BA (Hons) Urban Sustainability Studies
Overview
This unique three-year degree will offer students the opportunity to engage with sustainability issues in diverse European contexts, providing them with a comprehensive, hands-on education. Participants will explore solutions to the most urgent urban and rural sustainability challenges while earning a joint Bachelor’s degree, recognised by seven top universities across Europe.
The programme offers a dynamic and flexible learning experience. In the first year, students will focus on foundational skills and knowledge, with the option to study at any of the seven partner universities. In years two and three, students will have the chance to personalize their studies by selecting minors from across 10 YUFE universities, matching their strengths and interests and gaining international experience by studying at multiple locations throughout Europe. The programme culminates in a dissertation project that allows students to showcase their expertise in urban sustainability.
YUFE's Joint Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies is not just about academics; it’s a collaborative, global learning experience. Students will work alongside peers, professors, and industry leaders from across Europe, tackling real-world sustainability challenges in a creative, interactive environment. This programme fosters lifelong professional connections, equipping graduates with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to lead in the evolving field of urban sustainability.
With applications now open, prospective students are encouraged to join one of YUFE’s upcoming webinars to learn more about this exciting new opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a student, where will I be at all stages of the programme?
Year 1: At Essex, as your chosen Starting University.
Year 2: On mobility, spending the next two (or three) semesters at a minimum of two YUFE partner universities during your year abroad.
Year 3: Most likely back at Essex, although you could choose to spend a third term abroad (i.e. Autumn term of your 3rd year).
What is a ‘YUFE Minor’ module?
YUFE Minors are innovative thematic modules which last one semester and are contributed by each of the YUFE partner universities. They are related to the degree subject of Urban Sustainability Studies, worth 30 ECTS, and typically combine regular academic teaching methods with ‘Challenge’ components where students team up to solve real-world challenges set by local organisations.
How much will it cost to enrol on the programme starting at Essex for UK home and international students?
At Essex, tuition fees will be charged at standard rates for home and international students during Years 1 and 3, and at the standard ‘year abroad’ rate (15%) during Year 2.
Will I be able to access a student loan(s) throughout my studies on the YUFE joint Bachelor?
Yes, you will be eligible for student loans to cover your fees and maintenance for the duration of the course.
What will my qualification be at the end, and will my YUFE Bachelor carry the same weight and equal value across all partner institutions and countries?
By the time you graduate, you will earn a recognized degree awarded by 7 top universities, giving you a standout credential that is respected across Europe.
The Joint Degree is a Bachelor’s degree equivalent to Bachelor of Science or Arts in the UK.
In practical terms, the coordinating university running this Joint Bachelor Programme will give you one document — a joint diploma — on behalf of all the Degree Awarding Partners. This will show that you have completed the programme and earned the Joint Degree, following the rules in place.
For more information on the Joint Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies and to apply, please visit here.
- A truly European degree. Study urban sustainability from multiple perspectives through the YUFE alliance.
- Real-world impact. Tackle live sustainability challenges with businesses, policymakers, and communities.
- Tailor your studies and gain industry connections for a future in sustainability for a flexible career pathway.
Study abroad
During this course students will study with at least two universities outside Essex, ensuring a unique, diverse and international experience and perspectives on sustainability. This is made possible through the YUFE network.
Our expert staff
Professor Nadine Rossol is a historian specializing in German and European history, with a focus on the Weimar Republic and 20th-century Germany. She has co-edited The Oxford Handbook of the Weimar Republic (OUP, 2022) and has contributed to discussions on historical memory through podcasts, blogs, and academic publications. Her research explores themes of revolution, political change, and the role of institutions such as the police in shaping society. A recipient of an Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship, she has conducted extensive research in Germany and has secured funding for projects examining the German Revolution of 1918.
Dr Dorian Hayes, Deputy Director of Partnerships (Europe), Office of the Vice Chancellor: responsible for brokering and managing Essex’s partnerships with European Higher Education Institutions, and for coordinating our involvement in two European Commission-funded Alliances and networks – YUFE (Young Universities for the Future of Europe) and YERUN (Young European Research Universities Network).
Professor Leanne Hepburn (Life Sciences): Leanne’s research focuses on marine biodiversity, sustainability, and other key themes. She is passionate about the environment and teaches on global sustainability challenges in the YUFE degree in Urban Sustainability Studies.
Dr Jason Sumich (Department of Sociology and Criminology): Jason is a political anthropologist who researches and teaches on urban government, crime, urban space, and control—important themes in the YUFE degree in Urban Sustainability Studies.
Dr Lisa Blackmore (School of Philosophical, Historical and Interdisciplinary Studies): Lisa’s research explores human relationships with the environment and the connections between politics, art, and architecture in Latin America and the Caribbean. She is interested in global sustainability and teaches research skills, water conflicts, and human rights.
Your future
Your Future
The YUFE Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies opens doors to various Master's programmes in fields like urbanism, environmental policy, and sustainable development. There is a wide range of opportunities for Master's study at all the YUFE partner universities, as well as other institutions worldwide.
