of GSD apply to a real case affecting a local community.

For the Economics half of the workload, you will take one core module, Economics 1. You will follow either the ‘Stats’ route or the ‘Quantitative Analysis' route, taking the appropriate Economics modules for your choice.

In the second year, in GSD you will have the opportunity to engage with a key issue in sustainability, studying one optional core module from the following:

You will also choose optional modules with a GSD focus from within or outside of the School for Cross-faculty Studies.

For the Economics half of the workload, you will take one core module: Economics 2. You will also take either Econometrics 1 or Applied Econometrics.

You may choose to study abroad for part of your second year at Monash University. In Term One at Warwick you will study an optional core GSD module, an optional module with a GSD focus, Economics 2: Microeconomics, and Applied Econometrics modules. The remaining study will consist of pre-approved modules at Monash University.

In the final year you will take the core GSD dissertation module. You will also take optional modules with a GSD focus from within or outside of the School for Cross-faculty Studies. The Economics half of the workload will consist of 50% core modules and 50% optional modules offered by the Economics Department. The core modules are Development Economics (Macroeconomics) and Development Economics (Microeconomics).

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In the GSD Department you will be taught by a range of academics from different disciplines. They will communicate their expertise on a specific issue and describe their methodology for addressing it. We expect you to bring together these various approaches and to develop your own informed stance on each issue.

Throughout the course you will:

Attend lectures and take part in seminars, workshops and tutorials.
Work with other students in teams on topical problems that pose significant sustainable development questions.
Undertake fieldwork, archival research and engage in peer discussion to propose alternative solutions.
Review the work of other students.

Discover how you will learn in GSD modules

In the Economics Department you will have a combination of lectures, and small group support and feedback classes.

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First-year core GSD modules have between 20 and 25 hours of contact time. Each module consists of lectures, workshops and, for the 'Global Sustainable Development Project' module, group supervision sessions. Second-year optional core GSD modules have up to 45 and 50 contact hours. The final-year core GSD dissertation module currently involves eight lectures and eight supervision sessions across three terms.

Optional modules in the GSD Department are available with between 25 and 50 hours for scheduled contact time, depending on the module. Some modules have lectures, workshops, film screenings and research supervision, whereas others only have lectures and workshops. Some modules may also include field trips.

Module offerings in other departments may involve more or less formal teaching time per week than the GSD modules.

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Economics

You then have a choice of other Economics modules which have different assessment patterns and therefore assessment methods will vary according to which modules you choose.

In the second year, there is one core Economics module with an examination worth 60% of the module. The remaining 40% is assessed by essays, participation in and engagement with support and feedback classes, and quizzes. You will also have a choice of two optional core Economics modules which each have an examination worth 60% of the module’s assessment.

In the final year, there are two core Economics modules with examinations worth 70% and 80% respectively. You then have a choice of other Economics modules which have different assessment patterns, so assessment methods will vary according to which modules you choose.

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A level typical offer

A*AA to include A in Mathematics. You will also need grade B or grade 6 in English at GCSE.

We make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances at AAB including grade A in Mathematics, plus grade B or grade 6 in English and Mathematics at GCSE.

A level contextual offer

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is AAB including an A in Mathematics. See if you're eligible.

General GCSE requirements

Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.

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IB typical offer

38 to include Mathematics (either 'Analysis and Approaches' or 'Applications and Interpretation' at Higher Level 6) and English.

IB contextual offer

We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is 36 including 6 in Higher Level Mathematics. See if you're eligible.

General GCSE requirements

4c

We welcome applications from students taking BTECs alongside one or two A levels, including A level Mathematics.

You will also need grade B or grade 6 in English at GCSE.

5a

Year One

Economic Principles of Global Sustainable Development

This module aims to introduce you to various economic concepts and perspectives related to global sustainable development. In particular, you will consider the relationship between economics and policy, and you will become familiar with the way in which economists address real-world dilemmas.

Environmental Principles of Global Sustainable Development

This module allows you to investigate a range of perspectives on Sustainable Development from the perspective of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary Environmental Studies. It aims to equip you with the capacity to engage in academically-grounded and critical discussion of the world’s most pressing environmental issues, as well as associated policy responses at a range of geographical scales. Furthermore, it aims to establish skills for the creation and the persuasive presentation of environmental policy to key decision makers specifically through the creation of a Policy Briefing paper and a Policy Pitch.

Social Principles of Global Sustainable Development

This module addresses the social and political principles of GSD. Its teaching methods range from Stimulus to Simulation in order to allow students to engage with theoretically complex concepts through practical activities. It is taught in a combination of lectures and seminars and involves group activities as well as online collaboration.

Global Sustainable Development Project

This module requires students to engage actively in understanding the real-life application of the theories they studied in their first year modules. The problem we investigate is sustainable transport: this is obviously a broad area of study, and one that has a wealth of qualitative and quantitative data to be examined / critiqued. The module aims to provide students with opportunities to examine the Economic, Environmental and Social arguments that have been advanced in relation to the case.

Economics 1

You'll develop an understanding of fundamental and intermediate concepts in micro- and macroeconomic analysis, equipping you with a range of appropriate analytical skills, including descriptive, graphical and mathematical methods. This will develop your ability to analyse economic trends, institutions and policies and the capacity to apply analytical techniques to real-world problems.

