Psychology of Sustainable Development, University of Surrey
- Program name: MSc programmes on Sustainable Development, Corporate Environmental Management and Environmental Strategy (inter-disciplinary).
- Length and format: one week intensive course
- Associated credits and evaluation: evaluated through 2 assignments on average per course (essays, group work, short writing assignments).
- Student profile: Very mixed. Many have backgrounds in science and technology, but a substantial number come from social sciences.
- Class size: 30-50
- Background of teachers: Interdisciplinary; senior staff; backgrounds from science, engineering, economics, other social sciences.
- Course offered since: evolving over 5-10 years from previous courses
- Main learning outcomes: Detailed appreciation, understanding and capacity for critical investigation of sustainable development concepts and issues of practical implementation in a variety of sectors and contexts
- Topics addressed: social psychology of consumption and behavioural change
- Key reading materials:
- pre-reading packages (papers and briefings)
- core reading: for example, S Baker (2016), Sustainable Development, Routledge: London; T Jackson (2009), Prosperity without Growth, Earthscan: London; P Jacques (2015), Sustainability: the basics, Routledge: London
- There is no comprehensive introductory textbook on sustainable consumption and behavioural change.
- Innovative approaches:
- Use of films as basis for group discussion
- Role-play exercises
- Extensive range of senior guest speakers from business, public sector, civil society
- Group research and presentation exercises
- Student feedback: Feedback is very positive, especially to the range of expert guest speakers engaged