Course Content

This course is a creative, practical and innovative approach to learning sustainable practice and building life-long skills.  

The course is divided into three Units:

Unit 1: Understanding Sustainability and Design Thinking

You will deepen your understanding of sustainability and learn the principles of Design Thinking as an approach to solving real-world problems.

Unit 2: Designing Sustainable Solutions

You will choose three Global Challenge Projects from a menu. In each, you will devise a solution to a real-world problem rooted in one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. You will develop the skills of independent research, problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, communication and entrepreneurship. These important skills are increasingly sought by employers, universities and colleges.

Unit 3: Entrepreneurship – Ideas Into Action

You will choose one of your solutions from Unit 2 to develop further as a sustainable business or social enterprise proposal. This part of the course includes sessions with the University of Stirling Enterprise Team, and the opportunity to present your proposal and receive feedback from entrepreneurs.

Career progression

These year long diplomas are designed to build transferable skills and confidence. Due to the nature of this course, it could lead into almost all industries with jobs including sustainability manager, ESG analyst, renewable energy project manager, climate policy researcher, circular-economy specialist, community development lead, environmental consultant, sustainable finance professional and more. 

Sustainability is becoming a key consideration for all sectors therefore no matter what career you wish to pursue, building knowledge around sustainable practises is consistently desirable. 

Assessment and additional information

There is no exam for this course, you will be assessed based on a portfolio of work that you create throughout the year. The course is a Diploma qualification worth 24 points at SCQF Level 6 (equivalent to one Higher) which has UCAS and international recognition. '