Youth, Society and Sustainable Futures BA
UCL London's Global University, United Kingdom
Youth, Society and Sustainable Futures BA
UCL University College London
Youth Studies / Education and Sustainability
Program Overview: Youth, Society and Sustainable Futures BA
The Youth, Society and Sustainable Futures BA at UCL is the only multidisciplinary undergraduate youth studies programme with a focus on sustainable futures in London. Delivered by the UCL Institute of Education (IOE), ranked number one in the world for Education for 13 consecutive years in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, this degree teaches students how to support young people aged 15 to 24 in building sustainable futures by addressing the social, economic, technological and environmental issues they face.
The programme adopts a relational approach to youth studies, examining young people's connections with the self, others, society, nature and technology. It critically examines the UN Sustainable Development Goals and other key sustainability debates, equipping you with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through a multidisciplinary lens.
Students benefit from the research expertise within the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Education (CCCSE), housed within the same department at IOE. The programme is both theory-driven and practice-based, offering an optional placement module that provides real-world work experience in a youth setting.
Key Program Highlights
- The only multidisciplinary undergraduate youth studies programme with a sustainability focus in London
- Delivered by UCL IOE, ranked number one globally for Education for 13 consecutive years (QS 2026)
- Optional placement module providing hands-on work experience in youth settings
- Three specialisation pathways: Youth Communication, International NGOs, and Youth State Services
Curriculum and Modules
The programme is structured across three years, each building progressively on the last. Year 1 explores foundational theory, international definitions and perspectives of youth. Year 2 deepens your knowledge through research and practice while developing employability skills, with the possibility of an industrial placement. Year 3 focuses on leadership, professionalisation and includes a dissertation research project within Youth Studies. Each year totals 120 UK credits, with modules typically valued at 15 or 30 credits.
Foundations of Youth Studies
30 creditsExplores the significance of theory, international definitions and diverse perspectives of youth, establishing the foundational understandings that underpin the entire programme.
Youth and the Green Economy
15 creditsIntroduces the principles underlying the green and blue economies as sustainable employment sectors for youth, covering aspects of youth employment, entrepreneurship and investment in these sectors.
Researching Young People
30 creditsExamines issues and practices pertaining to researching with young people as participants and partners, including ethics, protection, vulnerability, power relations and research paradigms.
Working with Young People
15 creditsA practice-based module that develops professional skills for engaging with young people in various settings, preparing students for work in the youth sector.
Youth, Sustainability and Futures Thinking
30 creditsCritically examines the UN Sustainable Development Goals and other key sustainability debates, developing your ability to think critically about futures and manage change in a complex world.
Dissertation Research Project
30 creditsA Year 3 capstone module in which you conduct an independent research project within Youth Studies, demonstrating leadership, analytical skills and scholarly inquiry.
Elective Modules and Pathways
Admission Requirements
Entry to the Youth, Society and Sustainable Futures BA is competitive. UCL seeks students who are motivated, proactive, curious and creative, with an interest in young people's concerns and a passion for social justice and sustainability. All applications are processed through Uni4Edu, which will guide you through every step of the admissions process.
Academic Requirements
- A-LevelsABB, with at least two subjects from UCL's list of preferred A-level subjects
- International Baccalaureate34 points overall, with 16 points in three higher level subjects and no HL score below 5
- GCSEsEnglish Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4
- BTECLevel 3 Extended Diploma or National Extended Diploma with Distinction, Distinction, Distinction
- Access to HE DiplomaMinimum 30 credits at Distinction, 12 credits at Merit and 3 credits at Pass, all from Level 3 units
English Language Requirements
- IELTSContact Uni4Edu for the most current IELTS score requirements for this programme
- TOEFLContact Uni4Edu for the most current TOEFL score requirements for this programme
- UCL Pre-sessional EnglishUCL offers pre-sessional English courses for students who need to improve their language proficiency before starting the programme
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
UCL offers a range of scholarships and financial support options for both UK and international students. Uni4Edu can help you identify and apply for funding opportunities that match your profile and circumstances.
UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship
A merit-based scholarship available to high-achieving international students enrolling in undergraduate programmes at UCL, covering a portion of tuition costs.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Youth, Society and Sustainable Futures BA are equipped with specialist and generalist employability skills for work in the youth sector and related fields. The programme includes embedded employability skills development and three soft career pathways that students can curate through their choice of optional modules: Working in Youth Communication and Leisure Settings, Working in International Organisations and NGOs, and Working in Youth State-Supported Services.
Potential Career Roles
Typical Employer Sectors
Rankings and Recognition
UCL is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. The Youth, Society and Sustainable Futures BA is delivered by the UCL Institute of Education (IOE), which has been ranked number one in the world for Education for 13 consecutive years. UCL also leads in sustainability, ranking first in the UK and third globally in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Education and Training | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #1 (13th consecutive year) |
| Social Sciences and Management | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 20 |
| Development Studies | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #10 |
| Psychology | QS World University Rankings by Subject | #5 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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