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Global Sustainable Development BASc (L8A1)

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Explore our Global Sustainable Development degree at Warwick

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GSD (Single Honours)

92.6% 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.

2a

L8A1

2b

Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (BASc)

2c

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

2d

26 September 2022

2e

Global Sustainable Development

2f

University of Warwick

3a

Warwick's innovative Global Sustainable Development degree challenges you to think critically about important themes such as the environment and sustainable business, and consider practical solutions.

Study with us and prepare to make a real difference in the world.

3b

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.

Global Sustainable Development (GSD) students are aspiring global citizens with social consciences. They are flexible, adaptable and broad-minded.

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.

3c

In the first year, core modules will 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.

Your remaining workload will consist of approved optional modules with a GSD focus from within or outside the School for Cross-faculty Studies.

The second year will consist of 50% optional core modules and 50% optional modules.

You will have the opportunity to engage with a key issue in sustainability, studying two of the following optional core modules:

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

You may choose to study abroad for part of your second year at Monash University. During Term One at Warwick you will study 50% of the workload outlined above. In terms two and three at Monash University you will study modules with an approved sustainability focus. These modules will be pre-approved by the GSD Department and will be subject to the approval of your Warwick personal tutor.

In the final year you will take the core Dissertation module. You will also study optional modules from within the GSD Department and optional modules with a GSD focus from within or outside the School for Cross-faculty Studies.

3d

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

3e

Seminar groups in GSD comprise of around 20 students.

3f

First-year core 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 modules have up to 45 and 50 contact hours.

The final-year core 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.

3g

Your final degree classification is determined by your second and final year marks and each contributes 50%.

In the first year, two of the core modules have an exam worth 40%. The remaining core modules are assessed by methods such as essays, online quizzes, presentations, and a group research project.

In the second year, optional core modules and optional modules in the GSD Department do not have traditional examinations. Depending on your module choices, assessment methods may include case studies, research papers, essays, logbooks, projects, presentations, quizzes, and critical policy reviews.

The final year Dissertation is assessed via coursework, including a research proposal and presentation or other means of dissemination.

See assessment methods for individual GSD modules.

For modules from across the University, the assessment methods will vary depending on your choices. The overall percentage of the course that is assessed by coursework depends upon the external options taken.

We continually review our assessment methods considering feedback. Therefore, assessment criteria is subject to change annually.

3g_Business

Your final degree classification is determined by your second and final year marks and each contributes 50%.

GSD Modules

In the first year, two of the core modules have an exam worth 40%. The remaining core modules are assessed by methods such as essays, online quizzes, presentations, and a group research project.

The final year Dissertation is assessed via coursework, including a research proposal and presentation or other means of dissemination.

See assessment methods for individual GSD modules.

WBS modules

Modules may be assessed by a mix of examinations, essays, reports, case study analyses and group work. The relative proportion of examined and coursework assessment will vary according to which modules you choose.

Modules from across the University

Assessment methods will vary according to the optional modules that you choose from across the University. The overall percentage of the course that is assessed by coursework depends upon the external options taken.

We continually review our assessment methods considering feedback. Therefore, assessment criteria is subject to change annually.

3g_Economics

Your final degree classification is determined by your second and final year marks and each contributes 50%.

GSD Modules

In the first year, two of the core modules have an exam worth 40%. The remaining core modules are assessed by methods such as essays, online quizzes, presentations, and a group research project.

The final year Dissertation is assessed via coursework, including a research proposal and presentation or other means of dissemination.

See assessment methods for individual GSD modules.

Economics Modules

The first-year core module is currently 70% assessed by examination with the remaining 30% consisting of a class test and various assignments. The first-year optional modules have varying assessment patterns and assessment methods.

The second-year core module is currently 60% assessed by examination with the remaining 40% consisting of essays, support and feedback classes, and quizzes. Both optional core modules are currently 60% assessed by examination.

The two final-year core modules currently have examinations worth 70% and 80% respectively. The optional modules have varying assessment patterns and assessment methods.

Modules from across the University

We continually review our assessment methods considering feedback. Therefore, assessment criteria is subject to change annually.

3g_Education

Your final degree classification is determined by your second and final year marks and each contributes 50%.

GSD Modules

In the first year, two of the core modules have an exam worth 40%. The remaining core modules are assessed by methods such as essays, online quizzes, presentations, and a group research project.

The final year Dissertation is assessed via coursework, including a research proposal and presentation or other means of dissemination.

See assessment methods for individual GSD modules.

Education Studies modules

You will be assessed in varied and engaging methods, including presentations, Moodle tasks, written reports and assignments and collaborative responses to highlighted issues.

In the first year, the core modules are currently 100% assessed by coursework. In the second year, all optional core modules are currently assessed by coursework.

Modules from across the University

We continually review our assessment methods considering feedback. Therefore, assessment criteria is subject to change annually.

3g_Hispanic

Your final degree classification is determined by your second and final year marks and each contributes 50%.

GSD modules

In the first year, two of the core modules have an exam worth 40%. The remaining core modules are assessed by methods such as essays, online quizzes, presentations, and a group research project.

