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Sustainability in the Curriculum

NTU is committed to working towards the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and integrating social, environmental and economic themes into our learning and teaching practices.

UN Sustainable Development Goals

At NTU we are committed to working towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We were one of the first universities globally to integrate the SDGs into our curriculum in 2015-16.

Our University, reimagined strategy incorporates ‘Embracing Sustainability’ as one of our six strategic strands. However, sustainability is also woven throughout other strands such as ‘Connecting Globally’ and ‘Enriching Society’, reflecting our holistic shared understanding of sustainability as incorporating a broad-ranging set of priorities. We believe sustainability education includes ending poverty, moving beyond a colonial mindset, creating peaceful institutions and sustainable communities, halting and, if possible, reversing climate change.

Curriculum Framework

In 2024 NTU launched some new mandatory sustainability requirements for all courses. These are as follows:

At a minimum, courses must include:

  1. One or more course learning outcomes relating to sustainability with a clear narrative of scaffolding of learning and assessment through the course and encompassing environmental, social and economic sustainability.
  2. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) referenced in core modules as relevant to academic discipline and with a clear articulation of which SDGs are being covered.
  3. A range of UNESCO sustainability competencies relevant to academic discipline facilitated through core modules with a clear narrative of scaffolding through the course.

Guidance and asynchronous training are available to NTU staff through the Course Design teams space (login required).

Green Academy

After ten successful years inspiring curriculum innovation in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) the NTU Green Academy has shifted focus to sustainable careers and work experience. The team is now situated in the Employability Services. This combining of expertise will allow NTU to meet the increased demand from students and employers for sustainability knowledge, skills and behaviours.

Get involved

Colleagues and students can complete the Sustainability in Practice certificate, an online module exploring sustainability through the lens of food, energy or clothing. Carbon Literacy Training is also available to help colleagues and students understand the issues surrounding climate change.