Climate Change and Sustainable Business

Module name: Impact Strategy, Climate and Measurement

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Key facts

  • Module codeBUAP026
  • Start date 9 Jun 2025
  • Application deadline14 May 2025
  • Duration10 weeks
  • Credit value SCQF 10
  • SCQF level Level 10
  • Fees £583
  • Mode of study part time
  • Delivery online

Overview

The purpose of business is changing. Businesses are increasingly required to balance a range of impacts and consider new ways to interact with a wider range of stakeholders to meet the needs of society and the environment.

The definition of what it means to be an organisation is evolving, as businesses begin to take responsibility for social and environmental outcomes.

A range of organisations now exist to fulfil social or environmental outcomes. These outcomes can become a clearly defined purpose for an organisation. However, the scale of an organisation, as well as the scope of the purpose, can influence how purpose and impact is integrated. Small social enterprises or environmental start-ups can have purpose from the outset and at the core of their product. Large multinational organisations have a larger impact, but a more diverse range of impacts around which to define and measure a new purpose.

Impact, and the measurement of impact, has already become an essential part of reporting. Businesses are now expected to communicate their impact to a range of stakeholders, and measuring and reporting on a variety of climate, environmental and social impacts has become essential to strategic planning as well as financial risks.

In this online course, you will learn essential skills for navigating this new business landscape, such as pursuing business impact, measuring the societal and environmental impacts of an organisation, and communicating those impacts effectively to a growing range of stakeholders.

We are AACSB accredited

The University of Stirling is accredited by AACSB International in recognition of our excellence in business education. This puts the University of Stirling Management School among the top 6% of business schools globally.

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Entrance requirements

Self-funded applicants should have a minimum of a second-class honours degree or equivalent.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

  • IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
  • IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.

See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.

Objectives

On successful completion of the module, you should be able to:

  • Critically assess and communicate the opportunities in the development of a sustainability purpose for a business.
  • Apply relevant business models and tools to pursue, measure and report to various stakeholders, new forms of impact.
  • Critically reflect on the evolving nature of stakeholder relationships and innovate in this space.

Structure and content

The module will look at the following topics:

  • Sustainability impact and the purpose of business
  • Social enterprise and impact business
  • Social and environmental niches
  • Impact start ups
  • Environmental management systems and circular economy
  • Complex global problems and climate impact
  • Global business and partnerships
  • Changing stakeholder relationships
  • Impact and measurement
  • ESG, net zero, and measurement

Delivery and assessment

This module will be delivered online via the Insendi platform.

For your assessment, you will be asked to provide a 2,500 case study report, for example: identify the threats and opportunities that might guide towards a new sustainability purpose. How do you measure the threats and opportunities and how would you measure the impact of progression towards the new purpose?

Module coordinator

Employability

Knowledge of sustainability and the transition to Net Zero are becoming in-demand skills for businesses. Understanding how these issues apply directly to business is in particular demand. As business of all sizes adapt to the sustainability challenges of the 21st century there is a need to shape new ways of thinking. Pushed on by the opportunity to create value and innovation, as well as policy and financial commitments, businesses need these skills.

What next?

Contact us

If you have any questions about entry requirements for our continuing professional development and short courses, contact our Admissions team.

For all other questions, please use our enquiry form.