BSc Sustainable Development
About this course
BSc (Honours) in Sustainable Development, a geography degree focusing on environmental and developmental challenges. The course covers sustainability principles and practices through an interdisciplinary approach across four years of full-time study. The first year introduces societal and technological transformations and tackles contemporary global and local challenges through Creating Sustainable Futures and Sustainable Development: tackling global challenges. The second year examines diverse human-nature relationships and security measures via Changing Natures: nurturing diversity, Securing sustainable solutions, and Sustainable Scotland. Later stages provide further study in areas such as Building sustainable, inclusive and just cities, Extractive Environments, Global Health Disparities, Governance for Sustainability, Green Politics: theory and practice, Home and Energy Geographies, The Blue Economy and Maritime Security Intersections and Interdependence, The Nature of Political Ecology, and Transitioning to Sustainability: Community, Nature and Governance.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAA IB: 38 (HL 6,6,6)
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What students say
Based on about 46 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 83%
- Academic support: 98%
- Organisation and management: 94%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 18 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Conservation and environment professionals: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Welfare and housing associate professionals: 10%
- Artistic, literary and media occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 95%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 25 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- North East: 5%
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East of England: 10%
- London: 40%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 5%
- Scotland: 25%
- Northern Ireland: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 80%
- Baccalaureate: 20%
Modules
- Building sustainable, inclusive and just cities
- Extractive Environments
- Global Health Disparities
- Governance for Sustainability
- Green Politics: theory and practice
- Home and Energy Geographies
- The Blue Economy and Maritime Security Intersections and Interdependence
- The Nature of Political Ecology
- Transitioning to Sustainability: Community, Nature and Governance
- Creating Sustainable Futures
- Sustainable Development: tackling global challenges
- Changing Natures: nurturing diversity
- Securing sustainable solutions
- Sustainable Scotland
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Sustainable Development at University of St Andrews earn?
The median salary is £29,000 after 15 months, £29,000 after 3 years, £39,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £30,000 and £50,000. The £39,500 median after five years is £7,500 more than the UK median for Physical geographical sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Sustainable Development at University of St Andrews do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Sustainable Development at University of St Andrews?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Sustainable Development at University of St Andrews?
The typical offer is AAA at A level. The average entrant had 197 UCAS points.
Does BSc Sustainable Development at University of St Andrews include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Sustainable Development at University of St Andrews?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.