Program Overview

Overview of the BA (Hons) Urban Sustainability Studies

The BA (Hons) Urban Sustainability Studies is a unique three-year degree that offers students the opportunity to engage with sustainability issues in diverse European contexts. This comprehensive, hands-on education provides students with a joint Bachelor's degree recognized by seven top universities across Europe.

Course Details

• Start date: October 2026
• Study mode: Full-time
• Duration: 3 years
• Location: Colchester Campus
• Based in: School of Philosophical, Historical, and Interdisciplinary Studies

Programme Structure

The programme is dynamic and flexible, allowing students to personalize their studies. In the first year, students focus on foundational skills and knowledge, with the option to study at any of the seven partner universities. In years two and three, students can select minors from across 10 YUFE universities, gaining international experience by studying at multiple locations throughout Europe. The programme culminates in a dissertation project that showcases students' expertise in urban sustainability.

YUFE's Joint Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies

This programme is not just about academics; it's a collaborative, global learning experience. Students work alongside peers, professors, and industry leaders from across Europe, tackling real-world sustainability challenges in a creative, interactive environment. This fosters lifelong professional connections, equipping graduates with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to lead in the evolving field of urban sustainability.

Study Abroad

During this course, students will study with at least two universities outside Essex, ensuring a unique, diverse, and international experience and perspectives on sustainability. This is made possible through the YUFE network.

Expert Staff

The programme is taught by expert staff, including:

• Professor Nadine Rossol, a historian specializing in German and European history
• Dr. Dorian Hayes, Deputy Director of Partnerships (Europe)
• Professor Leanne Hepburn, whose research focuses on marine biodiversity, sustainability, and other key themes
• Dr. Jason Sumich, a political anthropologist who researches and teaches on urban government, crime, urban space, and control
• Dr. Lisa Blackmore, whose research explores human relationships with the environment and the connections between politics, art, and architecture in Latin America and the Caribbean

Your Future

The YUFE Bachelor in Urban Sustainability Studies opens doors to various Master's programmes in fields like urbanism, environmental policy, and sustainable development. There are wide-ranging opportunities for Master's study at all the YUFE partner universities, as well as other institutions worldwide. Beyond academia, the programme's Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for careers in urban sustainability, covering economics, business, urbanism, engineering, environmental sciences, and the humanities.

Entry Requirements

UK Entry Requirements

To enroll in YUFE's Joint Bachelor, students need a secondary education degree and a minimum of B2 level in English. Specific requirements include:

• A-levels: BBB - BBC or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A-levels
• BTEC: DDM - DMM or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of the equivalent of 2 full A-levels
• Combined qualifications on the UCAS tariff: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 2 full A levels or equivalent
• IB: 30 - 29 points in the IB Diploma or 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Higher Level subjects
• IB Career-related Programme: Combinations of IB Diploma Programme courses with BTECs or other qualifications are considered
• QAA-approved Access to HE Diploma: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points, depending on the subject studied
• T-levels: 120 - 112 UCAS tariff points, with consideration on a case-by-case basis

International & EU Entry Requirements

The university accepts a wide range of qualifications from applicants studying in the EU and other countries. For specific requirements, it is recommended to contact the Undergraduate Admissions team.

English Language Requirements

• English language requirements for applicants whose first language is not English: IELTS 6.0 overall, or a specified score in another equivalent test
• English language shelf-life: Most English language qualifications have a validity period of 5 years, except for Pearson Test of English, TOEFL, and CBSE or CISCE English, which have a 2-year validity period

Structure

Course Structure

The programme starts with a common foundation in urban sustainability at a chosen partner university. In years two and three, students can personalize their curriculum by selecting three minors from at least two different universities, allowing them to study at multiple locations in Europe. The programme concludes with a Bachelor's thesis project.

Minor Options

Minor options include:

• Urban Health & Wellbeing - Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
• Urban Ecology in Europe - Sorbonne Nouvelle University, Paris, France
• Design and Perspectives on Heritage - University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
• Urban Sustainable Development - Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
• Smart Cities for Sustainable Culture - University Carlos III of Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Fees and Funding

Home/UK Fee

• ｣9,790 per year

International Fee

• ｣21,500 per year

Fees will increase for each academic year of study. There may be scholarships, bursaries, or discounts available to help with the cost of the course.

What's Next

Open Days

The university runs Open Days throughout the year, which provide an opportunity to discover what the campus has to offer, including tours, meetings with students and staff, and information about courses, student finance, and more.

Applying

To apply for this course, students need to apply through the YUFE Virtual Campus as well as applying to the University of Essex through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Applications are considered in three application windows, and full details on how to apply can be found on the university's website.