Key information
- Duration:
- 3 years full time
- Typical A-level offer:
- ABB
View full entry requirements - UCAS code:
- L901
- Start date:
- September 2026
- 1st in the world for Development Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
- 8th in the UK for Sustainability (QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025)
- 9th in the UK for Social Sciences (The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
Climate change affects every aspect of our everyday lives. From our homes to our health, rising temperatures and extreme weather are having a devastating impact across the globe.
This course is designed for students who are concerned about the impacts of climate change and how we respond to it, but are more drawn to questions of politics, activism and human rights than natural science.
Climate justice focuses on the social equity, historical responsibility and economic transformations involved in climate change. It is of critical importance to policymakers, NGOs, activists and corporations alike.
The course draws on Sussex's world-leading expertise in development, sustainability and social justice. By studying at Sussex, you’ll:
- learn about the colonial roots of environmental justice conflicts
- explore the proposed responses to the climate crisis
- work with other students who are passionate about understanding climate change, to discuss, design and propose approaches to address it
- explore creative approaches to communicating climate change, such as podcasting, blogging and campaign design
- be inspired by meeting diverse organisations and changemakers from beyond the university who are involved in climate change action.
Our BA is interactive and solutions-focused. You’ll learn both inside and outside of the classroom. You’ll have field trip opportunities, visit local rewilding projects and attend lessons in our campus Forest Food Garden.
Studying this course will allow you to take action around climate change, rather than just study it, and you’ll graduate ready to change the world.
We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
Understanding our warming world has never been more important. A degree in Climate Justice, Sustainability and Development provides you with the tools for investigating what is happening and why, but will also help you to drive change in the world” Paul Gilbert
Reader in Development, Justice and Inequality and Course Convenor
Entry requirements
A-level
Typical offer | ABB |
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Contextual offer | View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
GCSEs | You should have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects. |
Extended Project Qualification | We take the EPQ into account when considering your application and it can be useful in the summer when your results are released if you have narrowly missed the conditions of your offer. We do not routinely include the EPQ in the conditions of your offer but we sometimes offer alternative conditions that include the EPQ. If you wish to discuss this further please contact us |
Other UK qualifications
Access to HE Diploma
Typical offer | Pass Diploma with at least 39 level 3 credits at Merit or above including 27 credits at Distinction |
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Subjects | Humanities or social sciences. |
Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects (including A-level mixes)
Typical offer | M1 M1 M2 If you have one A-level and two Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects we would expect you to have grade B at A-level and, M1 and M1 in two Pre-Us. If you have two A-levels and a Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subject we would normally expect you to have grades AB at A-level and M1 in Pre-U. |
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GCSEs | You should also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects. |
International Baccalaureate
Typical offer | 34 points overall from the full IB Diploma. |
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level
Typical offer | Grade B in A-level and Distinction, Distinction in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.
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Contextual offer | View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
GCSEs | You should also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects. |
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels
Typical offer | Grades AB in A-levels and Distinction in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate. |
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Contextual offer | View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
GCSEs | You should also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects. |
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma)
Typical offer | DDD |
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Contextual offer | View contextual offer Not everyone has the same support to get to higher education – we help you reach your potential. When we receive applications through UCAS, we consider all factors and will sometimes make contextual offers as part of our Access and Participation Plan |
GCSEs | You should also have a broad range of GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C), including good grades in relevant subjects. |
Scottish Highers
Typical offer | AAABB |
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced
Typical offer | AAB from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels |
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GCSEs | You should have a broad range of GCSEs A*-C (9-4), including good grades in relevant subjects. |
International Baccalaureate
Typical offer | 34 points overall from the full IB Diploma. |
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European Baccalaureate
Typical offer | Overall result of at least 80% |
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Other international qualifications
Australia
Typical offer | Relevant state (Year 12) High School Certificate, and between 92% to 88% in the ATAR or UAI/TER/ENTER, or a Queensland OP of 4 or better. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Austria
Typical offer | Reifeprüfung or Matura with an overall result of between 1.8 to 2.0 or better for first-year entry. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Belgium
Typical offer | Certificat d'Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) or Diploma van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs with a good overall average. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Bulgaria
Typical offer | Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie with excellent final-year scores (normally 5.5 overall with 6 in key subjects). |
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Canada
