This module provides the foundation for the course. It addresses the questions; 'What is sustainability?' and 'What are its components?’. It frames sustainability within complex systems, and you will develop a grounding in human, financial and earth systems and their interconnectivity. You will examine a range of current concepts and models of sustainability and explore their usefulness in understanding and directing change. This module is also designed to support you in developing good academic practice. You will be assessed through the submission of an essay on a sustainability topic of your choice which will evidence your understanding of complex social-ecological systems.
This module 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 differently'. Using The Eden Project and Cornwall as a living laboratory, you will develop an understanding of the interconnectivity of sectors, and how organisations can influence sustainability outside of their own walls. A range of sustainability leaders will share their expertise and insight to support your understanding of sustainability action in practice. You will be assessed through the submission of a future vision of a business sector, and develop a business outline for a net-positive organisation.
This module includes a 165-hour professional development placement where you will undertake practical and supported work-based learning. You may do this placement within an existing workplace or take the opportunity to develop your leadership skills within a new organisation. We can support you to connect with a new organisation if desired. You will gain an insight into the challenges and opportunities of driving change and critically analyse your own strengths and weaknesses through a programme of reflective learning and feedback. You will be assessed through a structured reflective piece.
Sustainability challenges are characterised by their complexity and uncertainty. They are often described as ‘wicked’ meaning they have no single or permanent solution. In this module, you will be supported to explore methods, tools and techniques which address this complexity and uncertainty while supporting research-led decision-making. Tools and methods you will explore include life cycle assessments and sustainability impact assessments, causal loop diagrams and quantitative/qualitative research methods, to name a few. You will be assessed through a system map and narrative around a sustainability question in a real-world organisation and a report where you will apply your new knowledge and skills to evaluate the extent to which different tools and methods can support decision-making around a sustainability question.
This module involves understanding the academic requirements of independent research and how research can bring about change. Using the skills and knowledge developed throughout the course and with one-to-one support from a dissertation you will undertake an in-depth and critical review of relevant literature on a topic that interests you, finding an existing gap within the literature. You will decide on appropriate methodologies and tools for gathering data, and then undertake the research. You will present your findings within a dissertation.