Diploma in Sustainable Development
Stellenbosch, South Africa
DURATION
3 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
Request the earliest start date
TUITION FEES
ZAR 61,132 / per year
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
The diploma in Sustainable Development is a comprehensive three-year undergraduate programme that equips students with focused knowledge and practical skills in sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
Sustainability and Entrepreneurship for social and Economic justice
The world is undergoing significant transformations that are shaped by disruptions like artificial intelligence and global challenges like climate change and pandemics. The Diploma will help you prepare for the rapidly changing 'future of work' with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in:
- Sustainable design methodologies
- Ecological intelligence and systems thinking
- Facilitation and leadership
- Small business management
- Social entrepreneurship
- Strategic communication and presentation skills
- Sustainability reporting
The interlinked modules in this programme will nurture your entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial skills, empowering you to create your opportunities or drive innovation within established organisations.
Real-World Learning Adventures and Active Learning
Our praxis hub for in-person learning is at the Sustainability Institute in the Lynedoch eco-village. Through place-based learning and field trips, we actively engage with real-world scenarios. You will learn through projects, simulations, and hands-on experiences so that your learning extends beyond the classroom into the realms where change truly happens. Watch the videos below to get a sense of our learning spaces and our teaching approach.
Community for Change
Learn from experienced facilitators, expert guest lecturers and your peers who bring their invaluable insights and experiences to the table. Through engaging discussions, idea exchanges, and storytelling, we inspire each other to think differently. Build your professional network through internship opportunities and classroom engagement.
Are you ready to unlock your potential as a catalyst for sustainable development?
Join the Diploma in Sustainable Development and embark on a transformative educational journey that will empower you to shape a better future.
Admissions
Curriculum
120 credits per year, 360 credits total.
The Diploma in Sustainable offers a series of interlinked modules over three years. These modules cover theory, tools, and practical skills to empower us as entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs in the working world. We learn how to develop our ideas and build campaigns to drive change in the world. Beyond that, we are equipped with the necessary personal skills, including facilitation, mentoring, heightened emotional intelligence and the ability to work in diverse teams.
Year 1
- Regenerative Leadership
- Worldviews
- Sustainability Perspectives
- Sustainable Design
- Strategic Communication
- Social Entrepreneurship
Year 2
- Green Economy
- Social Change
- Regenerative Leadership
- Strategic Communication
- Sustainable Design
- Social Entrepreneurship
Year 3
- Regenerative Leadership
- Sustainability Reporting
- Strategic Communication
- Social Entrepreneurship
- Internship
Program delivery
We learn through
Immersive and interactive face-to-face sessions. Our modules are presented in blocks, which gives us the chance to engage deeply with the content. We typically have 2-3 days of in-person class per week. Most days class is from 9.30 - 15.30, with breaks throughout the day. In class, we actively participate through facilitated discussions, debates, and group work.
Self-directed online learning. While the bulk of our learning happens in person, some days are presented online. We work through theory, lectures, reading and various activities in our own time to get the most from the in-person sessions. In-person sessions help us make sense of the module content and practice our skills.
Synchronous online sessions. Synchronous online sessions allow us to stay connected and process content we have covered. Online sessions also develop our ability to work collaboratively in virtual spaces.
Stellenbosch University
- Even though our classes are not on the main campus, we are Maties students and make use of all the services available to students on the main campus like WiFi, computer user areas, library services, academic services, campus health, psychotherapeutic and other support services. We can apply for accommodation in university residences and join private student organisations and societies if we do not stay in residence.
Lynedoch Ecovillage
- Most classes are presented at the Sustainability Institute’s praxis hub in the Lynedoch Ecovillage. The ecovillage is home to a Montessori preschool and primary school, a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) centre and the Sustainability Institute. The ecovillage is 11 kilometres from Stellenbosch. Transport is provided to and from the main campus. WiFi access is provided.