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Unit of study_
PHYS5803: Sustainability in a Post-Growth World
2026 unit information
Imagine a future where prosperity is defined by well-being, sustainability, and equity rather than endless economic growth. This unit critically explores post-growth futures, focusing on addressing climate change, environmental degradation, and social inequality within the context of finite planetary boundaries. Over 12 weeks, students will examine the limitations of growth-driven systems that rely heavily on renewable energy and negative emission technologies to combat global warming, exposing the risks of over-dependence on these technology-based solutions. The unit will introduce key post-growth frameworks, including degrowth, high-quality growth, and a-growth, analysing their potential to promote environmental and social justice, while enhancing human well-being. A distinctive feature is hands-on work with IPCC scenarios: students will interpret social-economic pathways, interrogate its assumptions, and explore the interplay between economic growth and climate change and social equity. Global perspectives will be integrated throughout the course, navigating the post-growth landscape from Europe, China, and beyond, to understand regional variations and potential pathways. Through globally renowned expert-led guest lectures, case studies, and field trips, students will engage with real-world initiatives aimed at transitioning to more sustainable and equitable economies. Through a comprehensive examination of post-growth futures, students will gain insights into the transformative potential of shifting from a growth-centric model to one focused on human well-being and planetary health.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Postgraduate |
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| Academic unit | Physics Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Understand the concept and key principles of post-growth
- LO2. Evaluate various levers for addressing climate change within the context of post-growth frameworks, considering both technological and socio-economic strategies.
- LO3. Identify and compare key policies and practices that can facilitate a transition toward post-growth economies at local, national, and global levels.
- LO4. Synthesise insights from diverse post-growth models to propose actionable solutions for achieving sustainable, equitable societies.
- LO5. Critically analyze the core debates surrounding post-growth and degrowth, including their implications for climate change, environmental sustainability, and social equity
Unit availability
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