Year three core modules / Masters core modules

• Introduction to Sustainability and Systems

  Sets 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 Pressures

  Focuses on the scientific underpinnings of some of the main challenges we face at a variety of scales. You will also 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. The issues covered will relate to the major global challenges of climate change, resource use and population growth and the topics discussed are likely to change from year to year in response to global events, the availability of guest 'experts' and student interest. 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 will 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.

• Monitoring and Measurement

  Provides an assessment of the metrics which can be used for measuring and monitoring the sustainability challenges you have covered. You will explore a number of specific techniques 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 examine 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).

• Governance and Behaviour Change

  Moves forward to consider how and what can be done to deliver the changes required. You will explore the drivers for behaviour change and assess some of the top-down ( e.g. legislation, incentives and deregulation) and bottom-up approaches to governance using global (e.g. Avaaz), national (e.g. Cuba and Costa Rica) and local (e.g. Transition Towns, indigenous action, etc.) case studies as well as evaluate what it takes for an individual to become a successful change agent.

• Better Business

  Focuses on the growing business case for sustainability and examines the role of leadership, purpose, innovation and culture to create an organisation which 'does business better'. You will 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. The Eden Project itself will be examined 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 Change

  Offers you an opportunity to test and reflect upon the material covered during the class based modules by undertaking a period of practical and supported work-based learning. The work placement is intended to fuse your knowledge and understanding of sustainability with the practicalities and compromises demanded of a business and your requirements for personal learning and development. You will gain, at first hand, an insight into the challenges and opportunities of learning and driving change. This module will give you the chance to critically analyse your own strengths and weaknesses through a programme of reflective learning and feedback. During your placement you will also be developing a range of work-based skills, recognised as vital by employers.

• Research Methods and Dissertation

  Provide an opportunity for you to undertake a substantial piece of independent research on an approved topic of your choice. You will be prepared for this task by studying online, the methods and techniques of research and be supported in your research by staff from the GSI, Eden Project or Change Agents.