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. Sustainable Development, from the local to the global, is essential if society is to tackle the challenges faced. The necessary changes will impact on every facet of society, culture and the economy: this is a critical moment to study sustainability.

This BA (Hons) Sustainable Development and Politics will examine 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, leaving you ideally placed to influence - or indeed become - one of the decision-makers.

The degree also focuses on how communities can shape a more sustainable form of development, particularly in rural settings. Most of our teaching team are based in the Western Isles where 75% of people live on community-owned land. This sets the context for us to study community-based development, land reform, community empowerment and community energy projects, which can all contribute to a more sustainable future.

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

The politics modules of this joint degree will follow the four main pillars of political study you will study International relations, Comparative politics, and Applied politics, all feeding from the central pillar of Political theory. You will also study green ideologies, such as ecoism and ecologism, as well as environmental policies and the ways they are formed. You can apply to this degree with little more than a keen interest in politics: the modules become incrementally more specialised as the semesters go on and you can choose introductory options that will develop your understanding at a steady pace. Political leaders are so pivotal to climate change and sustainable futures that the combined study of politics along with sustainable development could not be more timely.

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 study field trip to Iceland as well as opportunities for a student society residential trip in the Scottish Highlands