GY475 Half Unit
Governing Sustainable Enterprise
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Dr Richard Perkins
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Environment and Development, MSc in Environmental Economics and Climate Change, MSc in Environmental Policy and Regulation, MSc in Environmental Policy, Technology and Health (Environment and Development) (LSE and Peking University), MSc in Environmental Policy, Technology and Health (Environmental Economics and Climate Change) (LSE and Peking University), MSc in Environmental Policy, Technology and Health (Environmental Policy and Regulation) (LSE and Peking University), MSc in Local Economic Development, MSc in Regulation and MSc in Urban Policy (LSE and Sciences Po). This course is freely available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. It does not require permission. This course uses controlled access as part of the course selection process.
How to apply: Priority: Geography & Environment, then other students. Priority is typically for students enrolled in Geography and Environment programmes, or joint degree programmes, however course specific availability is indicated via the 'Availability section' on the LSE course guide webpages. Guidance on how to apply to individual controlled access courses can also be found on LSE for You in the Graduate Course Selection system.
Please note: The number of students that can be accommodated is limited. If a course is over-subscribed, places will be allocated at the Department's discretion and a waiting list may be created. It is advised to have an alternative course in mind as a back-up in case you are unable to secure your first-choice course selection.
Deadline for application: Further guidance and information on course selection for Geography and Environment courses will be available on the Geography and Environment Course Selection Moodle page which will go live in early September and will be updated with course availability information daily throughout the course selection period. This page includes information on the timeline for course selection decisions in the Geography and Environment Department as well as the individual course application processes and requirements
A list of all taught master's courses in this Department are listed on LSE's course guide webpages.
For queries contact: geog.env@lse.ac.uk
The number of students that can be accommodated is limited. If the course is over-subscribed, places will be allocated at the Department’s discretion and a waiting list may be created. For further details, please contact your relevant Programme Coordinator.
Course content
This course examines how business governs its relationship with sustainability. A basic premise is that business has an important role to play in advancing public sustainability goals. However, the involvement of business in sustainability-related governance is fraught with challenges and trade-offs, and outcomes are highly contingent. Through a combination of theory, conceptual frameworks, and empirical evidence, students will be encouraged to think critically about the role of business in sustainability governance. They will also be invited to apply academic insights to real-world debates and policy challenges. Topics covered include strategic corporate sustainability, sustainable investment, greenwashing, and the role of the state.
Teaching
15 hours of lectures and 14 hours of seminars in the Winter Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Winter Term.
In the Department of Geography and Environment, teaching will be delivered through a combination of classes/seminars, pre-recorded lectures, live online lectures, in-person lectures and other supplementary interactive live activities.
This course is delivered through a combination of seminars and lectures across the Winter Term.
Formative assessment
All students are required to make one presentation on an agreed topic.
Indicative reading
While there is no one single text that covers all aspects of the course, students are advised to consult: Rasche, A. et al. (eds.) (2023). Corporate Sustainability: Managing Responsible Business in a Globalised World. 2nd edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Assessment
Exam (100%), duration: 120 Minutes in the Spring exam period
Key facts
Department: Geography and Environment
Course Study Period: Winter Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 75
Average class size 2024/25: 25
Controlled access 2024/25: YesCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Communication