Design and Global Sustainable Development BASc (UCAS H1L8)
Find out more about our Design and Global Sustainable Development degree at Warwick
Warwick's innovative Design and Global Sustainable Development degree challenges you to think critically about important problems such as human rights, environmental impact, technological and digital advancement and consider practical, design-led solutions. Study with us and prepare to make a real difference in the world.
General entry requirements
A level typical offer
AAA.
A level additional information
You will also need grade 4/C in GCSE Mathematics and grade 6/B in GCSE English Language.
While we do not require applicants to have formally studied subjects in art and design prior to application, we do look for a clear demonstration of applicants’ interest in Design as well as Global Sustainable Development. Interest and experience should be described the students supporting statement, but it can also be supported by visual materials submitted as additional evidence.
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. See if you're eligible.
IB typical offer
36
IB additional information
You will also need grade 4/C in GCSE Mathematics and grade 6/B in GCSE English Language.
While we do not require applicants to have formally studied subjects in art and design prior to application, we do look for a clear demonstration of applicants’ interest in Design as well as Global Sustainable Development. Interest and experience should be described the students supporting statement, but it can also be supported by visual materials submitted as additional evidence.
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 34. See if you're eligible.
BTEC
We welcome applications from students taking BTECs alongside one or two A levels.
Scotland Advanced Highers
AA in two Advanced Highers and AAB in three additional Highers subjects.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB in three subjects at A level plus grade C in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
Access to Higher Education Diplomas
We will consider applicants returning to study who are presenting a QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma on a case-by-case basis.
Typically, we require 45 Credits at Level 3, including Distinction in 33 Level 3 credits and Merit in 12 Level 3 Credits. We may also require subject specific credits or an A level to be studied alongside the Access to Higher Education Diploma to fulfil essential subject requirements.
Additional information
While we do not require applicants to have formally studied subjects in art and design prior to application, we do look for a clear demonstration of applicants’ interest in Design as well as Global Sustainable Development. Interest and experience should be described the students supporting statement, but it can also be supported by visual materials submitted as additional evidence.
You will also need grade 4/C in GCSE Mathematics and grade 6/B in GCSE English Language.
International qualifications
English Language requirements
All applicants have to meet our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window. If you cannot demonstrate that you meet these, you may be invited to take part in our Pre-sessional English course at WarwickLink opens in a new window.
This course requires: Band C
Learn more about our English Language requirementsLink opens in a new window.
Frequently asked questions
Warwick may make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances. These include students participating in a Widening Participation programme or who meet the contextual data criteria.
Differential offers will usually be one or two grades below Warwick’s standard offer.
All students who successfully complete the Warwick IFP and apply to Warwick through UCAS will receive a guaranteed conditional offer for a related undergraduate programme (selected courses only).
Find out more about standard offers and conditions for the IFP.
We welcome applications for deferred entry.
We do not typically interview applicants. Offers are made based on your UCAS form which includes predicted and actual grades, your personal statement and school reference.
Course overview
On this unique and exciting new course, you will explore current issues of global significance from a variety of disciplinary perspectives and examine how positive change can be achieved through the application of the theory and practice of design. This is a future facing programme which aims to develop a new generation of sustainability experts and designers. By studying this degree, you will acquire the knowledge and skills to become a responsible and ethical global citizen able to tackle society’s major challenges in order to build a sustainable and regenerative society.
You will work with sustainability and design industry experts and regional communities to co-design products, processes and solutions. You will have the opportunity to enhance your skills and studies through optional work placements, study abroad, and certificates.
Our Global Sustainable Development courses are fully accredited with the Institute for Environmental Management and Assessment.
This means that upon graduation from the courses, our students receive a professionally recognised level of knowledge, skills and tools for working in sustainability practice.
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 design for sustainable development, including different approaches to tackling global issues and the associated challenges.
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
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.
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.Link opens in a new window
Core modules
The course is structured on a 50/50 basis with half of the modules each year being taken in each half of the course: Global Sustainable Development (GSD) – Design.
