Management & Sustainability

Note: this new programme is subject to final approval in early-2024.

Sustainability commands a critical position on the global business agenda, influencing individual decision-making and shaping the strategic course of business organizations.

As the central focus of your academic journey, this course offers the chance to explore sustainability and sustainable development. Specialized units delve into topics like the circular economy, addressing social, ethical, and environmental challenges. Your studies will culminate in a sustainability research project, affording you the opportunity to collaborate with a real client on an assigned brief related to sustainability.

Our MSc in Management and Sustainability programme is designed to shape future business leaders who will drive positive change, contribute to responsible business practices, and make a lasting impact on the world. Join us in building a sustainable future through education and leadership.

This programmes provides graduates with a generalist management education whilst nurturing leaders with a deep understanding of global business sustainability issues. Graduates will acquire a holistic skill set, blending critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical skills, as well as management and sustainable business practices. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are well-equipped to take on a range of different management roles and embed sustainability in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Real-World Application and Experience: Stand out in the competitive job market with hands-on experience gained through internship opportunities, consultancy projects, and practical assignments. Our emphasis on applied learning ensures that you are not just theory-savvy but also adept at implementing sustainable business and management practices in real organisational settings.

Students will have the opportunity to apply for an internship with an Irish or multinational organisation. Students can alternatively complete an applied consultancy project and optional modules that will allow you to customise your learning towards your own particular focused career path.

Global Perspectives: Engage with a diverse cohort and faculty, gaining insights into global sustainability issues. Our programme fosters a rich environment for networking, providing opportunities to connect with industry leaders, sustainability experts, and alumni. This global perspective prepares you to navigate the complexities of sustainable business and management practices in different cultural and economic contexts.

Immerse yourself in a curriculum that seamlessly integrates management principles with sustainability studies. This programme provides a well-rounded education that prepares you to address management issues with a clear focus on the environmental, social, and economic challenges in the business world.

MSc Management and Sustainability

Introduction to Sustainability (5 ECTS)
Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills
Business & Professional Development Skills
Sustainable HRM (10 ECTS)
Sustainable Strategies (5 ECTS)
Sustainable Innovation & Entrepreneurship (10 ECTS)
Business & Society (5 ECTS)
Leadership, Change and Business Transformation (5 ECTS)
Sustainable Supply Chain Management (5 ECTS)
Behaviour Change for Sustainability (5 ECTS)

Pathway Option 1: Internship
Internship and Applied Management Report (30 ECTS)
OR
Pathway Option 2: Consultancy
- Applied Consultancy Report (20 ECTS)

PLUS 2 Options: (all 5 ECTS)
- Project Management
- Negotiations
-Green and Sustainable Finance
- Renewable Energy Economics and Policy
- European Energy Policy
- Global Issues in Agricultural, Marine and Renewable Energy Economics

Subject to final change and approval.

Normally a H2.1 degree (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent). However, candidates with a H2.2 honours degree and who have a minimum of 2 years relevant work experience, will also be considered. IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent, if applicable. Similar to any modern work environment, we welcome students of diverse academic backgrounds, including law, business, arts, science and engineering graduates, to apply for the programme and believe your experience will enrich the diversity of what this programme offers.

How to apply
We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible.

Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)
For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specified closing date. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.

Online Application
Applications to most postgraduate programmes at University of Galway are made online via www.universityofgalway.ie/apply (see "Application Weblink").

1 year, full-time.

Next start date: September 2024.

Review/Closing Dates (for Taught Programmes)
For most programmes, University of Galway does not set specific closing dates for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotas will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle with the exception of applications for some programmes which are reviewed after the specifed closing date*. Candidates who do not have their final degree marks available may be made a conditional (provisional) offer.

Career Opportunities
Business Leadership and Management Roles: With a solid foundation in essential management principles, strategic thinking, and organizational behavior, our graduates often step into positions such as Project Managers, Operations Managers, Team Managers with international and multinational organizations. These roles involve overseeing teams, making strategic decisions, and ensuring the smooth functioning of various business functions. Whether in strategy, management, sustainability, or operations, the versatility of this course opens doors to leadership positions where graduates can contribute to the overall success and growth of organizations.

Consulting and Strategy: Many of our graduates find their niche in management consulting with global companies, leveraging their expertise to advise organizations on improving efficiency, solving complex challenges, and driving strategic initiatives, along with how to accelerate the sustainability and the ESG agenda in organization. Management consulting practices are expanding their sustainability related graduate recruitment to mee the growing business needs in this area. As Management Consultants, our alumni work with diverse clients, offering insights into optimizing processes, implementing change management, and enhancing overall business performance as well as social and environmental objectives. The strategic thinking and analytical skills honed during the programme make them valuable assets for consulting firms. Additionally, graduates may pursue roles in corporate strategy, where they contribute to shaping the long-term vision and goals of organizations, ensuring they remain competitive and adaptable in a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Diverse Pathways in Sustainable Management: Graduates of our MSc in Management with Sustainability programme enter a dynamic job market with a versatile skill set that aligns with the growing demand for sustainability-minded professionals. Career opportunities abound in diverse sectors internationally, including but not limited to corporate sustainability, environmental consulting, sustainable supply chain management, and social entrepreneurship. With expertise in areas such as sustainable strategies, green finance, and corporate social responsibility, our alumni are well-prepared to assume leadership roles in organizations committed to making a positive impact on the planet and society.

Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation: For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, our programme equips graduates to venture into social entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation. Armed with a deep understanding of sustainable business practices and the creativity and entrepreneurship skills to drive innovation, our alumni are well-suited to launch their ventures or join existing enterprises focused on creating positive social and environmental impact. From eco-friendly product development to socially responsible startups, our graduates embody the ethos of sustainability-driven entrepreneurship.

Examples of Management Titles:
Project Manager
Operations Manager
Business Analyst
Management Consultant
Team Leader
Department Supervisor
Assistant Manager
Executive Trainee
Business Development Associate
Strategy Analyst
Marketing Coordinator
Financial Analyst
Human Resources Specialist
Supply Chain Analyst
Customer Relationship Manager
Product Manager
Sales Supervisor
Process Improvement Specialist
Management Trainee

Example of Sustainability-Focused Roles:
Sustainability Manager
CSR Specialist
Environmental Consultant
Sustainable Supply Chain Analyst
Social Entrepreneur
Climate Policy Analyst
Sustainable Business Strategist
Sustainable Finance Analyst
ESG Analyst
Circular Economy Strategist