Pioneering Climate Justice Degree to Equip Students with Green Skills and Activist Mindset

University of Sussex Empowers Students with Innovative Climate Justice Program

The University of Sussex is making headlines with the launch of the UK's first undergraduate degree dedicated to climate justice. This pioneering BA program, titled “Climate Justice, Sustainability and Development,” is set to commence in 2026, addressing the urgent need for comprehensive education on climate issues. By introducing this innovative program, the University of Sussex empowers students to make a significant impact on the global stage, tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

The course was introduced following a Future Forum survey revealing that 72% of 14- to 18-year-olds desire more relevant and rigorous climate change education, with a particular interest in incorporating humanities and social sciences into climate studies. Recognizing this demand, the university has developed a program that goes beyond traditional environmental studies.

Will Lock, co-convener of the course and a lecturer in international development and anthropology, highlighted the university's hands-on approach to environmental study, which will be a core aspect of the new BA. This includes practical use of the university's campus forest food garden. Lock explained that the course will feature innovative assessment methods and practical engagement with real-world challenges. For example, in his third-year module, students will work on a podcast to communicate the complexities of climate justice and environmental issues, instead of submitting a traditional 5,000-word essay.

Lock noted that many students enter the classroom already deeply engaged with climate justice due to the real-world changes they’ve witnessed. He emphasized that climate change is now central to much of global politics, and students are eager to explore the topic in more depth. The University of Sussex's forward-thinking approach to climate justice education promises to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to drive meaningful change and address global challenges.

Editor's Note:

The University of Sussex is set to offer the UK’s first undergraduate degree focused specifically on climate justice. Beginning in 2026, the BA program in “Climate Justice, Sustainability and Development” responds to the increasing demand for education that combines environmental awareness with a social justice framework. This forward-thinking degree will equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to address the complex challenges of climate change and its impact on vulnerable communities. By merging climate politics, activism, and environmental human rights, the course aims to prepare students for careers dedicated to creating a more sustainable and just world. This pioneering program aligns with a growing recognition of the urgent need for climate-focused education, especially as younger generations are becoming more engaged in climate activism. The university's emphasis on practical learning, including real-world challenges and hands-on experience, highlights its commitment to preparing students for active roles in climate and sustainability sectors.

Skobbuzz underlines the importance of this program to nurture future leaders who can drive meaningful change both locally and internationally.