In the first year, core modules will provide a critical understanding of the ‘three pillars of sustainable development’ and the core principles of design theory:
- Economic Principles of Global Sustainable Development
- Environmental Principles of Global Sustainable Development
- Social Principles of Global Sustainable Development
- Design in Context
- Introduction to Design Practice
- UX with Service Design
- Visual Practice and Curiosity
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.
The second year will consist of a combination of core and optional core modules. The GSD optional core modules provide you with the opportunity to engage with a key issue in sustainability either:
- Health and Sustainable Development
- Security, Sovereignty and Sustainability in the Global Food System
- Inequalities and Sustainable Development: Inclusion and Dignity for All
You will also choose optional modules with a GSD focus from within or outside the School for Cross-faculty Studies.
In the core Design modules, you will learn different methods of approaching design:
- Systemic Design
- Social Design
And the optional core modules offer the chance to apply those approaches to either Materials, Space or Society.
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 and design focus. These modules will be pre-approved by the GSD Department.
In the final year you will take the core Dissertation and Major Project modules, as well as modules that examine The Business of Design and Design Research. You will also study optional modules with a GSD focus from within or outside the School for Cross-faculty Studies.
Year One
Year Two
You will also choose two modules from:
Final Year
Optional modules
Optional modules vary from year to year. Example optional modules include:
Read more about our optional modules.Link opens in a new window
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 Climate Literacy and Professional Communication.
Assessment
The course uses a variety of assessment methods which are intended to reflect the types of outputs required in the professional environment. In this way, the course prepares you for the working world.
Across the course, you will produce practical work that is both material and digital in nature, sketchbooks and visual research, research papers, reports, policy briefings, posters, portfolios, critical commentaries, presentations in public fora, EPortfolios; blog posts; design dialogues (viva voce); video presentations, pitches, manifestos and you will also write traditional academic essays.
Teaching
Your GSD modules 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 to allow engagement with global challenges with an interdisciplinary perspective. We expect you to bring together these various approaches and to develop your own informed stance on each issue.
Your Design Studies modules will be taught by our expert academics in a Design Studio context which will provide facilities to enable you to develop and hone your design skills. You will learn to work through practical, project-based design assignments that will range in their nature from working with hand constructed materials, plans and curation to digitally developed designs that simulate physical and virtual environments. Throughout your course you will work with live briefs from communities and employers in preparation for a successful career in the design industry.
Class sizes
Seminar and studio practice groups consist of up to 20-25 students.
Typical contact hours
First-year core modules have between 20 and 25 hours of contact time. Each module consists of lectures, workshops, practical classes and fieldwork. The Global Sustainable Development Project module, includes group supervision sessions. The core modules in Design Studies include a significant proportion of practice-based teaching and have up to 60 hours of contact time.
Second-year core and optional core modules typically have between 30 and 40 contact hours.
The final-year core modules involve lectures, tutorials and supervision sessions.
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 GSD modules may also include field trips.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees cover the majority of the costs of your study, including teaching and assessment. Fees are charged at the start of each academic year. If you pay your fees directly to the University, you can choose to pay in instalments.
Undergraduate fees
On 4 November the UK government announced an increase in the tuition fee cap for Home students for academic year 2025/26. The University of Warwick’s Executive Board has consequently confirmed a change in fees from the previously advertised rate to £9,535.
Alongside the tuition fee increase, maintenance loans will also rise by 3.1%.
The University expects to increase fees for future years in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK government.
How are fees set?
The UK Government sets tuition fee rates.
To learn more about how the UK student fees and maintenance loans are set, please visit the UK Government websiteLink opens in a new window and UCASLink opens in a new window.
Undergraduate fees
If you are an overseas student enrolling in 2025-26, your annual tuition fees will be as follows:
- Band 1 – £26,290 per year (classroom-based courses, including Humanities and most Social Science courses)
- Band 2 – £33,520 per year (laboratory-based courses, plus Maths, Statistics, Theatre and Performance Studies, Economics, and courses provided by Warwick Business School, with exceptions)
Tuition fees for 2026 entry have not been set. We will publish updated information here as soon as it becomes available, so please check back for updates about 2026 fee rates before you apply.
