Education for Sustainability
Kingston University is dedicated to giving students the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to engage with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Giving students knowledge, skills and opportunities for sustainability
A commitment to a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable future.
We have embedded the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into our Academic Framework principles, reflecting our Town House Strategy mission and our commitment to a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable future.
As a leading provider of higher education and an active partner in the wider educational community, our core focus aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education. We are dedicated to giving students the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to engage with the SDGs – each course is therefore required to address at least two additional goals beyond SDG 4.
Opportunities for engagement
Kingston University offers a range of opportunities for students, staff and the wider community to engage with sustainability. Join us and be a change‑maker shaping a more sustainable future.
- Conference of the Parties (COP) campaigns and Earth Week celebrations
- Webinars, workshops and film screenings during the London Climate Action Week
- London Student Sustainability Conference
- Fairtrade Forum
The 'Welcome to Kingston University' induction module for students and the Academic Induction for staff include dedicated sections on sustainability. They outline Kingston University's, showcase key activities, and offer practical guidance on how students and staff can live and be more sustainable.
- Student and staff induction online module and guidelines
- Live briefs and curriculum‑embedded ‘campus as a learning lab’ projects - experiential learning opportunities (students and staff)
- International Network of Universities’ Global Citizenship and Sustainable Futures: Learning for Change (students only)
- Climate literacy workshops (students and staff)
- Course Leaders Programme (academic staff only)
- Education for Sustainable Futures programme, SEDA‑accredited (academic and professional services staff only)
- SADRAS+ (students and staff)
- Bright Ideas (students only)
- RISE UP Programme (students only)
- Inclusive Curricula and Education for Sustainability Fellowship Scheme (staff only)
- If you are seeking asylum in the UK and do not have access to student finance, you may be eligible for a Kingston University Sanctuary Scholarship.
- Students with refugee status are classified as 'Home' students at Kingston University. If you are not eligible for student finance, please read our Sanctuary Scholarships webpage.
- Sustainability Engagement and Communication Steering Group (students and staff)
- Fairtrade Award Team (students and staff)
- Green Impact Scheme and Fairtrade Auditor training (students only)
- Read more on events and further engagement activities
- Read Kingston University's sustainability reports for case studies and past events
- Email us at [email protected] for more information to get involved.
As a member of the Engagement and Communication Steering Group, I connected with diverse stakeholders across the University, built my confidence and brought a fresh student perspective to navigating real sustainability challenges.
Inclusive Curricula and Education for Sustainability Fellowship Scheme
Each year, to support and celebrate projects that positively impact students' learning experiences, and to test new ideas to engage students and improve their outcomes, Kingston University awards up to ten £1,000 Fellowships. These support creating and disseminating innovative practices in developing inclusive curricula and Education for Sustainability in learning and teaching and student support.
The Fellowship Scheme is open both to academics and professional services members of staff. Student partnerships are strongly encouraged.
To learn more about the Fellowship Scheme, please email [email protected].
Education for Sustainable Futures programme
The online programme, accredited by the Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA), is designed to support academic and professional services staff in seamlessly embedding Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into curriculum design, teaching practices, and student support. It introduces effective pedagogical strategies for ESD and offers opportunities to engage with examples of good practice from across Kingston University. It is part of the institutional Essential Training and included in the induction for new members of staff.
Educational toolkits, co-created with Kingston University students
To support staff in understanding and embedding sustainability into the curriculum, we have developed toolkits in collaboration with our students. These toolkits include case studies, examples of good practice, and suggestions for aligning sustainability with our mission, vision, and values.
As part of our commitment to supporting the wider community, we have co-developed a Green Skills Toolkit for school teachers. Created in collaboration with our students, the toolkit includes a variety of hands-on activities designed for both primary and secondary education, helping to bring sustainability into the classroom in engaging and practical ways.
RISE UP Programme
The RISE UP Programme: Reimagining Inclusion, Sustainability and Equity in University Practices
The RISE UP Programme allows staff to partner with student consultants to help them reflect on their practice and how course materials can address inclusion and sustainability, in addition to exploring how all students learning and teaching experiences can be made more engaging, representative, and accessible both in and out of the classroom.
To find out more, email the RISE UP Programme.
SADRAS+
The Student Academic Development & Research Associate Scheme (SADRAS+) offers staff and students the opportunity to work in partnership on the design and implementation of educational research projects that enhance the academic experience of under‑represented student groups at the University.
The scheme aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and includes three pathways: Student–Staff, Staff‑Led and Student‑Led.
Both staff and students can submit projects and receive up to £1,000 to support their research project activities. If you are a student or staff member interested in applying or learning more about the scheme, please contact [email protected].
Get in touch to talk about sustainability
Got a question about sustainability at Kingston University?
Call us on +44 (0)7767 932944 or send us an email.
You can also visit us in person at:
Estates and Sustainability
Services Building
Penrhyn Road Campus
Kingston upon Thames
KT1 2EE
United Kingdom