MSc Leadership for Sustainable Development
Queen's University of Belfast - Medical Faculty
Key Information
Campus location
Belfast, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 year
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 6,980 / per year
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
Introduction
With increasing recognition of the impact of a world living beyond its means, the commitment to sustainable development to meet the needs of present generations without jeopardizing those of future generations has never been more essential, particularly for organizations across the public and private sectors.
This innovative Masters's program is open to applicants from all subject backgrounds and is designed to create leaders and sustainability professionals in all fields and subjects. The course will require a high level of independence, adaptability, engagement with both the University and external organizations, and a willingness to be challenged.
Program content is designed to be holistic, so students will study at the intermediate level the broad-ranging fields of leadership and management, environmental and sustainability science, social studies, and economics, amongst others, to prepare them for life as change agents in sustainable development. The course embraces personal choice of study where possible to enhance the students’ existing knowledge, experiences, and interests.
A key principle of the program is the importance of Education for Sustainable Development, and students will complete the course as fully developed individuals with competency in critical thinking, systems thinking, interpersonal working, and much more. Modules are taught through action-based, experiential learning methods such as practicals, site visits, work placements, and community-based learning consultancy projects, in addition to lectures and tutorials.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2023 for courses that commence in late September. If any program receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the program application page.
Please note a deposit may be required to guarantee a place on the course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list. Please see the deposit terms and conditions for more details.
Leadership For Sustainable Development Highlights
Industry Links
The program includes two compulsory and a third optional eight-week work placement that can be undertaken in any organization with a suitable sustainability focus. Students will receive support in sourcing and securing placement from our dedicated School Careers & Placement team. Students will get to put their learning into action, and many of our students go on employment with their host organization after completing their Masters's degree.
Career Development
The year-long community-based learning group project requires students to work with an organization in need of help to provide support and solutions to a real-life problem in sustainable development. Students will cement their leadership, and project management of their choice to explore sustainable solutions to a specific problem.
Internationally Renowned Experts
Sustainability does not have just one meaning, and sustainability and sustainable development may even be two separate things entirely! Students in this programme will be exposed to a range of academics, subject-matter experts, and industry professionals working from multiple viewpoints and disciplinary origins to understand and critique the complex and dynamic nature of sustainable development. No matter what their undergraduate degree is, students will be able to engage with the program to return to their old field as sustainability leaders or forge a new path elsewhere!
Student Experience
The course aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experience to become sustainable development 'champions' who can identify and address problems of sustainability in innovative ways and further mainstream sustainable development across all sectors and at all levels.
Master skills in leadership and management such as people and performance management, change management, and project management, and apply them to a range of problems in sustainable development.
Admissions
Curriculum
Autumn Semester
Students will be introduced to leadership and sustainable development over three taught modules to help gain an overview of the principles and values of sustainable development, and why it is important.
Leadership & Management for Sustainable Development:
explore approaches to leading and managing people, projects, change, budgets and more, particularly in how these can be used as tools for creating action within the field of sustainable development.
Foundations for Sustainable Development:
consider the core themes, subject knowledge, history, policies, and strategies underpinning sustainable development, focusing on the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Skills for Sustainable Development:
develop an understanding of the tools and methodologies needed by a sustainability professional such as behavior change, environmental impact assessment, and lifecycle analysis.
Effective Leadership (Group Project):
requires a small group of students to engage with a host organization over the year in a real-world project to promote sustainable development through experiential learning and action research.
Spring Semester
Students carry out two compulsory work-based learning placements in the second semester, each comprising eight weeks of work:
Work Placement in Sustainable Development Placement I – Jan-Mar
Work Placement in Sustainable Development Placement II – April-June
The placements provide experiences of sustainable development and leadership thereof in a wide range of organizations. Staff and students work together to identify suitable hosts.
Summer Semester
Students have a choice between a third eight-week work placement, or undertaking a taught module:
Work Placement in Sustainable Development Placement III – July-August
Reflective Practice in Sustainable Development:
requires students to consider their role as reflective practitioners in Sustainable Development and critically evaluate their development and performance over the year.
Scholarships and Funding
We offer prestigious, competitive scholarships of up to 50% off tuition fees to new international students. You must have an offer to study a full-time course with us in 2023 to apply for a scholarship. Find out more by contacting the university.
Gallery
Career Opportunities
This MSc will equip you to work in a variety of roles in both the private and public sector, here in Northern Ireland, and internationally. Our recent graduates have gone on to a wide range of roles such as; Climate Programme Manager: Action Resilience Officer for Climate: Communications and Engagement Specialist; Environmental Manager; Sustainability Consultant; Housing Development; Recycling Education Promotions Officer; International Development Volunteer; Marine Community Support Officer; Waste and Recycling Manager: Parliamentary Assistant and Environmental Consultant.
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports, and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognized by a world-leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.