Fee status guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status.Link opens in a new window
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on this web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module CatalogueLink opens in a new window (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2024/25 year of study). Information about module specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Further information
Find out more about tuition fees from our Student Finance team and available funding from our Student Funding Support.
Scholarships and bursaries
Learn about scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.
We offer a number of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries to full-time undergraduate students. These include sporting and musical bursaries, and scholarships offered by commercial organisations.
Find out more about funding opportunities for full-time students.Link opens in a new window
If you are an international student, a limited number of scholarships may be available.
Find out more information on our international scholarship pages.Link opens in a new window
You may be eligible for financial help from your own government, from the British Council or from other funding agencies. You can usually request information on scholarships from the Ministry of Education in your home country, or from the local British Council office.
Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship
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.
We provide extra financial support for qualifying students from lower income families. The Warwick Undergraduate Bursary is an annual award of up to £2,500 per annum. It is intended to help with course-related costs and you do not have to pay it back.
As part of the 'City of Sanctuary' movement, we are committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for those seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. We provide a range of scholarships to enable people seeking sanctuary or asylum to progress to access university education.
Further information
Find out more about Warwick undergraduate bursaries and scholarships.
Eligibility for student loans
Your eligibility for student finance will depend on certain criteria, such as your nationality and residency status, your course, and previous study at higher education level.
Check if you're eligible for student finance.
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your tuition fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you can receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won’t have to set up any payments.
Maintenance Loan for living costs
You can apply for a Maintenance Loan towards your living costs such as accommodation, food and bills. This loan is means-tested, so the amount you receive is partially based on your household income and whether you choose to live at home or in student accommodation.
If you’re starting a course on or after 1 August 2021, you usually must have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement SchemeLink opens in a new window to get student finance.
Tuition Fee Loan
If you are an EU student and eligible for student finance you may be able to get a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you may receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won't have to set up any payments.
Help with living costs
If you struggle to meet your essential living costs, our Student Funding team Link opens in a new windowwill be on hand to offer advice and support.
There are a number of options that may be available to you including government, bursary and/or hardship support. Warwick also has a number of bursaries and scholarships Link opens in a new windowthat you may be eligible to apply for.
Repaying your loans
You will repay your loan or loans gradually once you are working and earning above a certain amount. For students starting their course after 1 August 2023, the repayment threshold is £25,000. Repayments will be taken directly from your salary if you are an employee. If your income falls below the earnings threshold, your repayments will stop until your income goes back up above this figure.
Find out more about repaying your student loanLink opens in a new window.
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
We will also support you in sourcing your own work placements outside of the options below.
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.
Your career
Helping you find the right career
We have a dedicated Employability and Placement Manager who will provide you with one-to-one careers guidance. They work in collaboration with employers, so you will be supported in securing appropriate work placements. You will have access to specialist pre-placement advice, guidance and preparation, as well as on-going support during your placement.
You will also have access to the University’s Student Opportunity resources (including careers counselling, employment advice, and job fairs).
Find out more about careers support at Warwick.
Transferable skills
You will learn valuable transferable skills that will help you with your employment prospects, including:
- Analysing and problem solving: Through your study of sustainable development principles and models, you will learn how to extract the essential features of complex systems, providing useable frameworks for evaluation
- Critical thinking: You will assess arguments, make judgements, formulate reasoned debates and generate feasible solutions
- Communication: You will develop advanced communication skills that enable you to communicate with a variety of audiences and in different settings
- Research: You will undertake an integrated programme of research skills training, teaching you how to source, evaluate and use different forms of information and data
- Organisation: Through a rigorous assessment schedule and a compulsory dissertation module in your final year, you will learn the essentials of time management, prioritisation and how to be well organised
- Collaboration: You will have plenty of opportunities to work with others and nurture your emotional intelligence, developing a professional attitude
- IT: You will have received foundational software training
- Design Skills: You will have acquired creative design skills in a range of areas
Design Studies
In the current global context, the only certain constant is change.
