Course summary

Why choose this course Can multinational businesses combine long-term sustainability with profitability? Will the transition to clean energy be defeated by a lack of suitable infrastructure and the policy to implement it? Addressing the challenges facing sustainable development from an interdisciplinary perspective is a key focus of this BSc. You’ll be studying at our acclaimed Centre for Environment and Sustainability (CES). First established in 1992, it boasts an international reputation as a hub for interdisciplinary research in sustainability. You’ll be taught by CES academics, who have experience in academia, industry and the public sector. Their research interests and industry experience includes: Clean energy and clean technology Consumption and production Corporate environmental behaviour Life cycle assessment Policy development Sociology of the environment Sustainable prosperity Vertical farming Water and sanitation. In addition, you’ll be taught by tutors from other departments in the University who work at the interface between their core discipline and sustainability. Participating departments include: Biosciences and Medicine Civil and Environmental Engineering Law Politics Psychology Sociology Surrey Business School. You’ll also have the chance to take part in our award-winning Professional Training Placements scheme, which prepares students for roles in various sectors. We deliver on employment, too. We were named University of the Year for Graduate Employment in The Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022. What you will study In Year 1, you’ll be taught by CES academics. Modules include: Earth systems sciences Environmental and ecological economics Sustainability and the media Sustainable development goals and indicators Understanding human society: research methods 1 Understanding human society: research methods 2 There will also be a field trip to explore how we can regenerate environments and communities in a sustainable way. In Years 2 and 3, you’ll also be taught by tutors from other University departments. Modules include: Animal and plant ecology Engineering sustainable transport Environmental assessment Environmental law in action Everyday consumption and its consequences Exploring environmental crime Food security Global climate change International organisations International trade. In Year 3, you’ll research and write a dissertation on a subject you agree with your supervisor. Undergraduates also have the option to extend their study period to four years and take a Professional Training Placement in industry or with an allied organisation in the UK or abroad.