About the Bootcamp
The Learning Design & ESD Bootcamp — Designed by ALDESD in collaboration with leading universities and UNESCO IESALC.
BOOTCAMP CALL 2026 IS NOW OPEN — now with a new lower fee and individual participation.
Want to learn more? Find out about the Call 2026 →
About
What is the Bootcamp about?
The Learning Design and ESD Bootcamp has been designed by ALDESD and is delivered in collaboration with UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (IESALC), University of Glasgow, King's College London, Manchester Metropolitan University, The University of Edinburgh and the Open University.
The Bootcamp is delivered fully online over a period of 8 weeks. It aims to develop the skills and competencies required to embed ESD in curriculum design supported by the CoDesignS ESD Framework.
By the end of the Bootcamp, participants are able to:
Discuss the concept of sustainability and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Explain what ESD is and the difference it can make to curricula and pedagogy.
Discuss the concept of transformative pedagogies and the application of active learning methodology into learning and teaching practice.
Describe learning design concepts and approaches as well as the importance of the three pillars of the CoDesignS ESD Framework embedding ESD in curriculum design. Explore the CoDesignS ESD Framework.
Design curriculum elements contributing to embedding ESD in educational practices using the CoDesignS ESD Toolkit Planner and the CoDesignS ESD AI Coach.
Explore the resources:
Time Commitment
~7 hours per week over 8 weeks
Language
English (B2–C1 level required).
Certificate
Issued jointly by ALDESD and UNESCO IESALC
Bootcamp Journey
Kick off meeting
Teams come together for an online orientation session
Online course
Teams complete online training on UNESCO IESALC Campus
Networking events
Interactive discussions, live webinars and peer learning
Teams presentations (Pitch)
Teams present their ESD curriculum designs
Mentorship and support activities throughout
Bootcamp Experience
Micro-lectures
Live Webinars & guest speakers
Weekly assignments
Discussions and polls
Case studies
Mentoring & support
Dedicated Bootcamp support team
"Thank you all for this incredible bootcamp experience. Learning about SDG, sustainable development, and transformative pedagogies has been eye-opening. Excited to take these insights back to my university and weave them into our courses. Grateful for the journey and ready to make a positive impact!"
— Bootcamp Participant
"The Learning Design and ESD Bootcamp aims to inspire and empower academics, learners, learning designers and educational developers from different disciplines to acquire a learning design mind-set, embedding Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Higher Education practices. The Bootcamp also aims to foster communities of practice to aspire for creating value and innovative ESD solutions for Higher Education institutions globally."
Dr Maria Toro-Troconis — Bootcamp Founder and Director
Who is it for?
Target Audience
The Bootcamp is designed for academics, learning designers, educational developers, curriculum designers, and learners from higher education institutions—or any educational setting—interested in embedding Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into curriculum design.
After completing the Bootcamp, participants can apply to become Certified Bootcamp Mentors.
Module Leads
Dr Maria Toro-Troconis
ALDESD Founder & Director
Victoria Tait
University of Edinburgh
Dr Nathalie Tasler
University of Glasgow
Dr Vicki Dale
University of Glasgow
Dr Theresa Nicholson
Manchester Metropolitan University
Dr Romas Malevicious
King's College London
Results
Our Impact
We have successfully trained over 190 participants across 65 diverse teams from an array of countries, including the United Kingdom, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Panama, Honduras, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, United Arab Emirates, China, Malaysia, Philippines, Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Australia.
Our Impact
Over 190 participants across 65 teams from around the world
190+
Participants
65+
Teams
20+
Countries
United Kingdom
Latin American Countries
United Arab Emirates
Spain
Malaysia
Ireland
China
Singapore
Australia
Philippines
Iceland
Research Findings (2022–2023)
Bootcamp participation led to a considerable positive effect on how participants feel in control of embedding ESD in curriculum design, associated with the clear pedagogical framework and toolkit provided.
Significant differences were observed in scores for Usefulness, Control, and Behavioural components between pre-test and post-test conditions, demonstrating participants' readiness to integrate ESD into curriculum design.
Source: Toro-Troconis, M., Inzolia, Y. and Ahmad, N. (2023). 'Exploring Attitudes towards Embedding Education for Sustainable Development in Curriculum Design'. IJHE; 12:4, pp 42-54.
Special Issue — Case Studies
United Kingdom
Manchester Metropolitan University
Queen's University Belfast
Glasgow Caledonian University
University of Essex
UAE · China · Colombia · Argentina · Spain
American University of Sharjah (UAE)
Universidad Internacional de Valencia (Spain)
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Recognition
Our Awards
Made by local artists in Scotland
In Collaboration With
