Sustainability
Diploma

A Diploma qualification worth 24 points at SCQF Level 6 (equivalent to one Higher) which has UCAS and international recognition

The Learning Programme

In this exciting course, you will learn by designing solutions to real-world problems. You will choose three ‘Global Challenge’ projects, each one posing a problem rooted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. You will learn and use the principles of Design Thinking to develop innovative solutions. You’ll then choose one of your solutions to develop as a sustainable business or social enterprise proposal, with support from the University of Stirling Enterprise Team.  

There are no exams. Assessment is based on a Portfolio of work you build throughout the course.

What will I learn?

The course is divided into three Units:

Unit 1: Understanding Sustainability and Design Thinking

You will deepen your understanding of sustainability and learn the principles of Design Thinking as an approach to solving real-world problems.

Unit 2: Designing Sustainable Solutions

You will choose three Global Challenge Projects from a menu. In each, you will devise a solution to a real-world problem rooted in one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. You will develop the skills of independent research, problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, communication and entrepreneurship. These important skills are increasingly sought by employers, universities and colleges.

Unit 3: Entrepreneurship – Ideas Into Action

You will choose one of your solutions from Unit 2 to develop further as a sustainable business or social enterprise proposal. This part of the course includes sessions with the University of Stirling Enterprise Team, and the opportunity to present your proposal and receive feedback from entrepreneurs.

Unit 1

Diploma Unit 1.1: What is Sustainability?

Explore sustainability, its vital role in our future, and how you can make a positive impact on the world.

Diploma Unit 1.2: Design Thinking

Learn and use a powerful creative problem-solving method to help you design solutions to real-life challenges.

Unit 2

Global Challenge Projects

Diploma Unit 2: Powering the Community

Help reach ‘net zero’ by bringing solar power to your community in imaginative ways!

Diploma Unit 2: Save Our Soils

Help tackle the global soil emergency with an innovative concept to improve soils in your area.

Diploma Unit 2: Playscapes for All

Design innovative playground equipment to help older people stay fit, healthy and socially connected.

Waves of Change – Diploma

Coming soon!

A Monument For Our Time – Diploma

Coming soon!

Combatting Climate Anxiety – Diploma

Coming soon!

Elements Courses

Sketching Made Easy – Diploma

Coming soon!

Research Skills – Diploma

Coming soon!

Creating Digital Content – Diploma

Coming soon!

Unit 3

Diploma Unit 3:
Entrepreneurship:
Ideas Into Action

Coming soon!

What is this challenge?

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