MA Honours Sustainable Development Dr Claire Haggett Degree Programme Director University of Edinburgh Post-Offer Visit Day 26 th March 2014

2 Welcome Dr Claire Haggett, Programme Director, and Lecturer in the Sociology of Sustainability Overview 1.Why this topic 2.Why this degree 3.Why Edinburgh

3 1) Why this topic? Key challenges of our time Sustainable development requires an interdisciplinary approach: what we provide here Degree focuses not just on environmental sustainability, but on the social, political, cultural and economic dynamics Interdisciplinary social science –Emphasis on social and political understanding – and change –No science background required

4 Interdisciplinary core courses First year: Introduction to Sustainable Development: key issues Science and Society - Nature and Environment: understanding the science of sustainability Second year: Perspectives on Sustainable Development: key topics Sustainability, Society and Environment: key resources Third year: Cases in Sustainable Development Fourth Year: Dissertation (and research methods training)

5 2) Programme structure Flexibility and choice 1) Core courses in sustainable development 2) Additional subject area ‘pathway’ Five to chose from: –Geography, International Relations, Politics, Social Anthropology, Sociology –Allows students to take options from those disciplines –Further courses, events, opportunities 3) Wide range of related outside courses –Economics, Business Studies, Philosophy, Biological sciences, Geosciences, History, languages and so on….

6 Semester OneSemester Two Year 1 Introducing Sustainable Development Introduction to Politics and International Relations Human Geography Science and Society Democracy in Comparative Perspective Morality, Rationality, and Value Year 2 Perspectives on Sustainable Development International Cooperation Principles of Economics Sustainability, Society and Environment Social & Political Enquiry Spanish Sustainable Development degree with Politics pathway, Year 1 and 2

7 Semester OneSemester Two Year 3 Designing and Doing Social Research Environmental Politics in Europe Sociology of the Environment & Risk Cases in Sustainable Development Green Political Thought Technology, Religion & Ethics Year 4 Dissertation in Sustainable Development Comparative Politics Political Ecology Dissertation in Sustainable Development War and Justice Social Development Sustainable Development degree with Politics emphasis, Year 3 and 4

8 Teaching and study methods Lectures and tutorials –especially Years 1 & 2 Seminar-based honours courses Field based classes (Year 3) Independent Research (Year 4) –Dissertation: your choice of sustainable development topic

9 Studying abroad Several exchanges available in 3 rd year Erasmus exchange: (Europe) International exchange: Canada, US, Hong Kong, Australia (College-wide competition)

10 Career Prospects Our graduates will be particularly well equipped to pursue careers in: Public sectors linked to sustainability –NGOs (environment, development) –Governmental agencies and posts at local, national, European level Not to worry! International agencies (UN, WHO, FAO, DFID) involved in development or sustainability Business / consultancy Especially linked to sustainability, corporate responsibility Teaching and higher education Very close liaison with the Careers Office Sessions from first year onwards Opportunities for help and support

11 3) Why Edinburgh University Expertise Engagement Excellence Outstanding research/teaching expertise in social and natural sciences –New interdisciplinary climate centre –Global Academy for Environment and Society

12 Why Edinburgh University: engagement University commitment to sustainability –Ambitious sustainable development programme –Sustainability strategy: ‘Creating opportunities from global challenges’ –Green Energy award winner –Sustainability Office: sustainability engagement

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15 Engagement and Extra-curricular activities ‘Our Changing World’ ‘Global Challenges’ events Sustainability Awards Student societies and clubs –Edinburgh Ecology Society, International Development Society, Transition Edinburgh; People and Planet; Edinburgh Global Partnerships, The Dirty Weekenders (Edinburgh University Conservation Society); Hearty Squirrel Food Cooperative...

16 Sustainable Development Course nominated for EUSA Best Course Teaching AwardEUSA Best Course Teaching Award Award winning teaching staff Active students engaged with sustainability issues –Sustainable Development Association –Sustainable Development student wins the EUSA Global Student Star award

17 In summary… The degree is: –Interdisciplinary –Social science based –Flexible and based on student interests The University offers: –Expertise and excellence –The opportunity to engage –Extra curricular activities Questions…?