BSc (Hons) Sustainable Development
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- L800
- Typical Offer
- ABB
- Contextual Offer
- BBC
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
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Of students were positive about the support provided by teaching staff
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024-251st
UEA is ranked 1st overall for research quality in Development Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021Course Overview
Why BSc Sustainable Development at UEA?
A new generation of graduates is urgently needed to make the crucial transition to a just and sustainable future. Be prepared to shape future solutions to issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and food insecurity.
Why choose UEA?
- Tailor your degree: From food production to politics, from economics to philosophy, you'll choose modules that support your own interests and career goals
- Real world experiences: Modules will take you from cleaning the River Wensum in Norwich to exploring sustainable development in East Africa
- Expert teaching: Learn from global experts in development and sustainability in a department ranked first in the UK for research quality
What is BSc Sustainable Development?
Why does pollution and inequality occur if we have the knowledge to prevent it? If we have tools to address climate change, why hasn’t it happened yet? You'll explore these questions and more, using case studies from diverse places, including North Norfolk, Lake Victoria and Indonesia.
You’ll learn to think critically, communicate confidently, and solve complex problems. You’ll benefit from our academic skills and employability programmes and small module sizes with individual attention to support you in your transition to university and beyond.
You’ll join our close-knit community, with experts from multiple disciplines all housed within the School of Global Development. You’ll make links with leading sustainability organisations such as the Norwich Institute for Sustainable Development and the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.
Careers
Career Pathways
With a BSc in Sustainable Development, you could launch a career in:
- Corporate sustainability: Advise the private sector on corporate social responsibility and environmental governance
- Government sustainability planning: Work in local or national government departments to implement issues around sustainability
- Nature conservation: Advise and implement conservation around the world that is sustainable for the environment and those that use it
- Green energy: Support private and public sector transitions to green and non-fossil fuel energy sources
- Sustainability consultancy: Work at the intersection of the public and private sector for clients from local businesses to the World Bank, advising and doing research around issues of sustainability
Career Support
Alongside assessments and classroom activities designed to provide real-world and transferable skills, there are numerous opportunities to develop your career while studying. These include short Professional Skills courses on transferable skills such as fundraising, filmmaking, or GIS and the School of Global Development Employability Week where you meet and network with alumni. The Work Placement module supports you in developing your CV and finding a placement aligned with your interests.
After the Course
After your BSc, you'll be ready to start a successful career or pursue further study. Your critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills will support you in careers from public service to the private sector. See our ‘Life after DEV’ brochure for more information and support to start the next steps in your professional journey.
Discover more on our Careers webpages
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 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 sustainable development. Collaboration with real world partners begins this year with guest talks and initial site visits. You'll also begin to tailor your degree, choosing optional modules to enhance your sustainable development knowledge on issues such as politics, culture, or economics.
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.
Structure
Year two builds on the social and environmental foundation, moving towards solution-oriented and actionable learning. This includes solutions to interconnected challenges such as food security, water security, environmental hazards, biodiversity conservation, and climate change.
You’ll build your individual and group-based research and problem-solving skills through residential field studies and problem-based learning with our sustainability partner organisations. During your second year, you’ll have greater freedom to experience the breadth of UEA’s expertise on sustainable development, including options to study environmental policy and philosophy. In the summer between years two and three, you’ll have the option to do a sustainability work placement anywhere in the world, supported by a mentor.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)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.
Structure
Year Three continues to be oriented towards real-world solutions, 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, study environmental law, environmental economics, or develop your project management skills. 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: 0, Max Credits: 40)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 60)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional D Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)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.
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What is Global Development?
Learn how global development is understood and its effects on communities, with a focus on Nairobi, Kenya, in this free, online course. Thro...
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Meet your course director
Clare Shelton specialises in natural resource management and hazard responses in Small Island Developing States, with experience in Fiji, Va...
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
Your learning will be via lectures, seminars, independent study and field-based activities. As you progress through your course, your independence and variety of content increases. Throughout, you’re supported by academic guidance, individual supervision, peer learning, and access to academic and wellbeing support.
Building your core academic skills are fully integrated into your first semester learning to prepare you for your academic career. You'll also have access to the Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) mentoring program, as well as the Learning Enhancement Team and Student Support.
In your second year, you'll deepen your subject knowledge by choosing from a wide range of modules. You'll also engage in increasing independent study as well as field-based learning activities to practice applying classroom learning. This includes short field trips in Norfolk, and an international field course to East Africa.
In your third year, you have the opportunity to do a sustainability summer work placement anywhere in the world. Your modules increasingly incorporate working on real-world issues and applying your learning outside the classroom. You also can design and conduct your own research project on an aspect of sustainable development.
Assessment
Assessment is through a range of methods which support the development of key skills. You'll receive written and verbal feedback, as well as opportunities to practice assessments prior to submission. Throughout your course, feedback supports developing academic skills that translate to a strong and transferable skillset for graduation.
In your first year, you'll complete written commentaries, essays, and presentations. These are all supported by in-class tasks to build your confidence and support your transition to university-level assessments.
In year two, you'll engage with a wider variety of assessments. These build your analytical and communication skills and incorporate practical examples from field-based learning opportunities. Ongoing feedback will support your skill development.
In your final year, your assessments will broaden to incorporate hands-on assessments applying class-based learning to real-world challenges. You have the option to conduct an independent research dissertation.
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(opens in a new window) 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(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
Contextual offer: BBC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual offer: DMM
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 Merit in 45 credits at Level 3
Contextual Offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and Pass in 15 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Merit
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 (opens in a new window)
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AAABB
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC 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(opens in a new window) page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students(opens in a new window).
- 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(opens in a new window) 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):
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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(opens in a new window) 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.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £10,050
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International Students: £24,250
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
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(opens in a new window) 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: