Teaching

As an applied, practitioner-oriented programme, the PG Dip is designed to support personal and professional development. The course is divided into two Stages in order to make it a flexible learning journey for participants who are engaged in full-time employment. 

The programme comprises a blended approach to learning, with workshops combined with remote learning coordinated through a virtual learning environment. In Stage 1, participants undertake the Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business, which involves two four-day workshops, alongside the remote learning components.

In Stage 2, students must then attend three three-day workshops. On enrolling students are provided with an indicative timetable of the forthcoming workshops. There are six available over the two years of Stage 2, from which participants will choose three to attend. Participants can therefore tailor their participation based on their interest in the subjects offered. 

Four key principles underpin our distinctive approach to learning:

• Flexibility – The programme is designed for an internationally diverse cohort, working full-time. Residential time is kept to a minimum, blended with a flexible E-learning programme and dedicated tutor support for assignments
• Peer-learning – Participants come from a wide range of functions, sectors, and locations. Sharing experiences and insights builds a deeper understanding of how the business world can respond to the challenges of sustainability. 
• Practical relevance – The programme equips students with the skills to translate cutting-edge academic insight and research into practical relevance. Assignments are focused on professional or institutional contexts.
• Personal application – Participants are encouraged to identify personal opportunities for leadership and engage in reflective practice throughout the programme, supported by peers and tutors

For Stage 1, primary approaches to teaching and learning are:

• taught plenary and small group sessions by academics and practitioners, who are thought-leaders and/or case study contributors;
• group work, involving dialogue, debate and presentations throughout the taught modules, as well as a group research assignment;
• experiential techniques including role plays, simulations and debates;
• individual work, involving structured reading and reflection, research, and written presentation of findings on selected topics;
• support and facilitation by a CISL-led team of faculty, tutors and supervisors from within the University; and
• an optional online module.

For Stage 2, the same approaches are used, with a stronger emphasis on:

• co-creating solutions in a collaborative working environment; and
• students learning from the workshop content, reflecting the nature of the programme and the seniority or experience of participants.

Feedback

Participants submit a plan for each of their assignments, plus one draft copy, to their assigned Tutor or Supervisor. The Tutor/Supervisor will then provide verbal or written feedback on the plan and the draft with the intention of allowing the participant to improve their paper before final submission. All of the submitted assignments are double-marked and consolidated feedback from both assessors is given to the participant. If a participant fails a paper they are allowed to resubmit one paper. In these circumstances their Tutor/Supervisor will provide further feedback on why the paper was deemed to be a fail and how they can improve it.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

N/A

Essays

In Stage 1 of the course (a Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business), there are three written assignments:

• A 3,000-word analysis paper which takes the form of a detailed, critical analysis of a sustainability challenge or opportunity for a specific organisation, culminating in clear strategic recommendations.
• A 3,000-word strategic action plan, building on the analysis paper, developing a practical implementation plan for taking forward one or more of the recommendations, supported by a sound rationale and existing literature and cases.
• A 7,000-word group project (undertaken with between five and seven other students) on an issue relevant to sustainability, business and leadership, producing an original piece of research that draws upon the group's collective interest and experience.

In Stage 2 of the course students undertake:

• A 4,000-word analytical case study, which focuses on sustainability leadership practices generally in their own organisation. A short presentation is also required in relation to this piece of work.
• A 3,000-word literature review which asks students to use literature to explore a real-world problem and to identify a gap to develop as the evidence basis for a research project (if a student progresses, to be undertaken in Stage 3).