Group of children using chalks to draw plants and flowers on a wall
BA (Hons) Available in Clearing

Education with Sustainability

Explore the effects of environmental and social change on education - and build practical experience for your future career.

Start date
September 2026
Location
Cambridge
UCAS course code
X307
Duration
3 years

Start date
September 2026
Location
Cambridge
UCAS course code
X312
Duration
4 years with foundation
1st

in the region for graduates progressing into senior roles.
Source: GOS 2026

Learn how education intersects with planetary health, sociology, globalisation, technology, and social justice.

At ARU in Cambridge you'll focus on Environmental Sustainability Education (ESE) in policy and practice.

Explore theories on outdoor learning, place-responsive teaching and creative pedagogies – and conduct your own research on these approaches.

As well as gaining academic knowledge, you’ll build practical experience through volunteering, placements, and community engagement.

Why ARU?
  • Study on a course that scored 92% for Satisfied with Teaching and 91% for Satisfied with Feedback in the Guardian League Table 2027.

  • Study at a university with 20 years + experience of training education professionals

  • Work with subject specialists and experts in the field

  • Gain expertise that will set you apart in the jobs market

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

Study at an award-winning university

We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Careers

Gain specialisms in environmental sustainability, including outdoor learning, place-responsive pedagogy, conservation education, and environmental justice.

You could work in education in schools, further education colleges, environmental charities, zoological/botanical attractions and museums, or in policy making/research nationally or transnationally.

Teaching and modules

Study our BA (Hons) Education with Sustainability to future-proof your career in education.

Alongside a thorough and broad grounding in the discipline, theory and practice of education, you’ll focus on Environmental Sustainability Education (ESE).

You’ll explore the nature and role of education in society, and take one sustainability-specific module each year.

Discover global perspectives on environmental justice in education, including eco-feminism, the Anthropocene and systems thinking, and consider how these affect policy and practice in education.

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Journey through Life: Stages of Human Development
  • Safeguarding and Wellbeing
  • Research Foundations
  • The Power of Connection: Building Strong Educational Relationships
  • Environmental Sustainability Education: Policy and Practice
Year 2
  • Equity in Education: Understanding Identity and Social Justice
  • Ruskin Module
  • Learning Theories in Education
  • Educational Research Methods
  • What's in a Place?
Year 3
  • Undergraduate Major Project
  • Neurodiversity and Inclusion: Strategies for Effective Learning
  • Education in the Digital Age: Policy, Theory and Global Trends
  • Leadership and Enterprise
  • Education and Environmental Justice
Module details

To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.

Year 1
  • Learning to Learn
  • Critical Thinking
  • Composition and Style
  • Intercultural Studies
  • Ethics
  • Social Perceptions
  • Psychology
Year 2
  • Journey through Life: Stages of Human Development
  • Safeguarding and Wellbeing
  • Research Foundations
  • The Power of Connection: Building Strong Educational Relationships
  • Introduction to the Study of Literature and Writing *
  • Creating the Past: From the Archive to the Web *
  • Environmental Sustainability Education: Policy and Practice *
  • Redefining Ability: Perspectives on Disability in Modern Society *
  • Leadership Cultures in Education and Organisational Theory *
Year 3
  • Equity in Education: Understanding Identity and Social Justice
  • Ruskin Module
  • Learning Theories in Education
  • Educational Research Methods
  • Digital Stylistics *
  • Bridging Cultures *
  • Britain in the 19th century *
  • Hanging, Prisons and Community Service: Crime and Punishment in Britain throughout the Ages *
  • What's in a Place? *
  • Education for All: Global Approaches to Inclusive Practice *
  • Building Strong Teams: Leadership for Staff Development *
Year 4
  • Undergraduate Major Project
  • Neurodiversity and Inclusion: Strategies for Effective Learning
  • Education in the Digital Age: Policy, Theory and Global Trends
  • Leadership and Enterprise
  • Forbidden Stories: Banned Children's Books *
  • Writing and the Present *
  • Gender and Sexuality in Britain: 1880-2000 *
  • The Making of Modern Media *
  • Education and Environmental Justice *
  • Leading the Way: Inclusive Education in Action *
  • Navigating Change: Strategic Leadership in Education *
Module details

Facilities

Join our community and benefit from our network of primary schools. You'll be able to observe teaching, create lesson plans and develop activities for a range of learners.

You can also use extensive library and IT resources, and access support with careers and employability, study skills, health and wellbeing.

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

Apply now for Education with Sustainability

Clearing places available

UK students, apply online

Apply by phone

UK students, call

01245 686868

International students