Through rigorous academic and applied development of design skillset and mindset, our students are being shaped into future leaders and visionaries who will be able to develop the necessary skills to innovate across all spheres of design.
Find out more about Design StudiesLink opens in a new window.
Our courses
Related degrees
- Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- Design and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- Global Sustainable Development and Business Studies (BASc)
- Economic Studies and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- Education Studies and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- Hispanic Studies and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- History and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- Life Sciences and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- Philosophy and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- Politics, International Studies and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- Psychology and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- Sociology and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
- Theatre and Performance Studies and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
Life at Warwick
Within a close-knit community of staff and students from all over the world, discover a campus alive with possibilities. A place where all the elements of your student experience come together in one place. Our supportive, energising, welcoming space creates the ideal environment for forging new connections, having fun and finding inspiration.
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
Warwick Accommodation
Finding the right accommodation is key to helping you settle in quickly.
We have a range of residences for undergraduate students on campus.
Our campus
You won't be short of ways to spend your time on campus - whether it's visiting Warwick Arts Centre, using our incredible new sports facilities, socialising in our bars, nightclub and cafés, or enjoying an open-air event. Or if you need some peace and quiet, you can explore lakes, woodland and green spaces just a few minutes’ walk from central campus.
Food and drink
We have lots of cafés, restaurants and shops on campus. You can enjoy great quality food and drink, with plenty of choice for all tastes and budgets. There is a convenience store on central campus, as well as two supermarkets and a small shopping centre in the nearby Cannon Park Retail Park. Several of them offer delivery services to help you stay stocked up.
And don't miss our regular food market day on the Piazza with tempting, fresh and delicious street food. Soak up the atmosphere and try something new, with mouth-watering food for all tastes.
Clubs and societies
We currently have more than 300 student-run societies.
So whether you’re into films, martial arts, astronomy, gaming or musical theatre, you can instantly connect with people with similar interests.
Or you could try something new, or even form your own society.
Sports and fitness
Staying active at Warwick is no sweat, thanks to our amazing new Sports and Wellness Hub, indoor and outdoor tennis centre, 60 acres of sports pitches, and more than 60 sports clubs.
Whether you want to compete, relax or just have fun, you can achieve your fitness goals.
Studying on campus
Our campus is designed to cater for all of your learning needs.
You will benefit from a variety of flexible, well-equipped study spaces and teaching facilities across the University.
- The Oculus, our outstanding learning hub, houses state-of-the-art lecture theatres and innovative social learning and network areas.
- The University Library provides access to over one million printed works and tens of thousands of electronic journals
- Different study spaces offering you flexible individual and group study spaces.
Travel and local area
Our campus is in Coventry, a modern city with high street shops, restaurants, nightclubs and bars sitting alongside medieval monuments. The Warwickshire towns of Leamington Spa and Kenilworth are also nearby.
The University is close to major road, rail and air links. London is just an hour by direct train from Coventry, with Birmingham a 20-minute trip. Birmingham International Airport is nearby (a 20-minute drive).
Wellbeing support and faith provision
Our continuous support network is here to help you adjust to student life and to ensure you can easily access advice on many different issues. These may include managing your finances and workload, and settling into shared accommodation. We also have specialist disability and mental health support teams.
Our Chaplaincy is home to Chaplains from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths. We provide regular services for all Christian denominations and a Shabbat meal every Friday for our Jewish students. There is also an Islamic prayer hall, halal kitchen and ablution facilities.
How to apply
Learn more about our application process.
Key dates
Key dates for your application to Warwick.
Writing your personal statement
Make an impression and demonstrate your passion for your course.
After you've applied
Find out how we process your application.
Our Admission Statement
Read Warwick's Admission Statement
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