New student sustainability induction launched at UCL

Sustainable Futures: A fresh, student-led approach  

Developed in collaboration with UCL academics from the UCL Institute of Education, Sustainable UCL and the Students’ Union, the new module invites students to explore what sustainability means to them, how it intersects with their studies and interests, and how they can take meaningful action during their time at UCL.  

UCL Students’ Union Sustainability Officers, Oskar Baltrop and Pauline Le Gal, stated: “The Sustainable Futures Module is a way for students to consider the meaning of sustainability and how it intersects with their skills and interests. It encourages and directs students towards taking meaningful action, for example by joining the Sustainability Council where we have five areas of focus: banking, politics, education, food waste and media.” 

Supporting the UCL Sustainability Plan (2025–2035) 

The launch of the module aligns with the ambitions of the new UCL Sustainability Plan (2025–2035), which places sustainable education at its core. UCL now offers an extensive range of modules addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with many focused on environmental sustainability and climate change. 

Beyond the curriculum, students can engage through a wide co-curricular offer. This includes becoming a Student Sustainability Ambassador, participating in the Sustainability Forum and Sustainability Leadership Conference, and accessing over 300 volunteering opportunities via the Students’ Union UCL, including the Sustainability Council. Now, all students will also have the opportunity to take part in the Sustainable Futures Module. 

A module shaped by students, for students 

The Sustainable Futures Module originated from a student policy proposal brought forward through the Welfare and Community Zone at the Students’ Union UCL. Inspired by the success of the Active Bystander programme, students called for a similarly engaging and accessible training module to embed sustainability into the student experience. 

Backed by the Grand Challenges small grants fund, the module reflects a collective student vision: to make sustainability a core part of Union and UCL culture, leadership development and induction processes. 

Designed through collaboration and consultation 

Created by Dr Nicole Blum and Professor Douglas Bourn from the Development Education Research Centre (UCL Institute of Education), the module was developed in partnership with the Students’ Union and shaped by feedback from students and staff. 

Consultation included: 

• Two sessions of the UCL Student Sustainability Forum; 
• Input from Students’ Union officers; 
• A pilot with targeted student groups in spring/summer 2025.  

Drawing on two decades of research into education for sustainable development and global learning, the module encourages students to think critically, explore diverse perspectives and reflect on the knowledge, skills and values needed to support more sustainable futures. 

Flexible, inclusive and action-oriented 

Rather than prescribing specific behaviours or knowledge, the module invites students to consider how sustainability connects with their own lives – from lifestyle choices and campus activities to academic pathways and career planning. 

Designed to be accessible and light touch (taking around 30 minutes to complete), the module recognises the diversity of UCL’s student community and aims to empower all students to engage with sustainability in ways that are meaningful to them. 

Please note that the Sustainable UCL Moodle Induction will no longer be available to students after 12th November 2025. From this point forward, all student-facing communications should refer to the new Sustainable Futures Module, rather than the Moodle induction. 

Take action  

• Staff: Please share the new module with your students and encourage them to explore it as part of their sustainability journey at UCL. 

• Students: Don’t miss out! Take the new Sustainable Futures Module now and discover how you can contribute to a more sustainable future and build skills for your CV. 

Sustainable Futures Module