Leadership for Sustainable Rural Development

Overview
Sustainable rural development involves challenging the disparities between rural and urban areas, protecting the countryside and sustaining local services. This innovative, conversion Masters programme is open to applicants from all disciplinary backgrounds and promotes leadership and embraces action-based, experiential learning, facilitated through a series of lectures, work placements and group projects. The programme fosters critical thinking and promotes the use of initiative for problem solving and decision-making in sustainable development.

Learning and Teaching
Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:

At Queen's, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.

On the MSc in Leadership for Sustainable Rural Development we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.

Teaching is across a combination of morning and afternoon classes throughout the week.

Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course include; lectures, practical experiences, research skills, E-Learning technologies, self-directed study and added value qualifications to enhance employability.

Course Structure
Introduction

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 for Sustainable Development:
explores approaches to leading and managing oneself and other people, the contexts in which this happens (organisations and systems) and how project and policy management takes place in these contexts.

Foundations for Sustainable Development 1 & 2:
consider the core themes, policies and strategies underpinning sustainable development focusing on the UN SD Goals and the Three Pillars of Sustainability. There are additional opportunities for practical training and relevant skills development.

Effective Leadership (Group Project):
requires a small group of students to engage with a host organisation over the year in a project of their choice to promote sustainable development through 'experiential learning'.

Spring and Summer Semesters

Students carry out a sixteen-week placement in the rural sector or with an organisation that has a rural interest. This can be in government, business or the voluntary sector, in Northern Ireland or abroad.

Students carry out original research for a K10 word dissertation on a topic of the student's choice.

Graduate
Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.

Applicants who do not meet the above academic requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Submission of a portfolio and/or interview may be required.

The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for more information.

International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level

Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal go.qub.ac.uk/pgapply and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2022 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme 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 programme 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 deposit terms and conditions for more details.

1 academic year full-time, 2 academic years part-time.

Career Prospects
Introduction
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 onto a wide range of roles such as; Climate Programme Manager: Action Resilience Officer for Climate: Rural Development Specialist; Environmental Manager; Sustainability Consultant; Rural Community Development Officer; UFU: Recycling Education Promotions Officer; Rural Community Network Manager; Marine Community Support Officer; Rural Services Support: Waste and Recycling Manager: Parliamentary Assistant and Environmental Consultant.