Beyond academia, our programme's Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for careers in urban sustainability. Covering economics, business, urbanism, engineering, environmental sciences, and the humanities, our interdisciplinary approach to this urgent issue bridges professional fields and fosters a global perspective. With a strong focus on critical thinking, adaptability, and lifelong learning, you will enjoy diverse options and flexibility in your learning journey, ensuring you are well-prepared for various roles in making cities sustainable and resilient during your professional career after the degree. An international outlook, coupled with strong proficiency in English and opportunities to encounter and learn other European languages during the programme, will further enhance your skillset.
As a leading example of joint education provision in Europe, the programme also provides you with real-world experience of international collaboration and problem-solving. As a graduate of the Joint Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies, you will have already built an international network of students, teachers, and businesses across Europe to access when you leave university.
"The minor on Borders, Finland and Russia at the University of Eastern Finland was an incredibly enriching experience. The structure of YUFE allowed me to specialize in topics that aren’t typically covered in other programmes. Highly recommended!" – Emma Caals & Sara De Bruyn, YUFE alumni
Course content
Course structure
Start your studies at a chosen partner university and build a common foundation in urban sustainability. In years two and three, you can personalize your curriculum by selecting three minors from at least two different universities, allowing you to study at multiple locations in Europe. The programme concludes with a bachelor’s thesis project.
Minor Options Include:
- Urban Health & Wellbeing - Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
- Urban Ecology in Europe - Sorbonne Nouvelle University, Paris, France
- Design and Perspectives on Heritage - University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Urban Sustainable Development - Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Smart Cities for Sustainable Culture - University Carlos III of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Components
Components are the blocks of study that make up your course. A component may have a set module which you must study, or a number of modules from which you can choose.
Each component has a status and carries a certain number of credits towards your qualification.
| Status | What this means |
| Core |
You must take the set module for this component and you must pass. No failure can be permitted. |
| Core with Options |
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component but you must pass. No failure can be permitted. |
| Compulsory |
You must take the set module for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
| Compulsory with Options |
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
| Optional |
You can choose which module to study from the available options for this component. There may be limited opportunities to continue on the course/be eligible for the qualification if you fail. |
The modules that are available for you to choose for each component will depend on several factors, including which modules you have chosen for other components, which modules you have completed in previous years of your course, and which term the module is taught in.
Modules
Modules are the individual units of study for your course. Each module has its own set of learning outcomes and assessment criteria and also carries a certain number of credits.
In most cases you will study one module per component, but in some cases you may need to study more than one module. For example, a 30-credit component may comprise of either one 30-credit module, or two 15-credit modules, depending on the options available.
Modules may be taught at different times of the year and by a different department or school to the one your course is primarily based in. You can find this information from the module code. For example, the module code HR100-4-FY means:
| HR | 100 | 4 | FY |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The department or school the module will be taught by. In this example, the module would be taught by the Department of History. |
The module number. |
The UK academic level of the module. A standard undergraduate course will comprise of level 4, 5 and 6 modules - increasing as you progress through the course. A standard postgraduate taught course will comprise of level 7 modules. A postgraduate research degree is a level 8 qualification. |
The term the module will be taught in.
|
COMPONENT 01: CORE
This module will introduce you to the major themes of sustainability along with the most recent developments. Topics include environmental sustainability issues like water, food, and energy; social sustainability themes like environmental justice and transportation; and economic sustainability topics like green businesses and economic development as well as sustainability issues in universities. We will use case studies to explore examples and understand the issues and future of sustainability.
View Introduction to Global Sustainability Challenges on our Module Directory
COMPONENT 02: CORE
The world does not have disciplines; it has problems. What's more, the most important problems we face - problems like climate change, migration, sustainable economic production, democratic governance, and so on - cannot be solved with the tools of any single discipline. Such problems require collaborative, creative, and interdisciplinary approaches, and this module introduces students to this type of interdisciplinary thinking. Students will learn how to approach complex problems by drawing on theories and methods from multiple disciplines, learning how to think flexibly and work with others to find creative solutions to real-world problems.
View Interdisciplinary Research and Problem-Solving: An Introduction on our Module Directory
COMPONENT 03: CORE
This interdisciplinary module explores the rich diversity of ways of knowing the world. We examine different frameworks of knowing that have characterised and shaped human societies historically and today.
COMPONENT 04: CORE
Revolutions are cornerstones of history. Radical political change often required the violent overthrow of existing systems of politics and government. This modules studies major revolutions to ask: What counts as a revolution? Who makes revolutions happen? Why do revolutions succeed or fail? How has the world been changed by revolutions? We will study key revolutions from across global history, from the American and French revolutions of the late eighteenth century, to the revolutions in Haiti, Japan, and China, and finishing with the Russian Revolution and the failed German revolution of 1918. The module will allow students to study some of the biggest turning points in world history, and to understand how and why the world changed at these moments.
