BA (Hons) Global Studies with Sustainability at University of Essex

Programme overview

The BA Global Studies with Sustainability is a three-year degree at the Colchester Campus, extendable to four years with an optional placement or study abroad year. It examines global challenges such as climate change, migration, inequality, conflict and sustainable development, drawing on the humanities and social sciences alongside environmental sustainability.

Department: School of Philosophical, Historical, and Interdisciplinary Studies | Duration: 3 years full-time (4 years with optional placement or study abroad year) | Intake: October 2027 | Study mode: full-time; year abroad option, placement year option | Location: Colchester, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 compulsory modules include Interdisciplinary Research and Problem-Solving, Ways of Knowing, Introduction to Global Sustainability Challenges and Introduction to International Relations. Year 2 adds Social Entrepreneurs, Sustainability and Community Action and Addressing Global Sustainability Challenges; the final year includes Water Conflicts, Water Cultures and Climate Change and Pollution, with international or language options throughout.

Career pathways

Sustainability and environmental management (sustainability officer, environmental consultant, ESG roles); international organisations and NGOs; government and public policy; community development and social enterprise; research and consultancy; postgraduate study in sustainability, international development or environmental policy.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A-levels: 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels. IB: 29 points in the IB Diploma, or 112 UCAS tariff points including a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects. Applications are made through UCAS (Essex institution code E70). A-levels, AAQs, BTECs, Access to HE Diploma, T-levels and most other qualifications with UCAS tariff points are accepted; acceptability of some non A-level qualifications such as BTECs depends on subject and units taken. Applicants who miss the requirements, have a non-traditional background or are mature students are still encouraged to apply and are reviewed individually. Contextual offers (UK-resident applicants from underrepresented groups) are available: 96 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels. International applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or an accepted equivalent test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year. Fees as listed for the course (start October 2027); fees increase for each year of study. Placement year is charged at 20% of the standard fee and a full study-abroad year at 15%. Source

International applicants: GBP 22,575 a year. Fees as listed for the course (start October 2027); fees increase for each year of study. Placement year is charged at 20% of the standard fee and a full study-abroad year at 15%. Source

Intake: October 2027

Duration: 3 years full-time (4 years with optional placement or study abroad year)

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