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Undergraduate Course
BA (Hons) Urban Sustainability Studies
Overview
The details
Urban Sustainability Studies
K441
October 2026
Full-time
What is the BA Urban Sustainability Studies?
The BA Urban Sustainability Studies is a three-year Joint Bachelor degree that explores how we can create more sustainable, resilient and inclusive cities for the future.
You’ll investigate the social, environmental and economic challenges facing urban communities, developing the knowledge and skills needed to understand and address sustainability issues in different global and European contexts. Through an interdisciplinary approach, you’ll explore how cities can adapt, innovate and become more sustainable places to live.
Why this course
The BA Urban Sustainability Studies gives you the opportunity to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the world today, including climate change, urban growth, inequality, transport, energy and the future of our cities.
As cities continue to grow and change, there is increasing demand for graduates who understand how environmental, social, political and economic factors connect. This course brings together perspectives from across disciplines, helping you develop creative solutions to complex sustainability challenges.
You’ll study as part of the YUFE (Young Universities for the Future of Europe) alliance, working with students, academics and partners across Europe. This international learning experience helps you develop a global perspective and build networks that extend beyond graduation.
You’ll combine academic study with real-world problem solving, exploring how sustainability challenges affect communities and how organisations, businesses and policymakers can work together to create change.
The flexible structure allows you to personalise your studies through specialist modules and develop expertise in areas that match your interests and career ambitions, including sustainable development, urban wellbeing, heritage, ecology and smart cities.
By the end of your degree, you’ll have developed the critical thinking, research, collaboration and problem-solving skills needed to contribute to a more sustainable future.
Who should apply
- Students passionate about sustainability, cities and creating solutions to global challenges
- Curious thinkers who want to understand how environmental, social and economic issues connect
- Learners interested in gaining international experience and working across cultures
- Students looking for an interdisciplinary degree that prepares them for careers shaping the future of sustainable communities
What you’ll learn
- Global sustainability challenges: Explore environmental, social and economic issues including climate change, energy, food, water and inequality
- Sustainable cities: Understand how urban spaces develop and how cities can become healthier, more resilient and inclusive
- People and communities: Examine how citizens, organisations and policymakers influence sustainable change
- Research and problem solving: Develop skills to investigate sustainability challenges and create evidence-based solutions
- Interdisciplinary approaches: Combine ideas from subjects including history, sociology, politics, environmental studies and urban development
Your learning experience
- Study across Europe: Spend part of your degree at partner universities within the YUFE alliance, gaining international experience and different perspectives on sustainability challenges
- Collaborative learning: Work alongside students, academics and external partners to explore real-world sustainability issues
- Challenge-based projects: Apply your knowledge to practical problems and develop solutions connected to communities and organisations
- Flexible study options: Choose specialist modules that reflect your interests and career goals
- Expert teaching: Learn from academics researching sustainability, urban development, society, history, politics and environmental issues
- International network: Graduate with experience of working across European institutions and building connections with students and professionals from different countries
Areas you can explore
- Urban Sustainable Development: Explore how cities can grow while reducing environmental impact and improving quality of life
- Urban Ecology: Understand relationships between cities, nature and biodiversity
- Urban Health and Wellbeing: Examine how urban environments influence people’s health and experiences
- Smart Cities and Sustainable Culture: Explore how technology, innovation and culture contribute to sustainable futures
- Heritage and sustainable communities: Investigate the role of history and cultural identity in shaping future cities
Careers and outcomes
A BA Urban Sustainability Studies degree can prepare you for careers in sectors and roles such as:
- Sustainability and environmental organisations: Sustainability officer, environmental consultant, climate policy roles and sustainability project management
- Urban development and planning: Urban policy, regeneration, community development and sustainable development roles
- Government and public services: Local government, policy research and public sector sustainability roles
- International organisations: Roles within European institutions, NGOs and global sustainability organisations
- Business and consultancy: Corporate sustainability, responsible business and environmental strategy roles
- Further study: Postgraduate study in sustainability, urbanism, environmental policy and related disciplines
Employers of graduates from this course
Graduates from this course develop skills suited to careers across sustainability, policy, research and international organisations, including:
- Local and national government organisations
- Environmental and sustainability organisations
- International development organisations
- Urban planning and regeneration organisations
- Consultancy and research organisations
- Businesses developing sustainable practices
Why we're great.
- 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.
Course content
Components and modules explained
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
Introduction to Global Sustainability Challenges
(15 CREDITS)
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
Interdisciplinary Research and Problem-Solving: An Introduction
(15 CREDITS)
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
Ways of Knowing
(15 CREDITS)
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 in History, 1776-1919: How to Change the World
(15 CREDITS)
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
Cities and Citizens in European History
(15 CREDITS)
COMPONENT 06: CORE
Contemporary Urban Developments
(15 CREDITS)
COMPONENT 07: CORE
Researching Social Life
(15 CREDITS)
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
Urban Sustainability Research Project
(30 CREDITS)
COMPONENT 03: CORE
Urban Sustainability
(15 CREDITS)
Entry requirements
Clearing entry requirements
We currently have places available in Clearing across a range of our courses with most offers expected to be made at CCD - CDD (88 - 80 UCAS tariff points) or equivalent. A complete breakdown of expected Clearing entry requirements, by course, is available on our Clearing entry requirements page.
We consider each application individually and requirements may be lower for some of our courses, so please still get in touch if your grades are below those outlined.
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)
How to apply during Clearing
Once you’ve checked that we have the right course for you, applying couldn’t be simpler. Fill in our quick and easy Clearing application form with as much detail as you can. We’ll then take a look and get back to you with a decision.
If you already hold an offer from Essex
Please don't reapply through Clearing. We'll review your existing application using our Clearing entry requirements. If you're worried about meeting your offer or would like to change course, please contact our Admissions Team on ugquery@essex.ac.uk.
Interviews
We don’t require an interview for most of our courses that are available through Clearing, however there are some courses such as those in our School of Health and Social Care and East 15 Acting School where an interview (or audition) may be required. If this is something that’s required for the course you have applied for, we’ll email you with all of the details.
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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