BSc (Hons) Sustainable Development
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- L800
- Typical Offer
- AAB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
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Why you should choose us
1st
UEA is ranked 1st overall for research quality in Development Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021Course Overview
A new generation of graduates is urgently needed if we’re to make the crucial transition to a just and sustainable future. Our BSc in Sustainable Development prepares you to address pressing environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and food insecurity.
You'll explore how environmental issues, such as climate change, are deeply interconnected with social challenges like poverty, inequality, and wellbeing. You'll discover how sustainable actions need to be based on scientific understanding, as well as environmental justice and inclusiveness. You’ll learn about the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability and develop the creative and critical problem-solving skills needed for major initiatives such as the transition to NetZero carbon futures. As your course progresses, you’ll focus on potential solutions to environmental problems, exploring strategies such as Indigenous knowledge, environmental governance, rights for nature, market-based economic incentives, sustainability standards, and emerging technologies.
Our flexible programme allows you to tailor your studies to your interests, while emphasising team-based, 'real-world' problem-solving through partnerships with regional businesses, charities, and community organisations. You can also choose to undertake a sustainable development work placement in the UK or overseas. In previous years, students have gained valuable experience with organisations such as the Marine Conservation Institute, the Stockholm Environmental Institute, and WWF.
By studying with us, you’ll join our close-knit academic community, made up of experts from across multiple disciplines, all housed within the School of Global Development. Collectively our research on Global Development is ranked 1st in the UK (REF 2021).
After graduation, you'll be well equipped for a rewarding career in development, and beyond. Our graduates have gone on to work in government departments, universities, think tanks, consultancy firms, as well as local and national charities. Check out our academics and students explain more about BSc Sustainable Development.
Study and Modules
Structure
Your first year provides a strong foundation in the social and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. Compulsory modules introduce you to some of the critical social challenges for global development, helping you to understand the causes of persistent social injustices such as economic poverty and gender inequality. You’ll also build a deeper understanding of earth systems and the limits and challenges these pose for development that is socially just and environmentally sustainable. Collaboration with real world partners will begin this year with guest talks and initial site visits.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
You’ll join a close-knit community where you can share your passion for creating a fairer planet with staff and students from around the world. Our teaching staff are actively researching real-world issues and bring their experiences directly into the classroom. In your first year, teaching and learning takes place through a mixture of lectures, seminars and independent study. Lectures are led in a large group setting by academic experts, and seminars are conducted in smaller groups to allow you to engage in in-depth discussion with our academics and other students. Independent study is a key element of learning on all our degrees, and you’ll be supported to learn how to do this effectively through your first year.
Assessment
In year one, you’ll take a variety of assessments including essays, exams, and presentations. Exactly what assessments you’ll undertake will depend on the optional modules you select. In your first year and throughout your degree, you’ll get feedback on your assessments to help you develop your skills and improve your work.
Structure
Year two builds on the social and environmental foundation built in year one, moving towards solution-oriented and actionable learning. This includes solutions to inter-connected challenges such as food security, water security, environmental hazards, biodiversity conservation and climate change. At the same time, the course also places greater emphasis on individual and group-based research and problem-solving, developing these skills through residential field studies and problem-based learning with our sustainability partner organisations. During year two, you’ll have greater freedom to experience the breadth of UEA’s expertise on sustainable development, including the option to study environmental law and philosophy.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In year two, you’ll learn through the same core activities as year one, whilst also engaging in more applied learning. We offer a range of methods modules that allow you to gain experience of conducting your own research projects in the second year of your degree. There are also a variety of field trips and field courses offered in year two.
Assessment
In year two, you’ll continue to undertake a variety of assessments, the exact mix of which will depend on the optional modules you choose.
Structure
Year three continues to be solutions and real-world oriented, harnessing your growing expertise to the central question of how societies can transform towards just and sustainable futures. There’s even more flexibility this year, allowing you to tailor your choices towards your interests and career aspirations. For example, you can design your own independent dissertation project, supported by a relevant staff member, on a sustainability issue that is of interest to you. You’ll develop your critical and ethical thinking skills and strengthen your teamwork abilities. Additionally, you’ll gain practical experience in sustainability planning through working with local partner organisations.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 100)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your final year, you’ll continue to learn through lectures, seminars and practical work. Your compulsory third year module provides you with the opportunity to further develop your knowledge and skills working with local partner sustainability organisations. You’ll also have the option to research and write a dissertation which is a large individual project that you’ll develop with one-to-one support from an academic supervisor.
Assessment
In year three you’ll have the option to write a dissertation, alongside taking other assessments. The dissertation is a large project that assesses your ability to conduct independent research. The dissertation is optional, and you can choose to take other modules with other assessments should you wish.
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills valued by organisations across the green economy. Our graduates work in government agencies, international organisations, private sector companies, consultancy firms, non-governmental organisations, and humanitarian bodies. You can also use the academic and transferable skills you’ll gain for a career in business, media, the voluntary and public sector, education, or academia.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Corporate sustainability
- Government sustainability planning
- Nature conservation
- Green energy
- Environmental charity
- Environmental consultancy
Discover more on our Careers webpages and in our Life after DEV brochure.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD
Contextual offer: DDM
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Distinction
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - Global Development with a Foundation Year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAAAA
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBC A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement, or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: