Devon College unveils a trio of green qualifications this Earth Day

This Earth Day, South Devon College introduces three cutting-edge sustainability qualifications with a backdrop of Dartmoor National Park and Devon coastline

South Devon College is making a splash with the introduction of three cutting-edge sustainability qualifications: Access to Higher Education: Global Studies and Sustainability Diploma, a Foundation Degree (FdSc) in Global Change, Social Responsibility and Sustainability, and a Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner apprenticeship. 

Access to HE, is a one-year full time programme, starting in September, and it will give students a route into university level study.

 “This course is ideal for anyone who is interested in studying global challenges, sustainability and how this impacts society, the economy and the environment,” explained programme co-ordinator, Hannah Davies. 

“It’s for anyone who is passionate about sustainability and wants to make a positive change."

Students will study a range of topics including human geography, environmental crime and human rights and law.

The foundation degree (FdSc) Global Change, Social Responsibility and Sustainability will start at University Centre South Devon, part of South Devon College, in September 2024.

Both courses will be led by experts drawn together from different disciplines across the College and University Centre. The unique location will also play an important part with easy access to Dartmoor National Park and coastline giving students the opportunity for hands-on experience and field trips.

“There is a real need to develop a degree around sustainability to support the Government’s Net Zero goals. The courses are also well aligned with the values of South Devon College, as a sector leader in sustainability,” explains Dr Marie Hale, Lecturer at University Centre South Devon.

“We will be working closely with the National Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust, The National Park Authority and Schumacher College at Dartington.”

It’s hoped the degree will attract students from a range of disciplines, including sociology, geography and the sciences who are passionate about the environment. 

A Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner apprenticeship is also being developed to run alongside the degree.

“We aim to enrol students who are already working in the sustainability sector on the apprenticeship route,” said Dr Hale.

Lecturer Kelly Smith says these will open up many career paths. 

“It’s much more about social responsibility and trying to make positive change through whatever means and looking at the mechanisms in place to do that, so graduates will be able to go on to work in a diverse range of careers. This could include policy reform, business education, consultancy, humanitarian response, government, civil service, climate change or NGOs or charity organisations.”

“These qualifications provide vital stepping stones for students interested in pursuing further study and/or a career in sustainability who may lack the financial means, time allowance or desire to undertake a full undergraduate degree title."

In a world facing an uncertain future, South Devon College's new qualifications are set to equip the next generation with the skills, knowledge, and passion to lead the charge towards a sustainable, globalised world.