Green Gown Awards 2019 - The University of Edinburgh - Finalist

Students care about sustainability. This high level of interest has led to an increasing number of students and academic staff ask for experiential learning opportunities for students. One approach the University has used to respond to this has been to develop ‘Student Pathways’, an extra-curricular programme of activities that provide students with skills development framed around sustainability issues. 

Two pathways were delivered this academic year, with one framed around the Sustainable Development Goals, and the other on Climate Change. Over 50 diverse students participated in training sessions and practical activities that developed a range of valuable employability skills, including communication, carbon literacy and change making.  

The pathways model championed experiential learning, encouraged reflection and highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary learning when engaging in sustainability issues. Students gained recognition for their efforts through the Higher Education Achievement Award, but more importantly developed important graduate attributes which compliments their academic learning. 

Top 3 learnings:

• We were struck by the determination of the students to enhance their transferrable professional skills. 
• Students are very keen to apply and practice their learning in a real world setting. 
• Students quickly recognised the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals to their future careers.