University launches new degree that blends academic subjects to focus on tackling Global Sustainability

A pioneering degree that brings together natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities to consider how we might live more sustainably on the planet will be launched next year.

The BA/BSc (Hons) in Global Sustainability, offered by the University of Exeter, Cornwall, will take a uniquely solutions-focused approach to planetary issues when it opens in September 2026.

Drawing expertise from every corner of its campus, the new degree combines academic disciplines and will encourage students to go beyond traditional academic boundaries to tackle sustainability challenges.

Undergraduates will be able to shape their learning journey depending upon their interests and ambitions, specialising in science or humanities subjects, or maintaining a broad mix of the two.

“Many of the planet’s most pressing climate and societal challenges do not fall into neat disciplinary boxes,” says Professor Tom Currie, programme co-director in the Centre for Ecology and Conservation. “They require solutions that involve understanding both the environment and people, which means we need people with skills and knowledge that straddle the sciences and humanities.

“In the UK, however, our education system pushes students to specialise and whittle down their focus once they reach A Level. With this degree, we are doing something new: we are embracing the full range of disciplines needed to address climate change, sustainable development and social justice, and putting genuine academic freedom in the hands of the student.”

Global Sustainability has been developed in partnership with all of the departments on the University’s Cornwall campus, based in Penryn, which last year celebrated its 20th anniversary. They include some of the country’s leading experts on climate, biodiversity, human health, and engineering.

The first year of study will offer students foundational training in sustainability, with a diverse array of compulsory modules including Geography, Environmental Science, Politics, and History. Years two and three will offer the chance to tailor the degree, leading to either a Bachelor of Science or Arts upon graduation.

Students will also have the chance to embark on field trips and interact with businesses and organisations, providing valuable ‘hands on’ experience.

“This degree tells the story of so many wonderful things happening across the Penryn campus, across the disciplines, all engaging with issues of the environment and sustainability,” said Dr Wendy McMahon, co-lead on the degree, and a Senior Lecturer in History in the Humanities and Social Sciences, Cornwall department. “What makes it different is that we’re not just bringing together these different subjects; we’re weaving them together, and moving beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries to engage with organisations and stakeholders.

“And it will enable graduates to keep open their career options. We want them to move into business, politics, education, science, the media, because it will take all of these parts of our society to work together to tackle the challenges ahead.”

The BA/BSc (Hons) Global Sustainability degree will begin teaching in September 2026. For more information, please visit the University website.