Typical offer | Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) 75% from 6 grade 12 U, U/C or M courses British Columbia Certificate of Graduation AABBB from 5 grade 12 courses We also recognise the High School Diploma from other provinces -including Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick- where we look for strong performance in grade 12 subjects, and the Diplome d'Etudes Collegiales (DEC) from Quebec. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
China
Typical offer | If you have the Goakao, we will consider applications for direct entry to first year. You would normally need an overall average of 75%, including required subjects. We are also pleased to consider applications if you are following a recognised International Foundation Year or you have one or more years of Higher Education in China at a recognised degree awarding institution. The Senior High School Graduation alone would not be sufficient for entry to our undergraduate degrees, but you may be eligible to apply for our International Foundation Year. If you successfully complete an International Foundation Year, you can progress on to a relevant undergraduate course at Sussex. Check which qualifications the International Study Centre accepts for the International Foundation Year. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Croatia
Typical offer | Maturatna Svjedodžba with an overall score of between 4.2 and 4.5 |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Cyprus
Typical offer | Apolytirion of Lykeion with an overall average 18.5/20 and above. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Czech Republic
Typical offer | Maturita with a good overall average. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Denmark
Typical offer | Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF) or Studentereksamen with an overall average of at least 7 on the new grading scale. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Finland
Typical offer | Pass Ylioppilastutkinto with overall final result between EEMM - EMMM |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
France
Typical offer | French Baccalauréat with overall final result of at least 14/20. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Germany
Typical offer | German Abitur with an overall result of 1.8 to 2.0 or better. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Greece
Typical offer | Apolytirion with an overall average of between 18.5 and 19 will be considered for first-year entry. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Hong Kong
Typical offer | Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) with grades of 5, 5, 4 to 5, 4, 4 from three subjects including two electives.
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis |
Hungary
Typical offer | Erettsegi/Matura with a good average of at least 55544 |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
India
Typical offer | Standard XII results for entry into 1st year (depending on board and course choice):
We will also consider students for entry into our integrated foundation years with 60+% |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Iran
Typical offer | Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Ireland
Typical offer | Irish Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) at H1,H1,H2,H2,H3 to H1,H2,H2,H3,H3 |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis |
Israel
Typical offer | For first year entry at least 80% (or 8/10) in at least 6 subjects, including one 5 unit subject, in one sitting of the Bagrut. |
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Italy
Typical offer | Italian Diploma Di Maturità or Diploma Pass Di Esame Di Stato with a final Diploma mark of between 81/100 and 85/100. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Japan
Typical offer | Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kazakhstan
Typical offer | Applicants with Nazarbayev Intellectuals Schools (NIS) Grade 12 Certificate may be considered. The grades in the offer will match the published A level requirements for each course. |
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Additional requirements | Where courses have specific subject requirements, these will be expected to be studied at Advanced level. |
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Latvia
Typical offer | Atestats par Visparejo videjo Izglitibu with very good grades in state exams. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Lithuania
Typical offer | Brandos Atestatas including scores of 80-90% in at least three state examinations (other than English). |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Luxembourg
Typical offer | Pass the Diplome de Fin d’Etudes Secondaires with between 46-48 points overall. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Malaysia
Typical offer | at least Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) with grades of BBB, Matriculation with a least a grade of 3.0 or UEC with an overall average grade B4 (70%) from 6 subjects. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Netherlands
Typical offer | Voorereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO), normally with an average between 7-8. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis |
Nigeria
Typical offer | You are expected to have one of the following:
You must also have a score of C6 or above in WAEC/SSC English. Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Norway
Typical offer | Norwegian Vitnemal Fra Den Videregaende Opplaering - Pass with an overall average of between 4 to 4.5 |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Pakistan
Typical offer | You can apply for direct entry to Year 1 if you are completing at least two years of Bachelor degree studies. You'll normally need to complete a Foundation year after taking Intermediate Certificate or the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC). You might choose one of our International Foundation Years at the International Study Centre on campus. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Poland
Typical offer | Pass Matura with least 3 Extended level subjects in the 75th percentile.
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Portugal
Typical offer | Diploma de Ensino Secundario normally with an overall mark between 17/20 and 18/20. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Romania
Typical offer | Diploma de Bacalaureat with an overall average between 8.5 and 8.7 |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Russia
Typical offer | Applicants who have good grades in the Attestat o Srednem Obrazovami (Certificate of Secondary Education) and who have successfully completed the first year of a Russian University degree, with a minimum GPA of 4.0, will be considered for admission to the first year of our bachelor’s degree courses. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Singapore
Typical offer | A-levels, as well as certain certificates and diplomas. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Slovakia
Typical offer | Pass Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške (Maturita) with an average above 1.8 from 4 subjects.
