Education for SustainabilityCase studies & highlights

Case study: Vertically Integrated Projects for Sustainable Development (VIP4SD)

The University of Strathclyde pioneered the first Vertically Integrated Projects for Sustainable Development (VIP4SD) programme in UK Higher Education, creating an innovative research-based education model that engages undergraduate students in real-world SDG-focused research. This groundbreaking approach allows students from different disciplines and year groups to collaborate on credit-bearing research projects, with the unique opportunity to remain involved throughout their university career. The programme's impact was recognised internationally, winning the 2020 International Green Gown Award for Student Engagement and the AASHE Campus Sustainability Research Award.

Building from successful pilot projects, VIP4SD has grown significantly and is now being introduced across all four University faculties. The programme currently engages approximately 200 students working across 20 interdisciplinary research projects, each addressing critical sustainability challenges. A standout example is the Apps4Good project, where Electronic and Electrical Engineering students developed a mobile app to support Homeless Project Scotland's operations in Glasgow. The student team - who are volunteers with the charity - created GPS-enabled technology that allows the public to report rough sleepers' locations and needs, enabling volunteers to deliver aid more efficiently. The project demonstrates how students transition from knowledge consumers to knowledge producers, developing technical skills alongside real-world competencies in ethics, GDPR compliance, and community co-design.

The programme has also created a valuable PhD pipeline, with VIP4SD alumni progressing to postgraduate research positions. This won the International VIP Innovation Award in 2023.

The University's leadership in this space has catalysed international collaboration. Strathclyde is now working with higher education institutions across the UK, Sweden, US, and Kenya to replicate the VIP4SD model and develop a global network. As a founding member of the International VIP Consortium of over 40 institutions, the University is leading discussions around Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) to connect complementary SDG-focused research programmes worldwide, creating unprecedented opportunities for cross-cultural learning and international student-staff research exchange.

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) alignment

  • SDG 4 (Quality Education)
  • SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
  • plus alignment with all SDGs through project-specific research focus areas addressing global sustainability challenges

Highlights

There are numerous ways in which we are mainstreaming sustainability across our educational offerings both as credit bearing and extracurricular opportunities. This includes strengthening our partnerships with our student body and international partners in the development and delivery of educational opportunities, and auditing of our progress.

Working in partnership

Since 2021, the Centre for Sustainable Development has been delivery a credit bearing programme as part of the Peking University. Globex Summer School to explore Sustainability Theories and Practice. With over 90 students each year, this course attracts undergraduate and postgraduate students from across the world to the Beijing campus to explore a diverse range of sustainability challenges and opportunities for new ways of working.

Sustainability Learning Passport 

At Strathclyde, we recognise that everyone is starting from a different place in terms of the knowledge and understanding they have of sustainability and sustainable development. With this in mind, we have developed an online learning platform open to all students and staff at the University where they can build their knowledge, understanding and interests in and of sustainability.

Everyone begins with an Introduction to Sustainable Development, and the Climate Accelerator courses. These short offerings are not credit bearing but provide a certificate or badge for completion and individual ‘Sustainability Learning Passport’ achievements can be shared with others to show the work and progress you have undertaken in this area.

Responsible Futures Accreditation

In 2023, the University achieved its first Responsible Futures Accreditation from Students Organising for Sustainability UK (SOS-UK). The programme support students and staff to work in partnership to integrate sustainability and climate justice through the formal, informal and subliminal curriculum using a tried-and-tested framework of criteria. Assessed through a student led audit every two years, this accreditation talks to our commitment to work hand in hand with our student body, learn from across participating institutions and make the transformative changes needed.

Sustainability Festival

A highlight of our student engagement in March every year is the Sustainability Festival – an opportunity for students to showcase their work across undergraduate, Masters and PhD programmes. The conference welcomes keynote speakers, and an expert panel to judge pitches from our Vertically Integrated Projects for Sustainable Development, and student societies to access funding to expand their sustainable practices and research.