Global Challenges
Tackle sustainable human development issues to find out how you can make an impact in the real world
Global Challenges puts your degree in a broader context, connecting disciplines and considering social, ethical and cultural dimensions.
Combating climate change, establishing gender equality, preserving biodiversity, access to education and eliminating poverty are just some of the environmental and social pressures that will shape the coming century. They will alter how we live, the risks we face, and the ways that we govern a more interdependent world. Tackling these challenges will require the best available minds to measure and predict impacts and to identify solutions.
Our award winning courses give you the opportunity to research and problem solve your choice of these challenges in multidisciplinary teams, using a range of new and diverse ways of working.
Please see the 2018-19 course options below and check the course descriptions for more information.
Information block
Global Challenges for first years
| Course code | Course title | ECTS | Duration | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HGC14 | The World Today: Analysing Global Progress* | 0 | 8 weeks | Autumn term only |
| HGC15 | The World Today: Collecting and Understanding Data* | 0 | 8 weeks | Autumn term only |
| HGC16 | The World Today: Innovating for Change* | 0 | 8 weeks | Autumn term only |
*Amended Course - New Course Description Coming Soon
Global Challenges for second years
| Course code | Course title | ECTS | Duration | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HGC21 | Design for Sustainable Development | 6 | 20 weeks | Autumn and spring terms |
| HGC22 | Visualising Global Challenges | 6 | 20 weeks | Autumn and spring terms |
| HGC25 | Design for Economic Development | 6 | 20 weeks | Autumn and spring terms |
| HGC27 | A SMART Life* | 6 | 20 weeks | Autumn and spring terms |
| HGC28 | Sustainable ME* | 6 | 20 weeks | Autumn and spring terms |
| HGC29 | Building Equality* | 6 | 20 weeks | Autumn and spring terms |
| HGC210 | Building Happiness* | 6 | 20 weeks | Autumn and spring terms |
*New Course - Course Description Coming Soon
Global Challenges for third and fourth years
| Course code | Course title | ECTS | Duration | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HGC31 | Lessons from History | 6 | 20 weeks | Autumn and spring terms |
| HGC32 | Global Challenges Independent Project | 6 | 20 weeks | Autumn and spring terms |
| HGC33 | Creative Futures* | 6 | 20 weeks | Autumn and spring terms |
*New Course - Course Description Coming Soon
Imperial Horizons courses listed in our literature and on the website are those that the Centre is currently offering in the academic year listed. Courses run subject to sufficient demand and resources. The College reserves the right to cap numbers and change or discontinue courses.
What students say about Global Challenges
What students say about Global Challenges
"I'd never really thought about the ethical side of science before, so I've learnt a lot, and a new way of thinking about the science from my degree too."
"I am very happy that I have chosen to do a horizons course. The information is varied and discussions in class are very stimulating and encourage me to look into them further. The course provides a very nice contrast to other technical modules in my degree."