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Additional requirements | Please note: Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Slovenia
Typical offer | Secondary School Leaving Diploma or Matura with at least 24 points overall. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
South Africa
Typical offer | National Senior Certificate with very good grades. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Spain
Typical offer | Spanish Título de Bachillerato (LOGSE) with an overall average result of at least 8.0. |
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Sri Lanka
Typical offer | Sri Lankan A-levels. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Sweden
Typical offer | Fullstandigt Slutbetyg/Högskoleförberedande Examen with a total of 2,500 credits to include B grades in the majority of subjects.
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Switzerland
Typical offer | Federal Maturity Certificate. |
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Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Turkey
Typical offer | We'll consider students who have taken the Lise Diplomasi or Lise Bitirme, with a score of at least 4/5 or 80/100 in their final year, on a case by case basis for direct entry to year 1. Where direct entry is unsuitable, we'll automatically consider you for one of our Foundation Years. Or you might want to apply to one of our International Foundation Years at the international Study Centre on Campus. Visit isc.sussex.ac.uk/our-courses/international-foundation-year or www.sussex.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/foundation-years |
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USA
Typical offer | We look at your full profile considering everything you are studying, including the High School Graduation Diploma, Grade 12 GPA, SAT tests and subject tests and/or ACT grades and AP tests. We expect to see a combination of these qualifications. Alongside your High School Graduation Diploma, we would ideally like to see 3 good AP scores with either, a combined SAT test score (evidence-based reading and writing and mathematics) of 1300, or a combined ACT score of 26 AP and SAT Subject tests Please check the individual course pages for our typical A-level offer and see below for the corresponding scores we would require from AP test scores:
We will also accept a combination of any 3 AP tests and SAT subject test where a score of 600 in an SAT subject test can be substituted for an AP test in the above table If you are applying for a degree with an A level subject requirement in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or Biology will normally need to hold an AP test in that subject. College level credits We also accept college level 3-credit courses in academic subjects as the equivalent of a UK A Level on a case by case basis. These can be combined with AP tests and or SAT subject tests Associate degrees An Associate degree with a GPA of 3.0 will meet our entry requirements for year 1. Foundation Year entry Students who have a High School Diploma and SAT or ACT tests only would be eligible to apply for our Foundation Year
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Additional requirements | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
My country is not listed
If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us
English language requirements
IELTS (Academic)
6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component
Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our language requirements
IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.
We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.
We do not accept IELTS Online.
Other English language requirements
Proficiency tests
Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)
169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill
Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced.
We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.
You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill
Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency.
We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.
You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.
Pearson (PTE Academic)
59 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills.
Check your Pearson (PTE Academic) qualification meets all of our language requirements
Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic).
Please refer to our English language requirements above, and as listed for each of our undergraduate courses, to find the appropriate English level for the course you are applying for.
PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.
We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.
TOEFL (iBT)
80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing.
Check your TOEFL qualification meets all of our language requirements
Find out more about TOEFL (iBT).
TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.
We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) Home Edition.
The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.
English language qualifications
AS/A-level (GCE)
Grade C or above in English Language.
Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English
GCE O-level
Grade C or above in English.
Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.
Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.
GCSE or IGCSE
Grade C or above in English as a First Language (grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).
Grade B or above in English as a Second Language (grade 6 or above in GCSE from 2017).
Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate
If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.
If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.
Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)
The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%
Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70% or Grade 3
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
English A or English B at grade 5 or above.
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
Grades A – C in English
Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 119/GCE O-level
If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-5 in English Language.
If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.
The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).
West African Senior School Certificate
Grades 1-6 in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).
Country exceptions
Select to see the list of exempt English-speaking countries
If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirements. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.
You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.
Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.
List of exempt countries
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada**
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Kingdom
- USA
** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.
Admissions information for applicants
Transfers into Year 2 | Yes. Find out more about transferring into Year 2 of this course. We don’t accept transfers into the third or final year. |
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If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us
For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.
Course content
This is a single-honours course, allowing you to focus in depth on your core subject.
