Course Overview

If you want to explore the past, present, and future of our changing world, this BA (Hons) Sustainable Development and History is the course for you.

Sustainable Development, from the local to the global, is essential if society is to tackle the challenges we currently face. With the prospect of a global climate emergency, decision-makers are grappling with understanding and responding to the corresponding pressures on our environment and society. The necessary changes will impact every facet of society, culture, and the economy, making this a critical moment to study sustainability. 

History involves the study of the past to create a better understanding of the present; this course will allow you to investigate the cultural, political, social, and economic links between the Highlands and Islands, Scotland, and the northern European and northern Atlantic regions.

You will develop a critical understanding of the three pillars of sustainability (social, environmental, economic), learn the facts about climate change, explore the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and consider potential and emerging solutions such as the Green New Deals, the concept of ‘degrowth’ and the transition to wellbeing economies. You will also be introduced to the general study of history, from the medieval to the modern period, before examining, in-depth, particular topics, places, periods, and themes that utilize the research specialisms of your teaching team. Through the combination of both subjects, you will consider the role of people and communities and how they shape their surroundings.

General Eligibility

• 3 Scottish Highers at grades BBC or above or

• 2 A levels at grades BC or above

• At least 2 should be from the list of required subjects

• Additional qualifications and experiences will be considered on an individual basis

Advanced entry

• HNC Social Science (12 SCQF credits) with 3 additional SCQF credits at level 7, which is equivalent to 120-degree credit points, and at least grade C in the Graded Unit, will be considered for direct entry to year two

Part Time Work Details

20 hours work permit for international students

Language Requirement

• Applicants must have an IELTS score- 6.0 or equivalent

  English (PTE) Academic-58 average with 51 in each component

  TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) iBT4-Min 80 or above with min 18 in each section