Sustainability and Ethics

This module will discuss different topics surrounding sustainability and ethics, with the objective of considering what else can be done, and what can we do within society or organisations. The module will start by looking at the world around us, considering how we behave as consumers in society and how companies behave.  

The module will cover the marketing environment and how that has changed; why organisations should care more about sustainability and ethics; plus some of the challenges to the marketing discipline. It will look at how we live and how it can be changed, including looking particularly at climate change and the Paris Agreement. It will also consider the supply chain and how our products are made, packaged and transported. Finally, it will explore new product development and consider how organisations can improve their ethical and sustainable impact.​ 

The aim of the module is to look at current developments in sustainability and ethics and reflect on the role of the marketer. You will gain a greater understanding of these topics in relation to policy, industry implementation and consumer impact, including the following:

• Appreciate current sustainability issues and solutions.
• Understand the importance of ethics.
• Use reflection to take action.
• Understand how to motivate change within an organization.

​By the end of the module, you will have achieved the following: 

• A critical understanding of sustainability and ethics.
• A practical understanding of challenges to changing behaviour.
• Understand the role of marketers and consumers in contributing to sustainability. 
• Critically analyse case studies and real-life situations using marketing concepts learnt in class.
• Debate on issues relating to sustainability and ethics.

​​The standard entry requirements comprise: 

• A 2:2 honours degree or international equivalent,
• A CV and personal statement outlining your reasons for study, 
• English language band B (for example, IELTS 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each skill)​. 

​​You will be assessed via coursework and examination, as follows: 

• Coursework 1 = 70% 
• Coursework 2 = 10% 
• Examination 1 = 10% 
• Examination 2 = 10% ​ 

This module is delivered online and includes a variety of interactive activities to support learning. This includes discussion forums, online readings, interactive lectures, videos, quizzes, reflections, guest speakers, and online webinars. You can join live webinars, typically held on Tuesday lunchtimes, but if you are unable to attend you will be able to catch up via recordings.

You will be expected to undertake approximately 150 hours of study in total for this module. 

​​This module is offered as part of our flexible master’s awards in Professional Development. The awards are one of the most flexible currently offered in the UK, providing the opportunity to study a range of modules from across King’s, both on-campus and online. Whether you are looking for a promotion or to retrain, you have come to the right place.  

Designed for mature professionals juggling life and work commitments, our postgraduate awards will enable you to study at your own pace. In challenging financial times, you are also able to fund your studies module-by-module.  We will support you to select the right module diet that meets your objectives while ensuring that you are well prepared for success. We will also help you to build your professional network of peers from across our suite of CPD modules.  

We can’t wait for you to continue your lifelong learning journey here at King’s.​