A pioneering module that combines sustainability education with employability skills has earned City St George's national recognition at the Graduate Futures Awards 2026
City St George's, University of London has been highly commended at the Graduate Futures Awards 2026 for its Sustainability and Climate Change module.
The University was recognised in the Sustainable Careers Award category, which celebrates initiatives helping students develop the knowledge, skills and perspectives needed to address sustainability challenges in their future careers. The recognition forms part of the Graduate Futures Awards (GRAFTAs), which highlight innovation and impact in careers and employability across the UK higher education sector.
The Sustainability and Climate Change module is part of the University's Careers Activation Programme (in which all undergraduate teaching has an employability focus) and is open to eligible second-year undergraduate and Study Abroad students. It introduces students to the major challenges and opportunities associated with sustainability through perspectives from across the University, including climate science, technology, economics, business responsibility, law, psychology, ethics, and social activism.
Alongside lectures from academics and professional experts, students work in teams on real-world sustainability projects set by external organisations, helping them apply their learning to practical challenges while developing skills in collaboration, problem-solving, and project management.
The module is designed to equip students with the knowledge, experience and professional networks needed to pursue sustainability-focused careers and to understand how sustainability issues affect a wide range of sectors and professions.
The award acknowledges a collaborative effort involving colleagues from across the University to embed sustainability within students' educational experience and support their understanding of how environmental and social challenges are shaping the modern workplace.
Dr Jed Odermatt, a Reader at The City Law School and leader of the module, said:
“It has been incredibly rewarding to develop partnerships with a range of organisations, enabling students to apply their knowledge to real-world sustainability challenges.
“From encouraging better recycling behaviours to developing ways to measure the environmental impact of AI, these collaborations provide students with invaluable practical experience, helping them build confidence and develop the skills to navigate complex sustainability challenges.
“It is wonderful to see this collaborative approach recognised by the Graduate Futures Awards.”
Dominic Pates, Senior Educational Technologist in LEaD Digital Education at City St George’s said:
'This initiative has come about through extensive and sustained collaboration at City St George's. From senior leadership support and contributing academics in every school to input from a diverse selection of Professional Services staff across multiple departments and student partnerships throughout the module’s journey, this achievement is testament to what is possible when a wide range of people within an institution work together for change.
“Recognition in the Graduate Futures Awards is a fantastic complement to the impact that we know the module has already on the students that take it.’"
A collaborative achievement
The recognition reflects contributions from colleagues across academic and Professional Services teams who have worked together to develop and deliver the module. The project brings together expertise in education, sustainability, and employability to help prepare students for careers in a fast-changing world.
Head of Careers Gemma Kenyon said:
“To be Highly Commended in such a prestigious and competitive awards programme is a tremendous achievement and a fitting recognition of the Sustainability and Climate Change module’s innovation and impact.
“This success belongs to everyone involved, and I would like to thank and congratulate the CLS faculty, Careers team and wider Professional Services colleagues who have helped make it possible.”
The GRAFTAs recognise projects and initiatives that are helping to shape the future of careers and employability in higher education.
The award highlights the University's continued commitment to equipping students with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to make a positive contribution to society and to respond to some of the biggest challenges facing employers and communities today.
Find out more about the GRAFTAs 2026.
Check out the Sustainability and Climate Change course blog.
Any organisations interested in collaborating with City St George's should contact our Industry-led Projects Team at micro-placements@citystgeorges.ac.uk
