University of St Andrews

This programme will involve study of Sustainable Development at an advanced, research-led level in which students will gain an understanding of how knowledge is created, advanced and renewed. The programme will encourage in all students a desire to pursue independent learning with curiosity, integrity, accuracy and intellectual rigour.

This is a 12-month programme of study leading to the degree of Master of Science. As with all St Andrews programmes, it is made up of credit bearing modules. Students must earn 180 credits over the duration of the programme, with 120 credits normally earned each academic year. This includes core modules specific to the programme as well as other modules chosen from a range of options (in some cases, including modules from a different Faculty). The remaining 60 credits are earned through the end-of-summer project

For information about core and optional modules for each programme, please consult the Programme Requirements, which can be found at https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/reqs/2020-21/list.html?v=az

These requirements describe the detailed structure of the course and link to the contents of all the modules that can be included in the programme. Teaching, learning and assessment are progressive, with both the content and methods of delivery changing to suit the increasing level of complexity in the material, and independence of students, as they work through the programme.

Among the distinctive features of this programme are that it aims to enable and or realise:
a) Critical interrogation of what "Sustainable Development" is or might be - exploring the
origins, plurality and complexity of ideas of sustainable development and approaches to
problems facing society and environment
b) Interdisciplinarity - which enables students to pursue specialist learning in partner subjects
of their choice alongside the core sustainable development modules
c) Transformative rather than just transmitted knowledge - shifting the balance of learning
from just gaining knowledge about sustainability towards education for sustainability
Other features include:
a) A range of lectures, field trips, group and individual work that will challenge students'
notions of that which is often accepted as truth. Thus de-familiarising the familiar to allow
the students to engage in an exciting and challenging intellectual journey.
b) Students will also engage with topics such as renewable energy, markets, institutions and
governance, biodiversity conservation, social justice and policy and decision making.

In the course of this programme students will develop programme-specific skills.

Demonstrate original thought
Construct a coherent argument or debate by demonstrating logical processing of (complex) information and deductive reasoning
Apply critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis to solve complex problems
Demonstrate use of an appropriate range of resources to the task at hand
Evaluate relevant best practices for the task at hand
Engage directly with current research, developments and skills in the discipline
Demonstrate active learning
Demonstrate reflective learning, including the ability to engage with and learn from feedback
Demonstrate independence of thought and reasoning
Demonstrate skills in time management, self-discipline and self-motivation
Work independently
Communicate with clarity and accuracy, orally (including presentation) and in writing
Engage with the views and opinions of others
Present work and findings in a professional manner, with attention to detail

Students will engage with independent and group study in a supportive framework of teaching and learning. The strategy is to use methods of teaching and assessment that will facilitate learning appropriate to the aims of the degree programme. The following methods will be employed where appropriate to the level of study and the particular content of each module in the programme.

Lectures
Small group discussions / tutorials
Independent study activities (supervised and unsupervised)
Field Trips
One-to-one discussions / supervision
Project work
Presentations
Seminars
Larger group discussions / seminars
Group work
Reflective practice
Guided instruction/coaching

Assessment can be a blend of diagnostic work to determine student needs, formative work submitted for assessment and feedback (but not necessarily for academic credit) or summative work submitted for academic credit.

Dissertations / projects
Presentations
Commentaries
Unseen written examinations
Essays
Literature reviews
Portfolio of independent work
Group assignments
Posters
Problem solving exercises

Students' scholarship skills (in, for example, academic writing, information gathering and academic conduct) will be supported and developed through this programme. The following will be available, where appropriate to the level of study and the particular content of each module in the programme.

Handouts / handbooks
Web based and Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) resources
Feedback
Library support and resources
Reading lists
Training in Good Academic Practice
Office hours and staff availability
Access to computer classrooms
IT services support
Student services support (available on application. Individual support will be available for students with disabilities registered with the University)
Study skills support (CAPOD) (available on application)
Mathematics and statistics support (available on application)
Student representation
Free WiFi