Foundations of Sustainable Development

Key information

Start date:
To be confirmed

Expected to run in autumn 2023.

Contact details:

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Introduction

This module can be taken as standalone or as part of building up to a certificate, diploma or master’s degree. You can take up to three standalone modules before deciding whether you want to work towards any of these.

    If you do decide to build up to a qualification, then you will need to complete and pass the following amount of modules within a five year period: four modules for a certificate; eight modules for a diploma; eight modules and a dissertation for a degree. Please note that certain modules will be compulsory depending on the degree you opt to take.

    If you would like to gain a qualification then you will need to register onto one of our master's courses:

    Module overview

    This module introduces the foundational concepts of sustainable development. It will provide a rich understanding of the history, politics, ethics and scientific foundations of sustainable development that will inspire interest in deeper study. We will also equip you to discuss and research complex conceptual and practical challenges in the integration of sustainable development ideas in organisations, policies and projects.

    This module can be followed by the complementary Sustainable Development Applications module.

    Learning outcomes

    On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

    • Understand the basic principles of sustainable development
    • Make sense of current arguments and debates on sustainable development
    • Understand the fundamental ethical and political issues raised by sustainable development challenges and concepts
    • Understand and discuss major criticisms levelled at the idea of sustainable development
    • Engage in debates about the definition, analysis and prospects for realisation of sustainable development.

    Course content

    Content includes the following:

    • The nature of development
    • History of sustainable development ideas
    • The Brundtland report
    • The sustainability equation
    • The planetary boundaries framework for sustainable development
    • Values and the ethical dimensions of sustainable development
    • Social dimensions of sustainable development and environmentalism
    • Sustainable consumption challenges
    • Sustainable development and biodiversity
    • Contested issues in defining and decision-making for sustainable development
    • Case studies in ethical and political controversies raised by sustainable development
    • Political economy of sustainable development
    • Critiques of sustainable development
    • Analysis of key texts and discussion of films offering case studies.

    Learning and teaching methods

    The learning and teaching methods include:

    • Preparatory reading
    • Lectures from module team and various guest lecturers from the public, private and civil society sectors
    • Films and follow-up discussions
    • Discussion groups based on particular challenges and dilemmas.

    Assessment

    • A 1,000 word individual critical review in blog format on an topic arising from pre-module readings, prior to starting the module
    • A 3,000 word essay based upon a topic from the module, to be completed over the four-week period following this module.

    Please note: If you are taking this as a standalone module, then you are not required to complete the post-module essay, however, this will mean that you won't gain any credits for completing the module and so won't be able to work towards a qualification if you later decide to do so.

    Course leader

    Ian Christie profile image

    Ian Christie

    Senior Lecturer, Social Science of Sustainable Development

    Reading list

    You will be required to do some reading prior to the module starting, take a look at the reading list.

    Entry requirements

    There are no entry requirements if you are taking this as a standalone module.

    For those wanting to build up to a qualification, please refer to the MSc course pages for entry requirements.

    Fees and funding

    Fees are to be confirmed

    How to apply

    Applications are currently closed. Please register your interest with Caroline Stuart at caroline.stuart@surrey.ac.uk, so we can let you know when the next course is running.

    Terms and conditions

    When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations and our terms and conditions. You are also confirming you have read and understood the University's prospective student privacy notice.

    Further details of our terms and conditions will follow.

    Disclaimer

    This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the commencement of the course. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read the full disclaimer.

    Course location and contact details

    Campus location

    Stag Hill

    Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught. 

    Caroline Stuart Development and Administration Officer
    Address

    University of Surrey
    Guildford
    Surrey GU2 7XH