Courses and programmes on the SDGs and sustainability

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) offers a variety of dedicated courses that address sustainability and the SDGs, both as full degrees and elective modules within other programmes.¹ These courses reflect UJ’s commitment to incorporating sustainability into its teaching and learning activities.

Here are some examples of dedicated courses on sustainability and SDGs at UJ:

Short Learning Programmes (SLPs)

UJ offers several short learning programmes that focus on specific aspects of sustainability, such as:

• Green Building Institutional Arrangements²
• Applied Green Building³
• Green Building Legislation
• Introduction to Biogas Technology⁴
• Applied Renewable Energy⁵
• Risks and Socio-Environmental Sustainability⁶
• Urban Sustainability Management⁷⁸
• Why Sustainable Development Goals?

These SLPs provide focused training and education on key sustainability topics, making them accessible to working professionals and those seeking to upskill in these areas.⁹

Master’s Degrees

UJ offers several master’s degrees that focus on sustainability:¹⁰

• Master of Sustainable Energy¹¹
• Master of Sustainable Mining¹²
• Master of Sustainable Urban Planning and Development¹³
• MPhil in Social Policy and Development¹⁴
• MPhil Energy Studies¹⁵
• MSc Biodiversity and Conservation¹⁶
• MSc Environmental Management¹⁷
• MA Social Impact Assessment¹⁸

These programmes provide in-depth knowledge and research opportunities in various aspects of sustainability, equipping graduates with the skills and expertise to contribute to a sustainable future.

Electives within other programmes

In addition to dedicated programmes, UJ has integrated sustainability-related modules into various undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across different faculties. This ensures that students from diverse disciplines gain an understanding of sustainability concepts and their relevance to their respective fields.

Examples of sustainability-related modules:

• Environmental Management¹⁹
• Sustainable Development
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Climate Change²⁰
• Environmental Law

By offering a range of courses on sustainability and the SDGs, UJ is equipping its graduates with the knowledge and skills to address the complex challenges facing our planet and contribute to a more sustainable future.²¹

In addition to the above, UJ also has research centres and institutes dedicated to sustainability, such as the Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA) and the Centre for Social Change.²² These centres conduct research and engage in community outreach activities that promote sustainability and the SDGs.²³

Overall, UJ’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its diverse range of courses, research activities, and community engagement initiatives. By providing students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainability and the SDGs, UJ is empowering them to become agents of change and contribute to a better world.