TACKLING SUSTAINABILITY

Emma (BSc Biology) and Emily (BSc Physics) study in different departments, but both were interested in widening their learning. York's interdisciplinary modules gave them the opportunity to work together on a topic with real-world relevance.

The Rugby Football League (RFL) was just one of the organisations with a project for students to work on as part of the Sustainability Clinic module. The organisation wanted to better promote its sustainability initiatives to fans and stakeholders.

A new area of study

"It's probably been my favourite module at York so far," says Emily. "I'd never done anything in sustainability before and wanted to try something very practical!"

Their group put together a communication plan, including a social media campaign and internal promotions, designed to unify the company's image as an industry leader in sustainability.

TRY, TRY AGAIN

Projects don't come without their challenges. "We had some difficulties working together initially." Emma tells us, "eventually it was sorted out, and now it's consistent." The group's organisation skills were a testament to the project's success. "We'd always arrange the next meeting during our current one?"

You can take elective modules like The Sustainability Clinic as part of most undergraduate courses at York. "It's been really good meeting and working with people from other degrees." Emily states, as she reflects on the diverse skills of the team. "Had I done this by myself, I don't think I would have been as successful."

Developing new skills

Coordinating a large-scale project helped Emma and Emily to develop important time-management and communication skills. The module has given Emily a much better idea of what she'd like to do after uni. Emma, who has always had a sustainability focused career in mind, was able to focus on developing specific areas of her CV: "I wanted to get more experience working with external clients and as part of an interdisciplinary team."

Stakeholders in the RFL and lecturers at York provided valuable feedback at every stage.

"They plan on using what we've produced, so we know what we're doing is for a good reason. You feel like you're making a real impact."

"It's been really good working with people from other degrees."