Find out about our types of undergraduate degrees, their structure, modules and credits
Your degree
In your first year, you’ll be introduced to the core ideas underpinning climate justice and what a call to ‘decarbonise and decolonise’ might mean. You’ll investigate the existing frameworks for understanding climate change and sustainable development, as well as develop your own critiques and alternatives. Practical and study skills will be included within and alongside your core modules, encouraging you to engage with movements and ideas for addressing the climate and environmental crises.
Teaching
Teaching methods typically include lectures, seminars and workshops.
42%: Lecture
36%: Seminar
22%: Practical
Practical skills and applied learning
You’ll have the opportunity to take part in:
- creative workshops to apply your learning to designing campaigns and local solutions
- guest talks by practitioners and activists, as well as visits from alumni to learn from their work
- field trips to explore environmental projects in the local area.
Assessment
Assessment methods typically include coursework with a wide range of creative and authentic assessments.
33%: Coursework
67%: Written assessment
This year of study includes approximately 1,200 hours of work. This breaks down into about 176 hours of contact time and about 1,024 hours of independent study.
Engage and actively participate throughout your studies to get the most out of your course.
Your modules
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn teaching
- Climate Change: An Introduction
- Development Policies and Politics
- Colonialism and its Afterlives
Spring teaching
- Introduction to Climate Justice
- Environmental Management and Sustainable Development
- Global Challenges and Innovations
Explore modules from other subjects as part of your course
At Sussex, you can choose to customise your course to build the sort of degree that will give you the knowledge, skills and experience that could take you in any direction you choose.
As part of this degree, you explore subjects that are different to your course through electives that complement your main subject. Exploring different disciplines in four electives across Years 1 and 2 helps enrich your learning experience.
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.
Check back in January 2026 for more module details.
Your degree
In your second year you’ll gain a deeper understanding of justice struggles across the world and how they challenge ideas around our relationship to the natural world – and each other. You’ll have the opportunity to analyse policy positions and challenge them from the perspective of economic and social justice, while engaging with transnational movements and developing critical practitioner and activist skills. Year 2 is also where you’ll start to decide on your own areas of interest, tailoring your modules to the topics that you care about most.
Teaching
Teaching methods typically include lectures and seminars, with practical options available amongst the electives.
52%: Lecture
48%: Seminar
Assessment
Assessment methods typically include coursework with a wide range of creative and authentic assessments.
20%: Coursework
20%: Group work
60%: Written assessment
This year of study includes approximately 1,200 hours of work. This breaks down into about 176 hours of contact time and about 1,024 hours of independent study.
Engage and actively participate throughout your studies to get the most out of your course.
Your modules
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn teaching
- Global Climate Change
- Social Justice and Development
- Critical Approaches to Development Economics
Spring teaching
- Climate Justice: Policy and Activism
- Environmental Perspectives on Development
Options
Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.
While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.
Spring teaching
- Development and the State
- Gender, Race and Sexuality
- Southeast England Field Class
- Health, Poverty and Inequality
- International Education and Development
Explore modules from other subjects as part of your course
At Sussex, you can choose to customise your course to build the sort of degree that will give you the knowledge, skills and experience that could take you in any direction you choose.
As part of this degree, you explore subjects that are different to your course through electives that complement your main subject. Exploring different disciplines in four electives across Years 1 and 2 helps enrich your learning experience.
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.
Check back in January 2026 for more module details.
Study abroad (optional)
Apply to study abroad – you’ll develop an international perspective and gain an edge when it comes to your career. Find out where your course could take you
If your application to study abroad is successful, you’ll have to meet the academic requirements at Sussex and also at the partner university. Find out more about studying abroad as a Sussex student
Placement (optional)
To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. Our dedicated careers team can provide you with information and advice. If you’re successful in obtaining a placement, this will form part of your course.
Find out more about placements and internships
Please note that if you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t transfer to the version of your course with an optional study abroad period in any country or optional placement in the USA if the number of credits for the placement/internship exceeds 25% of the total credits for your course. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid
Your degree
In your third year you will define your own research interests and areas of expertise. All students will study modules on sustainability policy and the fight for environmental justice, but alongside this decide on the areas of the climate debate that they will specialise in, whether policing and protest or practical skills and project design. This might be achieved through independent research with a thesis, specialist modules taught by University of Sussex experts or work experience.
