What is special about this course?

The world is facing the prospect of a climate emergency, with decision-makers grappling with how to understand and respond to the pressures on our environment and society. BA (Hons) Sustainable Development and Archaeology presents you with situations from local to global and from past to present. Inevitable changes to our immediate future will impact on every facet of society, culture and the economy: this is a critical moment to study sustainability.

On this course, you will learn the facts about climate change, explore the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and consider potential and emerging solutions such as the Green New Deals, the concept of ‘degrowth and the transition to wellbeing economies. By looking at long-term perspectives, you will explore how past cultures have adapted to changing climates, successfully and otherwise, and you will be ideally placed to influence or become one of the decision-makers guiding the future of our society.

The degree also focuses on how communities can shape more sustainable forms of development, particularly in rural settings. Most of the teaching team are located in the Western Isles or Northern Isles, where communities are leading the way in community-based development, land reform, community empowerment and community energy projects, which can all contribute to this more sustainable future.

To develop a critical understanding of the three pillars of sustainability (social, environmental, economic), you can study modules drawn from a range of social science and humanities disciplines, including geography, economics, politics, sociology, and environmental studies, as well as developing practical skills in fieldwork, research and working with communities. The modules take a critical approach to examining the historical context to development, whilst looking firmly to the future, drawing examples of change in action from around the globe.

Delivered entirely online and available to study from anywhere in the world, you will benefit from collaborative discussions and activities with colleagues from a range of diverse backgrounds and experiences, facilitated by tutors with many years of experience in delivering online education.

Special features

• Join a course which can be studied from home anywhere in the world, full or part-time to suit your circumstances
• Delivered by tutors with years of experience of teaching at a distance, offering a high level of support
• Online learning materials available 24/7 via laptops, tablets or mobiles, including reading, videos and podcasts
• Optional archaeological fieldwork, work placement and residential trip in the Scottish Highlands, as well as an optional international field trip to Iceland are available. Although they have cost implications for students attending, they are an ideal opportunity to meet fellow students and staff in a relaxed and natural environment