View Revolutions in History, 1776-1919: How to Change the World on our Module Directory
COMPONENT 05: CORE
COMPONENT 06: CORE
COMPONENT 07: CORE
What research methods do sociologists use? And what are the methodologies underpinning them? Wish to learn how to critically evaluate social research? And receive training in collecting quantitative and qualitative data? We study the principles of social science investigation and how to carry out original research.
COMPONENT 02: CORE WITH OPTIONS
COMPONENT 01: CORE WITH OPTIONS
COMPONENT 02: CORE
COMPONENT 03: CORE
Year abroad
You will study at one of our partner universities which currently includes:
- Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
- University Carlos III of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Sorbonne Nouvelle University, Paris, France
- University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
- University of Essex, Essex, United Kingdom
- University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
- University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
Entry requirements
UK entry requirements
To enrol in YUFE’s Joint Bachelor, you’ll need to have a secondary education degree and a minimum of B2 level in English. To start your studies at Essex you will also need to meet our criteria as outlined below.
- A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels.
- BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels. The acceptability of BTECs is dependent on subject studied and optional units taken - email ugquery@essex.ac.uk for advice.
- Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent. Tariff point offers may be made if you are taking a qualification, or mixture of qualifications, from the list on our undergraduate application information page.
- IB: 30 - 29 points in the IB Diploma or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects.
- IB Career-related Programme: We consider combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications. Advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
- QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma:120 - 112 UCAS tariff points, depending on subject studied - advice on acceptability can be provided, email Undergraduate Admissions.
- T-levels: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points. We consider T-levels on a case-by-case basis, depending on subject studied. Depending on the course applied for there may be additional requirements, which may include a specific grade in the Core.
International & EU entry requirements
We accept a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. Get in touch with any questions you may have about the qualifications we accept. Remember to tell us about the qualifications you have already completed or are currently taking.
Sorry, the entry requirements for the country that you have selected are not available here. Please contact our Undergraduate Admissions team at ugquery@essex.ac.uk to request the entry requirements for this country.
English language requirements
English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or specified score in an equivalent test that we accept.
Details of English language requirements and the tests we accept for applicants who require a Student visa (excluding Nationals of Majority English Speaking Countries) can be found here
If we accept the English component of an international qualification it will be included in the academic levels listed above for the relevant countries.
Pre-sessional English courses
If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.
Fees and funding
Home/UK fee
£9,790 per year
International fee
£21,500 per year
Fees will increase for each academic year of study.
If your course has the option to include a placement year or study abroad, and you choose to do so, you will pay the following:
Placement year
20% of your standard tuition fee for that year
Study abroad
Full year abroad
15% of your standard tuition fee for that year
Single term abroad
Standard tuition fee
Scholarships and financial support
There may be scholarships, bursaries or discounts available to help with the cost of this course.
Fees and funding guide
What's next
Open Days
Our events are a great way to find out more about studying at Essex. We run a number of Open Days throughout the year which enable you to discover what our campus has to offer. You have the chance to:
- tour our campus and accommodation
- find out answers to your questions about our courses, student finance, graduate employability, student support and more
- meet our students and staff
Check out our Visit Us pages to find out more information about booking onto one of our events. And if the dates aren’t suitable for you, feel free to book a campus tour here.
2026 Open Days (Colchester Campus)
Applying
To apply for this course, you will need to apply through the YUFE Virtual Campus as well as applying to the University of Essex through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
Applications will be considered in three application windows:
- October to 14 February
- 15 February – 2 July
- 3 July – August, the closing date for applications is to be confirmed
Once you have submitted a UCAS application, we will confirm your outcome after the relevant application window closes.
Full details on how to apply through UCAS can be found on the filling in your UCAS undergraduate application web page.
Our UK students, and some of our EU and international students, who are still at school or college, can apply through their school. Your school will be able to check and then submit your completed application to UCAS. Our other international applicants (EU or worldwide) or independent applicants in the UK can also apply online through UCAS Apply.
The UCAS code for our University of Essex is ESSEX E70.
Visit Colchester Campus
Set within 200 acres of award-winning parkland - Wivenhoe Park and located two miles from the historic city centre of Colchester – England's oldest recorded development. Our Colchester Campus is also easily reached from London and Stansted Airport in under one hour.
Virtual tours
If you live too far away to come to Essex (or have a busy lifestyle), no problem. Our 360-degree virtual tour allows you to explore our University from the comfort of your home. Check out our Colchester virtual tour to see accommodation options, facilities and social spaces.
At Essex we pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive student community. We offer a wide range of support to individuals and groups of student members who may have specific requirements, interests or responsibilities.
The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its programme specification is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to courses, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include, but are not limited to: strikes, other industrial action, staff illness, severe weather, fire, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack (whether declared or not), natural disaster, restrictions imposed by government or public authorities, epidemic or pandemic disease, failure of public utilities or transport systems or the withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to courses may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications. The University would inform and engage with you if your course was to be discontinued, and would provide you with options, where appropriate, in line with our Compensation and Refund Policy.
The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.
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