7B005B - Sustainable Futures and the Circular Economy 01 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2032 | Version 0

Associated Module Information

Module Code: 7B005B
Module Title: Sustainable Futures and the Circular Economy
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Fashion, Marketing and Photography
Faculty Sub Group: Marketing
Module Leader:
Module Team: Jackie Harris, Sofia Christidi, Callum Evans, Michael Parsons, Alexandra Hollyman
First Intended Intake: SEP 2026 Final Year of Intake: 2031
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 30 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 30
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100075 - marketing
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 0
Valid From 01 Sep 2026
Valid To 31 Aug 2032

Module Aims

The main aims of the module are: 

  • To develop critical understanding of circular economy models and their implications for marketing strategy, innovation, and value creation. 

  • To evaluate the role of marketing in promoting sustainable consumption, stakeholder engagement, and long-term competitive advantage in digital and global markets. 

  • To foster the ability to apply innovative marketing approaches that integrate sustainability principles into real-world strategic contexts. 

Content Summary

This module explores how sustainability and innovation are transforming the role of marketing in today’s global economy. It introduces students to circular economy thinking — a model that reduces waste and maximises value — and examines how businesses can apply these principles to create opportunities for growth while addressing environmental and social challenges. Students will consider how marketing strategies, digital technologies, and consumer behaviour are evolving to support more sustainable futures. 

Case studies, applied projects, and real-world examples encourage students to think critically about how organisations can balance profitability with responsibility, and how marketers can act as drivers of positive change. 

Students will develop advanced knowledge of circular economy models and their application to strategic and digital marketing. They will strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills by evaluating complex sustainability issues, and gain practical experience in designing innovative, responsible marketing strategies. This module supports career development by preparing students for roles that require forward-thinking approaches to sustainability, innovation, and ethical leadership in marketing. 

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Guided Study 184
Practical Classes and Workshops 56
Summative Assessment 60
Total Hours Selected 300

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Critically analyse and synthesise theoretical and practical perspectives on circular economy and sustainable marketing innovation, demonstrating awareness of their strategic, ethical, and societal implications.
LO2 Design and justify innovative, sustainability-driven marketing strategies that integrate circular economy principles and digital technologies to address complex business and societal challenges.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio Strategic Sustainability Report and Circular Marketing Innovation Plan (100%): A1: Group Circular Innovation Pitc Individual Strategic Sustainability Report A1: ~1,350 words/member or 15-min pitch. A2: Either 3,000 words or mixed-media 15 4350 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Portfolio

Reading List

Week 1: Introduction to Sustainable Marketing & the Circular Economy 

Essential Reading: 

  • Belz, F-M., Peattie, K., & Onel, N. (2025). Sustainability Marketing: A Global Perspective (3rd ed.). Wiley – Chapters 1 & 2: Defining Sustainability and Marketing Purpose 

 

Supplementary Reading: 

  • Butler, G. & Carvill, M. (2024). Can Marketing Save the Planet? 101 Practical Ways to Use Sustainable Marketing as a Force for Good. Kogan Page 

  • Peattie, K. & Belz, F-M. (2010). Sustainability Marketing: A Global Perspective (2nd ed.) – for legacy case comparisons 

 

Week 2: Systems Thinking, Ethical Frameworks and Circular Design Principles 

Essential Reading: 

  • Raworth, K. (2017). Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist. Penguin – Chapter on Systems Thinking 

  • Belz, F-M., Peattie, K., & Onel, N. (2025). Sustainability Marketing: A Global Perspective – Chapter on Systems Thinking and Ethical Impact 

 

Supplementary Reading: 

 

Week 3: Consumer Behaviour and Sustainability Trends 

Essential Reading: 

  • Solomon, M. et al. (2022). Consumer Behaviour: A European Perspective. Pearson – Chapter on Green Consumer Behaviour 

  • Mintel (2024). Green Consumer Trends UK – via university library 

 

 Supplementary Reading: 

  • Butler, G., Carvill, M., & Evans, G. (2022). Sustainable Marketing: How to Drive Profits with Purpose. Kogan Page – Chapters on Customer Influence and Brand Value 

  • Nielsen (2021). Sustainability and Consumer Behaviour Global Report 

 

 

Week 4: Insight Generation: Research Tools and Data Analytics for Strategy 

Essential Reading: 

  • Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research Methods for Business Students. Pearson – Mixed methods chapter 

  • Chaffey, D. & Ellis-Chadwick, F. (2022). Digital Marketing. Pearson – Chapter on insight-led planning 

 

Week 5: Digital Innovation and AI in Sustainable Marketing Practice 

Essential Reading: 

  • Marr, B. (2020). Artificial Intelligence in Practice. Wiley – Selected marketing case studies 

  • MIT Sloan Management Review. (2023). The Ethical Use of AI in Marketing 

 

Week 6: Circular Strategy Planning and Impact Metrics 

Essential Reading: 

  • Belz, F-M., Peattie, K., & Onel, N. (2025). Sustainability Marketing: A Global Perspective – Final chapters on measurement, circular KPIs, and marketing futures 

  • Chaffey, D. (2022). Smart Insights Digital Strategy Toolkit – Strategy frameworks (RACE, SOSTAC) 

 

Week 7: Assessment Week (Reflection and PDP) 

Essential Reading: 

  • Moon, J. (2013). Reflection in Learning & Professional Development. Routledge 

  • CIPD (2023). Leadership Map and Self-Assessment Tool