Sustainability MSc

• Introduction to Sustainability and SystemsSets the scene for the rest of the course. And addresses the questions; 'What is sustainability?', 'What are its components?' and 'Why is it so important?' The importance of a systems-based approach to addressing sustainability and its epistemology will be discussed and you will examine a range of current concepts and models of sustainability (including 'circular economy', 'five capitals', 'natural step', 'one planet living' etc) and their usefulness in increasing our resilience to environmental, social and economic change.
• System PressuresFocus on the scientific underpinnings of some of the main global challenges we face. You’ll assess the approaches we can use to address these risks, including mitigation, adaptation and resilience and the potential outcomes of these interventions, including positive outcomes. You’ll cover the major global challenges of climate change, resource use and population growth. We change some of out topics from year to year, in response to global events. Our topics may include energy use and biodiversity loss, social inequality and the links between environmental resource use and the performance of global and local economies. We’ll also share with you some of the most recent data and thinking coming from the GSI and Eden Project on topics such as resource constraints, conservation and behaviour change.
• Measuring and MonitoringThis module addresses the importance of a quantitative basis for the informed management of sustainability in a number of contexts and at global and smaller scales. A number of specific techniques will be discussed including measures of resource use (Hubbert Peaks, Life Cycle Analysis) and consumption (Footprinting), indicators, benchmarks (biodiversity indicators) and audits, (e.g. Environmental and Energy Management Systems). The aim is not to explore individual techniques in depth, but rather to understand how they function, and their advantages and shortcomings in managing sustainability in their respective context. These techniques will also be reviewed in the context of resource waste and energy hierarchies (reduce, reuse, recycle/ demand reduction, energy efficiency, low carbon production). Teaching is delivered via a blend of face to face and supported online learning. It will include two week-long intensive residential sessions which will focus on discussion and critique, and provide an opportunity for an examination of good practice and case study. You'll be expected to come to these sessions prepared for this discourse. Each week long session will run concurrently with a 'sibling' module providing an opportunity to explore the linkages between modules, in particular the application of metrics to key system pressures.
• Governance and Behavioural ChangeYou'll consider how and what can be done to deliver the changes required. You'll explore the drivers for behaviour change and assess some of the top-down (eg legislation, incentives and deregulation) and bottom-up approaches to governance using global (eg Avaaz), national (eg Cuba and Costa Rica) and local (eg Transition Towns, indigenous action, etc.) case studies as well as evaluate what it takes for an individual to become a successful change agent.
• Better BusinessFocus on the growing business case for sustainability and examine the role of leadership, purpose, innovation and culture to create an organisation which 'does business better'. You'll chart progress and examine good practice towards more environmentally, socially and economically responsible business practice and the emergence of social enterprises and values-led businesses and its articulation through concepts such as cradle-to-cradle, biomimicry and circular economy. We'll examine The Eden Project itself, to help you understand its characteristics, culture and ethos and you will assess the transferability of some of key principles to other organisations - for example, the power of vision, collaboration and effective engagement techniques.
• Working Towards ChangeTest and reflect upon the material covered during your class based modules by undertaking practical and supported work-based learning. Your work placement will combine your knowledge and understanding of sustainability with the practicalities and compromises of a business, as well as your requirements for personal learning and development. You’ll gain an insight into the challenges and opportunities of learning and driving change and critically analyse your own strengths and weaknesses through a programme of reflective learning and feedback. During your placement you’ll also be developing a range of work-based skills, recognised as vital by employers.
• Research MethodsGain the support and foundations in the research skills for your Master’s level dissertation. You’ll investigate generic research activities, including project management and dissertation preparation. Your topics could include the consideration of suitable content, planning, and the use of project management software.
• DissertationYou'll chose an independent research topic from an area of expertise within our department (subject to availability of suitable supervision) and will conduct a significant research project in that area which may involve a literature review, data collection, analysis and a write-up.

You’ll be assessed through reports, essays, journal articles, presentations, outline plans and designs, and your dissertation.