Deciding on what to do your dissertation on can seem like a daunting task! It is generally the biggest piece of work you will do as part of your undergraduate or masters degree, yet most students find that it is the moist enjoyable part of their studies at University.
At Leeds we strive to promote research and learning that makes an impact on global challenges, focusing on six key areas: health, water, food, energy, culture and cities.
Find out how you can integrate sustainability in your work, the benefits of doing so, and current opportunities for you to get involved, in the tabs below.
What do we mean by 'sustainability'
There are multiple definitions of sustainability, but the most frequently quoted is – “development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
It covers not just the environmental aspects such as, climate change, biodiversity, and waste, but also social and economic aspects like equality, healthcare, ethical investments, and community development.
In a nutshell, sustainability shapes everything that happens – what we teach, learn, buy, use, and share. It’s a fundamental part of ensuring we have a positive impact on everyone and everything.
The benefits to you
Some of the benefits of incorporating sustainability into your research are;
- Employers are actively seeking graduates who understand the core concepts of both present and future environmental, social and economic challenges to safeguard them against risks. It will stand you out from the crowd!
- Sustainability is an interdisciplinary field, so the vast majority of students can easily incorporate sustainability aspects within their research that aligns with their interests; from exploring how low carbon energy solutions can be integrated in rural areas, to investigating the social impact of the arts in communicating ethical purchasing.
- Tailoring your research project to address a sustainability theme actively contributes to having a positive impact in society, as your work will be focussing on real challenges and actions for positive change.
- There are opportunities to showcase your work and be recognised for your achievements – the annual University of Leeds Student Sustainability Conference is an opportunity for any student to present their curricular projects or research to a wide audience, and network with like minded students, staff, and visitors. The Sustainability Awards in June highlight student research as one of the key awards in the Building Knowledge and Capacity categories.
Opportunities and examples
Click here to view a current list of potential dissertation titles and topics.
Living Lab
What is Living Lab?
To see a list of potential Living Lab research opportunities that the Sustainability Service have identified, as well as current projects already taking place, and those which have been completed please CLICK HERE.
Support
Where to start?
University of Leeds Libraries have created ‘‘The Final Chapter’ an online guide for undergraduate and postgraduate students on developing and completing their dissertation. A great place to begin when planning your topic and research question.
Dissertation Workshops –
Each year we host a number of dissertation workshops where any student can come along and hear how they can integrate sustainability into their work, see some examples of past projects, and what current opportunities exist. Check our calendar for the latest dates!
The Student Sustainability Conference –
Stuck for a project idea? Cant think how sustainability applies to your subject?
CLICK HERE to explore the diversity of work presented at the annual Student Sustainability Conferences, which attract presenters from across all faculties at Leeds, sharing their research or curricular projects which have a focus on sustainability themes.
From Art to Zoo Management –
Cant think how sustainability applies to your subject? Check out NUS’s ‘From Art to Zoo Management‘ guide and see some examples of how your discipline could apply to sustainability.
Contact the team –
We are always happy to help any student with queries on doing a sustainability themed project. Visit the contact us page and leave us a message!