In the second year, optional core modules and optional modules in the GSD Department do not have traditional examinations. Depending on your module choices, assessment methods may include case studies, research papers, essays, log books, projects, presentations, quizzes and critical policy reviews.

The final-year dissertation is assessed via coursework, including a research proposal and presentation or other means of dissemination.

See assessment methods for individual GSD modules.

Hispanic Studies modules

In the first year you will select two modules from a choice of modules offered by the Hispanic Studies Department. Assessment methods will depend on your module choices. Modules may be assessed by examination, coursework, or a combination of coursework and examination.

In the second year, you will select one module from a choice of two optional core modules. Both are currently assessed 70% by examination. You then have a choice of other modules which have different assessment patterns, so assessment methods will vary according to which modules you choose.

In the final year, the core module is currently 100% assessed by examination. You then have a choice of other modules which have varying assessment patterns, so assessment methods depend on your module choices.

Modules from across the University

We continually review our assessment methods considering feedback. Therefore, assessment criteria is subject to change annually.

3g_History

Your final degree classification is determined by your second and final year marks and each contributes 50%.

GSD Modules

In the first year, two of the core modules have an exam worth 40%. The remaining core modules are assessed by methods such as essays, online quizzes, presentations, and a group research project.

The final year Dissertation is assessed via coursework, including a research proposal and presentation or other means of dissemination.

See assessment methods for individual GSD modules.

History modules

Modules in the History Department are assessed by a combination of coursework and examination. In the first year there is one core module which currently has an examination worth 20% of the module’s assessment. The remaining 80% is assessed by coursework, including an essay, a group presentation, and a project.

In your second and final years, you will choose options from a range of modules offered by the History Department. Assessment methods will depend on your module choices.

Modules from across the University

We continually review our assessment methods considering feedback. Therefore, assessment criteria is subject to change annually.

3g_Life_Sciences

Your final degree classification is determined by your second and final year marks and each contributes 50%.

GSD Modules

In the first year, two of the core modules have an exam worth 40%. The remaining core modules are assessed by methods such as essays, online quizzes, presentations, and a group research project.

The final year Dissertation is assessed via coursework, including a research proposal and presentation or other means of dissemination.

See assessment methods for individual GSD modules.

Life Sciences modules

In the first year there are currently no formal exams for the core modules. The optional first-year modules are currently 100% assessed by examination.

In the second and final years, assessment methods will depend on your chosen route.

Modules from across the University

We continually review our assessment methods considering feedback. Therefore, assessment criteria is subject to change annually.

3g_Philosophy

Your final degree classification is determined by your second and final year marks and each contributes 50%.

GSD Modules

In the first year, two of the core modules have an exam worth 40%. The remaining core modules are assessed by methods such as essays, online quizzes, presentations, and a group research project.

The final year Dissertation is assessed via coursework, including a research proposal and presentation or other means of dissemination.

See assessment methods for individual GSD modules.

Philosophy modules

Modules are assessed either by a combination of assessed work (essays and traditional examination), entirely by assessed work, or entirely by traditional examination.

In the first year, the core module is currently 100% assessed by coursework. You then have a choice of optional modules offered by the Philosophy Department which have different assessment patterns. Assessment methods will vary according to which modules you select. This is also the case for the second and final year modules, as you have a choice of optional modules offered by the Philosophy Department.

Modules from across the University

We continually review our assessment methods considering feedback. Therefore, assessment criteria is subject to change annually.

3g_Politics

Your final degree classification is determined by your second and final year marks and each contributes 50%.

GSD Modules

In the first year, two of the core modules have an exam worth 40%. The remaining core modules are assessed by methods such as essays, online quizzes, presentations, and a group research project.

The final year Dissertation is assessed via coursework, including a research proposal and presentation or other means of dissemination.

See assessment methods for individual GSD modules.

PAIS modules

In the first year, the two core modules are currently assessed 60% by examination.

In the second and final years, modules may be assessed either by a combination of coursework and examination, entirely by coursework, or entirely by examination.

Modules from across the University

We continually review our assessment methods considering feedback. Therefore, assessment criteria is subject to change annually.

3g_Psychology

Your final degree classification is determined by your second and final year marks and each contributes 50%.

GSD Modules

In the first year, two of the core modules have an exam worth 40%. The remaining core modules are assessed by methods such as essays, online quizzes, presentations, and a group research project.

The final year Dissertation is assessed via coursework, including a research proposal and presentation or other means of dissemination.

See assessment methods for individual GSD modules.

Psychology modules

Modules may be assessed either by a combination of coursework and examination, entirely by coursework, or entirely by examination.

In the first year, the ratio is currently either 60% assessed by examination and 40% assessed by coursework, or 80% assessed by examination and 20% assessed by coursework, depending upon your chosen modules.

In the second year, the assessment methods depend on which combination of optional core modules you choose. Currently, all optional core modules offered by the Psychology Department in the second year have an examined element.

In the final year, the assessment methods depend on your choice of optional modules offered by the Psychology Department.

