Implementing the Inner Development Goals in Higher Education: Examples from a Master’s Programme in Psychology with a Focus on Future and Global Survival

There is an urgent need for new forms of pedagogical frameworks and competencies that can equip students of tomorrow to skilfully address the sustainability challenge. One such framework is the Inner Development Goals (IDG). The following paper presents how the IDG was used when creating and implementing a master’s programme in psychology with a focus on future and global survival at Karlstad University in Sweden. The process is described in relation to the Quality Implementation Framework (The Public Health Agency of Sweden, 2023). The IDG is used as a generic framework for the programme, as part of working with professional development and reflective learning, and when designing learning content. The paper gives examples of a number of diverse learning experiences in which the IDGs were used as an inspiration. The IDG is also applied in relation to the main aims of the programme, psychological insight for sustainable behaviour changes, and transition to a sustainable future. The role of psychology as a driver for sustainable development is discussed. The implementation process was supported by the university, and from the point of the author and students, the framework of the programme, including the IDG, was deemed positive. Implications for using the IDGs are discussed.