Sustainability

Sustainability is most often defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.  It has three main pillars: 

• Economic
• Environmental
• Social

Students on our undergraduate BA(Hons) Sustainable Development and postgraduate MSc in Sustainable Rural Development will develop a critical understanding of all three, studying 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 in relation to development, whilst also looking firmly to the future and drawing on examples of change in action around the globe. 

These courses also focus on how communities can shape this more sustainable form of development, particularly rural communities. The MSc Sustainable Rural Development allows participants to access the latest thinking on rural issues and develop key scientific and policy skills in the rural and sustainability context.  Individual modules deal with social, environmental, economic, and professional development issues in rural areas.