Statistical Techniques A

This module will provide you with an introduction to statistical ideas in economic and social studies, probability theory and techniques of statistical inference. By the end of the module you'll be able to demonstrate an awareness of statistical ideas and a foundation in statistics.

Statistical Techniques B

This module will provide you with the requisite quantitative background for a thorough and rigorous study of economic analysis, econometric methods and applied economics subjects acting as a secure foundation for your further study on the course. You'll develop knowledge of statistical methods and statistical modelling and generate an awareness of data and of data handling.

Year Two

Choose one module from:

Health and Sustainable Development

Viable and equitable solutions in health and sustainable development require interdisciplinary and critical thinking. The first part of the module will introduce you to fundamental concepts of global health governance and health systems, and acquaint you with key global health priorities like drug resistance and mental health from the perspective of GSD. The second part of the module will focus on issues that relate to policies and behavioural change, and are also applicable beyond health, for example in areas like education or technology transfer. Alongside the module content, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your analytical skills to make independent, critical, and constructive contributions to Health and Sustainable Development.

Security, Sovereignty and Sustainability in the Global Food System

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), agreed in 2015, commit the international community to a set of 17 goals to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity. Of these, Goal 2 specifically aims to end hunger, end all forms of malnutrition, and ensure sustainable food production systems by 2030.

The pressing need for such initiatives is stark: we inhabit a world where at least 800 million people are chronically undernourished. The world population is projected to increase to a staggering 10 billion people by 2050, yet who will be responsible for ensuring all these mouths are fed? And can we ever produce and consume food for so many people without causing an unsustainable impact on our environment?

Food security, sustainability and sovereignty are thus crucial issues confronting the world today, and it is these issues which this module seeks to introduce and evaluate. The module is taught in collaboration with active researchers from across various disciplines at Warwick, especially those involved in the University’s Global Research Priority on Food.

Inequalities and Sustainable Development: Inclusion and Dignity for All

This module focuses on how inequalities shape our societies, economies, environments and politics. Starting with the question ‘does inequality matter?’, you'll critically reflect on the UN's decision to integrate inequalities into the Sustainable Development Agenda. You’ll then explore six different dimensions of inequalities (work, politics, environmental justice, societal discrimination, automation and globalisation, opportunities and empowerment) and gain an understanding of the complexities of these problems. Finally, you’ll appreciate the challenges faced by today’s policy makers who aim to address issues of inequalities while taking into consideration all three pillars of sustainable development.

Economics 2

You'll develop deeper understanding of some of the key economic concepts but will also be introduced to new concepts in both micro- and macroeconomic analysis. These include material drawn from general equilibrium, welfare economics, game theory, risk and uncertainty within microeconomics and three equation macro model, open economy macroeconomics and the labour market within macroeconomics. It will introduce you to the analysis of public policy issues such as market failure, insurance, monetary unions and fiscal policy, and will give you a range of tools to analyse economic problems. Your analysis will be underpinned by a rigorous theoretical understanding acquired on the course.

Applied Econometrics

You'll learn important skills of both academic and vocational value, an essential part of the intellectual training of an economist and social scientist and also useful for your future career. These skills include awareness of the empirical approach to economics and social science; reviewing and extending fundamental statistical concepts; methods of data collection and analysis; regression analysis, its extensions and applications; use of spreadsheets and statistical packages such as SPSS or STATA. You will then be able to apply this knowledge to a research project of your own.

Econometrics 1

You'll be equipped with important skills of both academic and vocational value, being an essential part of the intellectual training of an economist and also useful for your future career. This includes an awareness of the empirical approach to economics; experience in analysis and use of empirical data; understanding the nature of uncertainty and methods of dealing with it; and using econometric software packages as tools of quantitative and statistical analysis. With the required necessary skills and knowledge to critically appraise work in applied economics, you'll have a good grasp of the dangers, pitfalls and problems encountered in applied modelling. You will then be able to apply this knowledge to a research project of your own.

Final Year

GSD Dissertation/Long Project

In this final-year module you’ll bring together all of your learning and experiences on the course – the theoretical concepts and principles and your practical know-how – in order to address a specific sustainable development problem of your own choosing. This will be a problem that concerns you most and which you’d like to tackle.

You’ll be supported by an academic supervisor to devise a suitable project and to undertake research to explore the issue, taking a transdisciplinary approach to your investigation in order to produce an original research output. This may be a concept paper, a practical project, a film production, a long essay, an advocacy campaign etc. – use your creativity!

You’ll design a strategy for disseminating your findings (for example at a conference presentation, via online publication or an article in a journal or at a public meeting that you’ve arranged). This provides you with an opportunity to get your voice heard in a forum where it matters and could have lasting impact.

Development Economics (Macroeconomics)

This module introduces the problems and features of developing economies. It is based on the modern analytical quantitative approach adopted by the main international development institutions, with an emphasis on the most recent advances in the field. You'll gain an understanding of the macroeconomic aspects of developing countries like growth, inequalities, poverty, international trade.

Development Economics (Microeconomics)

This module examines the key microeconomic issues facing developing economies such as malnutrition and disease, lack of education, gender inequality, or reduced access to credit and insurance. You'll learn how to use empirical evidence and economic reasoning to discuss the policies aimed at addressing these issues.

5b

Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:

GSD

Department of Economics

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