Ranking
12th
in the UK
We are not accepting applications for September 2026 entry for this programme. For the latest information, please refer back to this page.
Course overview
Tackle global sustainability challenges head-on with our BSc Sustainability in Dubai. Collaborate with experts and communities worldwide to develop innovative solutions for the climate emergency, energy futures, and more. Join us and make a difference
Develop the knowledge and skills required to become leaders in your field. Based on world-leading research, this unique and innovative degree explores sustainability issues and mitigations from an inter-disciplinary perspective.
By undertaking this programme you will become a future leader in developing solutions to the World’s ever more pressing sustainability challenges
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to get their thoughts on our courses, state-of-the-art campus, and life in Dubai.
Course structure
You’ll complete 120 credits of modules each year which are regularly updated to reflect the latest research and teaching methods. Occasionally, compulsory modules may change
Year 1
Year 1
You will explore Global Environmental Issues, The Urban Century, Climate Justice, and Theorising Sustainability. You’ll also undertake Field Work in the UAE to develop your research skills, and learn Statistical Methods and GIS for sustainability experts.
Year 2
Year 2
In your second year you will have the opportunity to undertake field work in Berlin, collaborating with students from our Birmingham campus. This will help develop your comparative research skills which will be invaluable when you begin your individual research dissertation project.
Year 3
Year 3
You will undertake an individual Dissertation, explore Sustainable Mobilities and Sustainable Healthy Cities, and participate in a Sustainability Placement module. You’ll also study Technological Innovation for Sustainable Development.
This programme is accredited by the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Course highlights
Get ready to launch a fulfilling career in sustainability. Collaborate with diverse groups, acquire hands-on experiences, and network with industry experts. This degree's unique holistic approach to tackling global challenges leverages Dubai as a dynamic living laboratory.
Develop practical skills by working on live projects though real-world assessments and interdisciplinary learning. Study at our award-winning smart campus with placement opportunities in the hub of sustainable growth and innovation.
- Gain hands-on practical experiences with live projects and placements
- Learn from specialists and experts in the field
- Real-world assessments
- Award-winning state-of-the-art campus. The perfect learning environment
- 12th
in the UK for Geography and Environmental Science
Complete University Guide 2026
- 68th
Increasing our position to 68th in the world, we are placed 10th amongst UK universities.
QS World University Rankings 2027
Placements and Fieldwork
In your second year you will have the opportunity to undertake field work in Berlin. This will involve working with students from our Birmingham campus on a range of sustainability issues in the city. We will also visit Abu Dhabi to explore its Sustainable City and to examine other sustainability directives in the region.
Course delivery
The course combines lectures, tutorials, site visits, and fieldwork, with industry specialists and a final-year placement for real-world experience.
Lecture
Projects
Workshop
Laboratory
Assessments
Mixed assessment methods based on real-world issues
Feedback
You will have a dissertation tutor who will support you throughout your project providing formative written and verbal feedback
Mixed teaching methods
Learn from experts in the field as they deliver teaching via lectures, workshops, project-based learning, field work and practitioner engagement
Dubai, Your Living Laboratory
In every area of your learning, we’ll emphasise real-world applications. Utilising Dubai as a living laboratory, the majority of modules will include site visits, fieldwork and personal reflections. Assessments will be based on authentic scenarios involving living case studies. This approach not only enhances your understanding but also equips you with practical skills that are highly valued by employers.
Study Support
You will have access to a comprehensive support system to help you make the transition to higher education when you start with us. During your first year, we want you to have a smooth transition into university. You will be able to talk to your tutors about this and discuss if there are particular areas where you need support.
- Personal tutors – You will be assigned your own personal tutor who will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at Birmingham. All of your academics will have weekly drop in hours where you can go and discuss any aspect of your course.
- Wellbeing Officers – Alongside your personal tutor, you will also have access to dedicated wellbeing officers who provide professional support, advice and guidance to students across a range of issues. They can meet with you to discuss extensions, disabilities, reasonable adjustments, extenuating circumstances, or talk through any problems you might be experiencing, and help you access wider support on campus and beyond if you need it
- Our Academic Skills Centre helps you to become a more effective and independent learner through a range of high-quality support services. The centre offers workshops on a range of topics, such as note-taking, reading, academic writing and presentation skills.
- The Academic Writing Advisory Service (AWAS) will provide guidance on writing essays and dissertations if you need it. You can receive individual support from an academic writing advisor and meet with postgraduate tutors who specialise in particular subjects too.
- Our Student Experience Team will help you get the most out of your academic experience. They offer research opportunities, study skills support, and help you prepare for your post-university career. They also organise social events, such as field trips, to help you meet fellow students from your course.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Year One
Year One
Year: 1
2026/27 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LC Climate Justice and Theorising Sustainability | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LC Global Environmental Issues | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LC Research Methods and Field Work | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LC Sustainability Assessment Methods | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LC The Urban Century | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LC Tutorial Programme and Study Skills | 20 | Semester 1 |
Year Two
Year Two
Year: 2
2027/28 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LI Dissertation Labs and Fieldwork: Theory and Practice for a Sustainability dissertation project | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LI Energy Futures | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LI Environmental Economics | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LI Environmental Pollution and its Mitigation | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LI Governing Sustainability – from the UN to the household | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LI Sustainability Analytics | 20 | Semester 2 |
Year Three
Year Three
The following modules must be taken:
| Dissertation |
| Sustainability Placement |
| Sustainable Healthy Cities |
| Sustainable Mobilities |
| Technological Innovation for Sustainable Development |
Entry requirements
To secure your place at the University of Birmingham Dubai, you must meet both our general entry requirements and the specific criteria for your chosen course. Your application will be carefully reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will determine if you will receive an offer.
- A Level
AAA - ABB
- IB
6,6,6 - 6,5,5 From 3 HL Subjects
Number of A levels required: 3
English language requirements
To study at the University, you must be able to demonstrate a good level of written and spoken English. Many applicants do this by submitting a recent IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE result, or by completing a Presessional English course.
The level of English language proficiency required varies depending on your level of study and subject area.
You can view the full English language requirements, including accepted tests and required scores, on our entry requirements page for the Dubai campus.
International entry requirements
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation.
- AED 134,922
Full-time (September 2026) per year
Scholarships
Birmingham attracts the best and brightest students from across the globe. For students with the potential to thrive here, we have a number of scholarships available at our Dubai campus.
Application process
To apply for an undergraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Career opportunities
BSc Sustainability offers clear pathways into diverse green careers. With hands-on experience and industry connections, you’ll be quickly lead in the rapidly expanding green economy across many different industries.
This is an area where there is a growing shortage of talented graduates. Potential paths include sustainability consultancy, roles within firms or government, research, finance, journalism, NGOs like the UN, major consultancy firms, and sectors needing sustainable processes.
Careers Network
In a competitive global market, you need to be ready for work before you graduate. At the University of Birmingham Dubai, our careers services will help you plan and achieve your ambitions. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network Dubai information, advice, and guidance service offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Upcoming events
There are currently no upcoming events
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life at our Dubai campus.
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus, with its iconic buildings overlooking stunning parkland and friendly community, will quickly make you feel at home in the UAE's second city. Expect plenty of exciting activities to get involved in outside of your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to the University of Birmingham Dubai to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation partners allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings.
Living in Dubai
Enrich your life with endless attractions, entertainment and lifestyle opportunities. In just over 50 years, Dubai has transformed itself from a tiny settlement to a glistening city and world-class destination. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus is where our diverse community comes together, providing a home for up to 3,000 students to learn, relax, and socialise.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our Dubai campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.