Education for Sustainable Development at De Montfort University, March 2018

1. Case Studies: courses and the SDG Teach-in
The SDGs already form part of many courses across all faculties at DMU, via teaching,
assessment and #DMUGlobal visits. Examples include:
• Textile Contexts, led by Claire Lerpiniere, within BA Textile Design. Students
examine the “circular economy” as the future context for textiles production.
• Business Creation and Innovation, a Masters module led by Dr Regina Frank,
where SDGs are addressed throughout the course including in assessments.
• Low Impact Manufacturing, led by Prof. Rick Greenough, within MSc Energy and
Sustainable Development, which explores themes linked to SDG#12.
• Corporate Social Responsibility, led by Dr Louise Obara, where students use
inquiry-based methods to consider how sustainability links to business practice.
• Social Work, where 3rd year students explored links between their practice
placements and the SDGs via a conference in 2018 organised by Prof. Julie Fish.
In February 2018, DMU staff and students took part in the UK-wide SDG Teach-in, as
part of DMU’s participation in the National Union of Students “Responsible Futures”
programme.2 DMU was ranked in the top 5 UK universities in terms of sessions run,
with classes linking SDGs to media, energy, plastic waste and more.
Learning for a better future
Contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals via courses at DMU
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Forum, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK.
References:
(1) QAA/HEA (2014) Education for sustainable development: Guidance for UK higher education providers. Quality Assurance Agency and Higher Education
Academy. Gloucester: QAA. (2) NUS (2017) Responsible Futures Overview 2017/18. National Union of Students. London: NUS.
Introduction: “be the
change” via your course
In September 2015, countries around the
globe committed to a new agenda for a
better future – the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for
2030. DMU aims to contribute to the SDGs
via teaching, research and other activity,
enabling students to make a difference to
this agenda in their future careers.
Action on these goals is a key aspect of
“Education for Sustainable Development”
(ESD). ESD combines knowledge about
sustainability with attributes and skills1
(such as collaborative working, systemic
thinking and leadership) which can play a
key part in shaping a better future for all.
The Future: next steps and getting involved
Work to link Sustainable Development to teaching and learning at DMU is led by the ESD Forum, a cross-university partnership of academic and professional services staff
and De Montfort Students Union. New members and initiatives are always welcome. The Forum is looking to work with staff, students and community members to link the
SDGs to teaching and learning, #DMUGlobal trips, #DMULocal volunteering #DMUWorks placements and much more. Get in touch to find out more.
Contact: Dr Andrew Reeves (ESD Forum chair, areeves@dmu.ac.uk) or Karl Letten (Environmental and Sustainability Officer, kletten@dmu.ac.uk)
• Across all teaching and learning activity
• Linking with existing flagship initiatives
Embedded
• Co-created with students
• Enhancing enjoyment and employability
Student-
Centred
• Based on DMU’s quality and distinctiveness
• Aiming to lead the sector in positive impacts
Ambitious
Three Principles for “ESD” at DMU
“We will equip students and staff with an understanding of
the challenges of sustainability and sustainable development,
and will approach learning, teaching and assessment mindful
of the opportunities to contribute locally and globally to the
public good and environmental futures as well as of our
impact on a resource-limited world.”
From the DMU Learning Teaching and Assessment Strategy, 2018