Sustainable Development

The Sustainable Development program at the University of St Andrews offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking necessary to address the complex challenges of sustainable development in the 21st century. This program explores the interconnections between environmental, social, and economic systems, emphasizing the importance of integrated approaches to create a more equitable and sustainable future. Students will engage with a wide range of topics, including climate change, biodiversity conservation, social justice, economic development, and policy-making, gaining a holistic understanding of the issues and solutions associated with sustainable development.

Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to study both theoretical concepts and practical applications, encouraging them to think critically about real-world problems and develop innovative strategies for sustainability. The program promotes active learning through case studies, fieldwork, seminars, and collaborative projects, fostering teamwork and communication skills essential for effective leadership in sustainability initiatives. Interdisciplinary in nature, the degree draws upon expertise from fields such as economics, politics, environmental science, ethics, and international relations, preparing graduates to work across sectors and borders.

The curriculum is structured to include core modules that lay the foundation of sustainable development principles, alongside optional courses allowing students to specialise in areas like renewable energy, environmental policy, social innovation, or ethical business practices. Students also undertake a dissertation or research project that provides an opportunity to investigate a specific issue in depth, contributing to the body of knowledge on sustainability.

The University of St Andrews is committed to fostering a global perspective and encourages students to consider international perspectives and solutions. The program supports flexible learning options, including opportunities for placements, internships, and collaborative projects with external organizations, enabling students to gain practical experience and establish professional networks. Graduates of the Sustainable Development program will be well-equipped to pursue careers in NGOs, governmental agencies, consultancy firms, international organizations, or to continue academic research in related fields, contributing to policy development, advocacy, and sustainable business practices worldwide.

• Introduction to International Relations
• Foreign Policy Analysis and International Security
• Theoretical Approaches to International Relations
• Issues in International Relations
• International Political Economy
• International Regimes and Organisations
• International Terrorism
• Case Studies in Conflict Analysis
• International Relations and International Law
• US Foreign Policy: The Dilemmas of Empire
• The Politics of Africa
• International Security
• Diplomacy and Conflict Intervention
• The Logic of Irregular Warfare
• Human Rights in Theory and Practice
• Globalisation and its Disjunctures
• Peace Processes and Violence
• International Political Theory
• Representations of Violent Conflict: Research Seminar
• Pathways of European State Formation
• Violence in Deeply-Divided Societies
• Foreign Policy of Modern China
• Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Intervention
• International History and International Relations
• State, Power, Crime
• Mapping the Boundaries of Emerging and Evolving Securities
• International Relations and the Internet
• Political Leadership: Theories and History
• Armaments and International Relations
• Armed Forces, Societies and Governments: An International Perspective on Civil-Military Relations
• Rebellion and Revolution
• The United Nations since 1945
• Organised Crime and Corruption
• Critical Terrorism Studies
• Refugees and International Relations
• Emotional Encounters: Diplomacy, Power and Persuasion in World Politics
• The International Criminal Court in World Politics
• Armed Conflict in Postcolonial Africa
• Asian Security
• Gender and Generation
• Conflict in the Middle East
• Politics and State Formation in the Middle East
• Democracy and Revolution in North Africa
• Honours Dissertation in International Relations
• Communication in International Relations
• Global Public Policy
• The International Relations of Sub-Saharan Africa
• Ethics and the Use of Force
• The Aftermath of the Wars: Liberal Dilemmas
• Genocide 
• The Cultural Politics of Human Rights
• Theories of Friendship, Solidarity and Peace
• Warmongers and Peacemakers: Religious Actors and Conflict
• Identities, Belonging and Others
• The Changing Character of War
• Activism and Resistance
• Wars and Peace in the Caucasus
• Indian Foreign Policy
• The Psychology of International Security
• Force and Statecraft
• Cosmopolitanism and Global Politics
• The Politics of the Environment
• Europe, America and the Transatlantic
• Music, Politics and International Relations
• Dilemmas of International Governance: Conflict and Human Rights
• Security as Ethics: Rethinking the Global Polity
• Ideologies and Social Movements in the Middle East
• Political Order and Violence in the Middle East
• International Relations of the Middle East
• Central Asia in International Politics
• Political Islam and International Relations

Requirements

If you have graduated from high school in Russia with a national school leaving certificate (Certificate of Secondary (Complete) General Education Attestat o Srednem (Polnom) Obshchem Obrazovanii), we would also expect you to have one of the following:

• A recognised foundation programme certificate. The University's Centre for International Foundation Programmes (CIFP) offers a range of programmes providing an excellent preparation for undergraduate academic study and we welcome students with strong Attestat scores.  Find out more about taking a foundation programme at the University of St Andrews.
• At least 3 A Levels
• An IB Diploma
• At least 5 'Group A' advanced placement subjects

If you are studying a foreign language qualification and you wish this to be considered, it should be in a language that is foreign to you and should not be in your first language. You should indicate in your personal statement that the foreign language qualification you are studying is not your first language. If this is not the case your application may be considered less competitive.

• IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component
• TOEFL (IBT) 92 overall with at least 20 in all components
• Pay the required £50 (50 pounds sterling) fee through the University’s online payment service. Please note the order number given to your purchase on your application form so that we can match the payment to your application.
• A personal statement detailing why you are applying for the course. 
• An up-to-date transcript showing the subjects you are taking at high school and your achieved and predicted grades. If your school has a school profile, this should also be included.
• An evaluation of your general character, academic ability and likelihood of success at university level from a teacher or high school counsellor. You should either:
  • Attach your referee’s report in the form of a letter on school stationery, dated and signed by your referee.
  • Or send the name and details of the person who will provide your reference with your application, and use the referee report form (PDF, 599 KB). This must be clearly marked with your name. You can attach this form to your application, send it separately or we can email the referee directly if that is more convenient.

Scholarships

• Global Education
• International Undergraduate Scholarship
• BA International Honours Scholarship
• Students' Association Bursary Fund
• TOEFL Merit Scholarship Programme

The Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Development at the University of St Andrews is an interdisciplinary programme designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the social, economic, and environmental aspects of sustainability. The programme emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing graduates to address the complex challenges facing global development today. Students explore a wide range of topics, including environmental policy, resource management, climate change, social justice, and economic development, through a combination of lectures, seminars, fieldwork, and research projects.

The curriculum is structured to provide both a theoretical foundation and practical experience. Core modules cover fundamental concepts in sustainability science, ethical considerations, and the role of institutions in promoting sustainable development. Elective courses allow students to specialise in areas such as natural resource management, environmental economics, or social policy. The programme also incorporates opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and collaboration, fostering an understanding of how different sectors interact to shape sustainable societies.

Research is a key component of the programme, with students undertaking independent projects that develop their analytical skills and deepen their understanding of specific issues. These projects often involve stakeholder engagement, data analysis, and policy evaluation. The university benefits from strong links with environmental organizations, government agencies, and industry leaders, providing students with valuable networking and internship opportunities.

Graduates of the Sustainable Development programme can pursue careers in public policy, environmental consultancy, non-governmental organizations, international agencies, or further academic research. The programme’s emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches ensures that students are well-prepared to contribute to multidisciplinary teams working towards sustainable solutions. Overall, the programme at the University of St Andrews offers a rigorous, research-informed education designed to develop future leaders in sustainability and development sectors.