Module Catalogue 2026/27

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This capstone module is designed to allow students, drawing on their learning across their MSc Sustainability Management programme, to individually undertake a large-scale project focused on sustainability practice.

The individual project will take the form of a simulated consultancy project where students act as consultants to analyse a sustainability-related problem, develop evidence-based insights, and provide actionable recommendations for a client organisation.

The module aims to provide the opportunity for students to:
1. undertake independent applied research in which they apply appropriate tools of analysis;
2. sharpen critical and analytical skills in gathering and interpreting data and identifying significant sustainability issues;
3. further enhance and develop subject-specific knowledge through conducting research;
4. relate academic theory and concepts to real-world problems including an appreciation of ethical considerations in the business context;
5. further enhance interpersonal and transferable skills through oral/written communication, problem solving, time management, self-motivation, and creativity.

Outline Of Syllabus

There is no fixed syllabus for this module because it is designed as a capstone experience, requiring students to independently develop a simulated consultancy project focused on a sustainability issue (or issues). The project will demonstrate the application of advanced sustainability management concepts, frameworks, and analytical tools acquired throughout the programme.

Students will be guided to scope and structure their consultancy project as if advising a real client organisation. This includes:

Problem identification and scoping – defining a sustainability-related issue with strategic relevance.
Evidence gathering and analysis – applying rigorous research methods and sustainability frameworks to diagnose the problem.
Development of recommendations – formulating actionable, evidence-based solutions aligned with organisational goals and sustainability principles.
Professional reporting – producing a consultancy-style report that meets industry standards for clarity, structure, and impact.

Supporting classes will include:
Relevant frameworks and tools.
Evaluation and analysis techniques.
Ethical and responsible use of AI in professional practice.
Workshops for formative feedback on Gateway Tasks and project progress.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of this module, students will be able to demonstrate:
1. systematic understanding, knowledge, and critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights into sustainability management theory and practice.
2. advanced understanding of the significance of current research and scholarship, and of its application within sustainability management practice.
3. comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to research and decision-making for sustainability management, including an appreciation of the uncertainty and ambiguity in information available to managers when considering decision-making related to sustainability.

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. demonstrate skills in critically evaluating and synthesising information across a range of management dimensions, including ethics.
2. address complex issues, both systematically and creatively, to make sound ethical judgements in developing integrated solutions to sustainability issues.
3. approach and solve problems with originality and self-direction, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level.
4. communicate and present information in a variety of ways at a professional level.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The teaching approach combines lectures, workshops, and guided independent study to equip students with the theoretical and practical knowledge required to design and deliver a consultancy-style sustainability project. Lectures introduce advanced methodological perspectives (e.g., systems theory) and sustainability frameworks, ensuring students can critically analyse complex issues. Workshops provide structured opportunities for formative feedback through Gateway Tasks, enabling students to refine problem identification, analytical approaches, and reporting skills. This blended approach supports deep learning and prepares students for professional practice by simulating real-world consultancy challenges.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessment consists of a single simulated consultancy project, designed to reflect authentic professional practice while meeting the module’s intended outcomes. Students act as consultants to analyse a sustainability-related problem (or problems), apply relevant frameworks and tools, and produce a professional report with evidence-based recommendations for a client organisation. This format ensures validity and reliability by assessing critical thinking, problem-solving under uncertainty, and the ability to communicate effectively in a professional context. Formative Gateway Tasks scaffold learning and provide feedback prior to submission. The assessment encompass AI-resilience principles as students may use AI ethically, for example for idea generation and formatting, but must produce original, critical work themselves.

RESIT INFORMATION: If students are eligible for a second attempt, the resit will consist of the same assessment task and the resit calculation will be based 100% on the submission. The resit will use the same assessment brief and criteria as the original submission.

General Notes

N/A