Education for sustainable development in higher education. Students’ perspective and experience during a Masters programme in ESD at University of Gothenburg

Abstract: Aim: This thesis is an endeavor to explore Education for Sustainable development practiced in Higher Education. The study aims at exploring the students’ learning experience during an online Masters in Education for Sustainable Development taught at University of Gothenburg. It investigates how an ESD masters program have shaped or developed students’ sustainability consciousness SC, and what competencies they have achieved during this Masters programme. The analytical foundation of this thesis is the perspective of students about the educational practice as seen from inside. Theory: The conceptual framework is guiding the entire process of conducting this study. The concept of Education for sustainable development ESD presented by UN for 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development SD is used as lens for this study. The characteristics of Education for sustainable development are followed to understand the students’ learning experience. The theory of Competence based Education CBE and the model of competence-based learning are used as theoretical reference. Acquisition of crucial competencies required for Higher Education by the students is the focus of analysis. Method: Methodology involves case study design using semi-structured interviews as the data collection method of choice. In this study 7 participants (3 from year II, 2 in year I, and 2 alumni) were included. They are enrolled in Masters programme in Education for sustainable development at University of Gothenburg. Results: Data reveals a broad and varied students’ understanding of ESD, the acquisition of sustainability consciousness SC and evidence of developement of certain competencies that are crucial for graduates to achieve in higher education (i,e., critical thinking competency, system- thinking competency etc). Results showed pros and cons of delivering ESD in a digital environment, pointing out political influence on creating a huge chaos for the need for delivering education under sustainable development or sustainability. The study suggests enhancing crucial component of human interaction that is improved face to face interacting sessions and need practical knowledge and experience of ESD implementations.