Sustainable Development

Aims of the programme

The sustainable development programme is introduced based on the wider understanding that the natural resources are used to the extent that it may be not be substitutable and may not be reversible if the past and the current trend is adopted. So it is assumed that societies need to manage three types of capital resources such as economic, social, and natural resources. Often, the development is driven by one particular need and not considering the wider impacts. Until now we have experienced the damage that the existing approach have caused and could cause so the longer we pursue unsustainable development, the more scarce and severe the degradation of natural resources would be. The sustainable development is a developmental approach that meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations. Therefore, the approach basically is to meet the human development goals while at the same time sustaining the ability of the natural systems to cater to the needs of future generation. In order to do so, the United Nations has introduced more succinct, universal, integrated and transformative Sustainable developmental goals. This programme basically aims to equip the students with the concept of socio-economic development and environmental protection for the current and for the future generations. It is therefore believed that the renewed vision of sustainable human and social development that is both equitable and viable could be achieved by teaching and practicing the approach of sustainable development. Educating the youth of today and empowering them with the concept that could build the human resources we need to be productive, to continue to learn by solving problem, by being creative and live with nature in peace and harmony. This vision also aligns with the country’s developmental philosophy of Gross National Happiness which is what the programme is expected to contribute to by equipping students with right attitude towards nature and balanced approach to development.

Learning Outcomes of the programme

On completion of the programme, students will be able to:

  • Articulate the concept of sustainable development.
  • Explain social organizations and socio-logical principles linking local communities.
  • Elucidate local and global problems and examine them in order to enhance adaptation and resilience.
  • Analyze and apply the concept of sustainable development relating to Gross National Happiness.
  • Narrate socio-logical principles and apply them to tackling community problems.
  • Describe the relationship between human and organizational behavior relating them to balanced socio-economic development and conservation of the environment.
  • Apply knowledge and skills of research and statistics and analyze the resources required for current and future generations.
  • Identify and apply the development and communication ethics in line with the country’s developmental needs while conserving the environment.
  • Analyze human and environmental health and link them to nutrition, resources used and the human well-being.
  • Assist rural communities to develop and embrace sustainable community based natural resources management practices.

Career related opportunities

The programme prepares graduates for an interesting and rewarding career as researchers, development specialists, project and programme managers, planners and field workers. The graduates will be able to find employment in various government agencies, corporations, NGOs, international organizations, businesses, media, and in private sectors. Furthermore, the programme is also suitable for graduates who want to assume leadership positions in local governments and pursue a career in politics.

Programme Structure

Year Semester Modules
1 1 DEV101

Introduction to Sustainable Development

SOC101

Introduction to Sociology

ACS101

Academic Skills

DZG101

Dzongkha Communication

ECN101

Development Economics

2 GSE101

Analytical Skills

SOC102

Bhutanese Society and Culture

EVS102

Environmental Studies

ECL103

Principles of Ecology and Ecosystem

COM101

Introduction to Development Communication

2 1 EDP201

Entrepreneurship Development

GIS201

Geographical Information System and  Remote sensing

MGT201

Organizational Management and Leadership

APR407

Sustainable Livestock Farming

AGR202

Sustainable Crop Production and Land Use

2 STS201

Statistics

RES201

Research Methods

DEV202

Sustainable Infrastructure Development

CLM205

Climate Change: Vulnerability, Mitigation and Adaptation

EDP202

Agri-business and Marketing

3 1 PHD301

Public Health for Sustainable Development

NRM301

Integrated Watershed Management

NRM302

Community Based Natural Resource Management and  Ecotourism

NRM303

Natural Resource Economics

DEV303

Introduction to Public Policy Processes

2 ATT301

Internship

MGT302

Project Planning and Management

CLM306

Disaster and Hazard Management

RES302

Research Project

Note: All modules are of 12 credits except RES302 which is 24 credit. Pre-course on ICT Skills is not credited.