Teaching
Teaching methods typically include seminars, workshops and masterclasses.
100%: Seminar
Practical skills and applied learning
In addition to your lectures and seminars, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in:
- tailored careers advice to prepare your for the world of work
- discussion groups to reflect on your studies and co-design the course for future years
- talks from global experts in climate justice.
Assessment
Assessment methods typically include independent research projects, policy assessments, podcasts, blogs and essays..
25%: Coursework
75%: Written assessment
This year of study includes approximately 1,200 hours of work. This breaks down into about 132 hours of contact time and about 1,068 hours of independent study.
Engage and actively participate throughout your studies to get the most out of your course.
Your modules
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Autumn teaching
- Advanced Sustainable Development: Sustainability in Policy and Practice
Spring teaching
- Political Ecology and Environmental Justice
Options
You choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.
While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.
Autumn and Spring teaching
- Climate Justice Dissertation
Autumn teaching
- Environmental Politics in the Anthropocene
- Advanced Sustainable Development: Sustainability in Policy and Practice
- Writing the Environment
- Environment and Development in World Politics
- Environmental Protest: Past and Present
- Disasters, Environment and Development
- Development, Business and Corporate Social Responsibility
- Hope for Health: Disease, Development and Society
- Building Peace after War
- Global Work Experience
Spring teaching
- Environmental Anthropology
- Political Ecology and Environmental Justice
- Global Politics of Food
- Decolonial Movements
- Designing Alternatives for Development
- Development Tools and Skills
- Education, Justice and Liberation
- Mobilities and Global Inequalities
- Wealth, Inequality and Development
We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.
We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.
Check back in January 2026 for more module details.

Silver
The student experience and student outcomes are typically very high quality.
This rating was awarded in 2023, for four years.
(Teaching Excellence Framework 2023)
Find out more about our approach to teaching and supporting you to thrive
Our staff
Our Climate Justice, Sustainability and Development degree draws on our world-leading expertise from across the University, as well as introducing you to change makers in Brighton and beyond.” Professor Anne-Meike Fechter
Head of International Development
Dr David Armstrong McKay
Lecturer in Geography, Climate Changeand Society
Prof Anne-Meike Fechter
Professor of Anthropology and International Development
Dr William Lock
Assistant Professor in Anthropology and International Development
Prof David Ockwell
Professor of Sustainability andInternational Development
Dr Dinah Rajak
Associate Professor in Anthropology and International Development
Fees
Fees are not yet set for the academic year 2026/27 – please check back in September 2025. Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis.
Find out about typical living costs for studying at Sussex
Find out about our terms and conditions
Scholarships
Details of our scholarships are not yet set for entry in the academic year 2026/27.
Careers
This course will prepare you for careers that engage with the complex realities of climate change – and that make a real difference in the world.
You’ll gain the skills and knowledge to enter a wide range of sectors and emerging green careers. Whether in policy making, campaigning, sustainable business strategy or investigative journalism, expertise in the social dimensions of the climate crisis is of increasing demand.
By the end of your degree, you'll be able to interrogate the policy frameworks and technical approaches that have been used to respond to climate change globally and locally. You'll also understand the tools used in the private sector, such as carbon accounting and climate insurance and learn to work with growing uncertainty.
Example career paths for graduates include:
- corporate organisations concerned with the climate impact, CSR and sustainability strategy roles at a range of organisations
- NGOs or the charity sector
- policy, civil service and think tanks
- local/community organisations
- climate finance, climate insurance and philanthropy
- climate journalism, marketing and sustainability communications.
Working while you study
Our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work
Design your future at Sussex
Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.
As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:
- our Career Lab helps you to explore your options, build key skills and connect with employers. Take part in internships, community consultancy projects and insight visits, where you can learn about life at organisations including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Gatwick Airport and the Knepp Rewilding Project
- one-to-one coaching with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
- entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.
Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you

Winner
Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award
National Enterprise Educator Awards 2024

Winner
Supporting Student and Graduate Employability Award
AGCAS Awards for Excellence 2024

Top 50
Best Universities for Work Experience in the UK
2025 RateMyPlacement Awards
A-level - contextual offer
BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and one A-level - contextual offer
Grade C in A-level and Distinction, Merit in Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate and two A-levels - contextual offer
Grades BC in A-levels and Merit in BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma) - contextual offer
DMM