SDG Detail

Integration of the SDGs in a cross-faculty interdisciplinary Masters course

Postgraduate program

Project description

Accordingly, the SDG framework is used in a variety of ways across the Masters. Here, we highlight three specific intervention points: 1. During orientation, all new students are introduced to the SDGs. Existing students are invited to be peer mentors and share an SDG lapel pin with their mentees. This �anchors� peer mentor relationships and fosters a sense of connection to cohort and the SDGs. 2. During the Masters compulsory core units �Perspectives on Sustainability� and �Global Challenges and Sustainability�, students study the SDGs via seminars exploring the history and context of the SDGs; analysis of the Goals and Targets; deep dives into the evidence base for specific indicators; and reading academic discourse about the Goals. 3. In the advanced studies unit �Innovation to Influence System Change�, the SDGs inform change proposals for real-life contexts. They are used as a tool for system analysis; to support ideation; and as an evaluation tool for to examine trade-offs in change proposals.

Year None

Location Australia

Organization Monash University

Project aims

While planning and implementing a new Cross-Faculty Master of Environment and Sustainability (MES), launched in 2017, we aimed to achieve outcomes in relation to student knowledge, perception and action for the SDGs.

Project outcome

Objective A above is met via prescribed activities (described above) in the compulsory core units. Evidence includes 75% of MES students in 2018 opting to focus on the SDGs for critical personal reflection. Objective B is ensured via an integrated case-study assessment in the advanced unit. SDGs feature prominently in system analysis outcomes, reporting and problem definition, ideation, and proposals for change. Students demonstrate understanding of the SDGs strategically and practically. Objectives C and D are more anecdotally evaluated. Peer mentoring attracts a 1:2 mentor:mentee relationship per semester � very high voluntary commitment � and the SDG �pins� are popularly worn around campus.