Modules from across the University

We continually review our assessment methods considering feedback. Therefore, assessment criteria is subject to change annually.

3g_Sociology

Your final degree classification is determined by your second and final year marks and each contributes 50%.

GSD Modules

In the first year, two of the core modules have an exam worth 40%. The remaining core modules are assessed by methods such as essays, online quizzes, presentations, and a group research project.

The final year Dissertation is assessed via coursework, including a research proposal and presentation or other means of dissemination.

See assessment methods for individual GSD modules.

Sociology modules

Most modules are assessed entirely by coursework (essays, reports, presentations). In the first year, all of the core modules are currently 100% assessed by coursework.

In the second year, there are currently no formal examinations for the core or optional core modules.

In the final year, the assessment methods depend on your choice of optional modules offered by the Sociology Department.

Modules from across the University

We continually review our assessment methods considering feedback. Therefore, assessment criteria is subject to change annually.

3g_Theatre

Your final degree classification is determined by your second and final year marks and each contributes 50%.

GSD Modules

In the first year, two of the core modules have an exam worth 40%. The remaining core modules are assessed by methods such as essays, online quizzes, presentations, and a group research project.

The final year Dissertation is assessed via coursework, including a research proposal and presentation or other means of dissemination.

See assessment methods for individual GSD modules.

Theatre and Performance Studies modules

Assessment types may include:

Practical projects
Creative logbooks
Essays
Individual and group presentations
Exams

In the first year, both core modules are currently 100% assessed by coursework.

In the second and final years, you have a choice of optional Theatre and Performance Studies modules with varying assessment methods.

Modules from across the University

We continually review our assessment methods considering feedback. Therefore, assessment criteria is subject to change annually.

3h

Study abroad

We encourage you to take the opportunity to study abroad during your course at Warwick.

Enjoy the freedom to take chances with your module choices.
Push yourself outside of your comfort zone with your learning.
You may have the opportunity to learn a new language and immerse yourself in a new learning context.

You may choose to apply for an intercalated year spent either studying abroad or on a work placement (subject to you meeting departmental academic requirements). This will mean extending your course to four years.

If you want to extend your learning and broaden your perspective by studying abroad for a year, Warwick has partnerships with universities across the world. You will spend your first and second years at Warwick, studying abroad in your third year. You will then return to Warwick for your final year.

Your year abroad will not count towards your overall final mark (but it will be recorded on your Higher Education Achievement Report).

Learn more about spending a year abroad.

3h_

Study abroad

Although it is not compulsory, we encourage you to study abroad during your degree.

Option 1: Part of your second year abroad

Spend part of your second year at Monash University, home to the Monash Sustainable Development Institute. You will learn to appreciate the different concerns and priorities for sustainable development, including different approaches to tackling global issues.

Your academic achievements abroad will count towards your degree awarded by Warwick.

Find out more about studying abroad for part of your second year.

Option 2: Year abroad

Warwick has partnerships with universities across the world. You will spend your first and second years at Warwick, studying abroad in your third year before returning for final year.

Your year abroad will not count towards your overall final mark, giving you the freedom to choose modules outside of your comfort zone.

Learn more about spending a year abroad.

3i

Placements and work experience

We encourage you to undertake a work placement as part of your degree.

You will have the opportunity to take part in short and long work placements. These support you in developing your employability skills and prepare you for future employment.

Apply theory to practice
Explore a future career path
Learn about the professional environment
Learn from industry professionals

Year-long work placement

You can complete a four-year degree and your work placement will take place in your third year. The work placement can take place inside or outside the UK.

Short work placement

As part of the Certificate of Professional Communication, you will undertake a four-week work placement during the summer.

Supporting you

We will also support you in sourcing your own work placements outside of the options above.

4_

Additional requirements

If you meet (or are predicted to meet) the minimum entry requirements, we will invite you to submit a second personal statement to Warwick, addressing your reasons for applying to the course.

We will contact applicants directly to request the second personal statement and provide guidance at that time.

4a

A level typical offer

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

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

A level contextual offer

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.

4b

IB typical offer

38 to include English and Mathematics.

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. If you do not have a grade B in GCSE Mathematics, you will need a grade 5 in Higher Level Mathematics or 6 in Standard Level Mathematics. See if you're eligible.

General GCSE requirements

4c

We welcome applications from students taking BTECs alongside one or two A levels.

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

4_Life_Sciences

Additional requirements

There are no additional entry requirements for this course.

4_See-additional-requirements

You also need to meet the additional requirements listed below.

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.

Year Two

A choice of two modules 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.

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.

5b

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

5c

Co-curricular Certificates

We offer a range of unique certificates outside of the curriculum as a way of continuing your professional development.

In the first year, you can complete certificates in Digital Literacy, Sustainability Consultancy (Auditing), and Professional Communication.

Explore our range of certificates

5c_Life_Sciences

Co-curricular Certificates

We offer a range of unique certificates outside of the curriculum as a way of continuing your professional development.

In the first year, you can complete certificates in Digital Literacy, Sustainability Consultancy (Auditing), and Professional Communication.

Explore our range of certificates

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