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Queen's University Belfast

Leadership for Sustainable Development

Overview
Managing sustainability is one of the most challenging and rapidly growing areas in both the public and private sectors. 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 jeopardising those of the future has never been more apparent.

This innovative Masters programme 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.

Why Queen's?
The programme of three eight-week placements in the NGO, governance and business and finance sectors, aims to help students 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.

The year-long group project requires several students to work with an organisation of their choice to explore sustainable solutions to a specific problem.

Entry requirements

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.

International Qualifications
For information on international qualification equivalents please select Your Country from the list on our International Students website.

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

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, 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

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

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

For additional information, please visit our website.
English for University Study - 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.

Duration

1 year, full-time.

Contact Teaching Hours per Week
Autumn semester: approximately 12 hours

Careers or further progression

Our graduates occupy important positions both locally and globally within the following voluntary, governance, business and finance sectors:
Climate change and health
Culture and media
Eco-tourism
Food, farming and horticulture
Natural and built environment
Planning and renewable energy
Regional and local government within the EU and internationally
Retail companies
Rural and urban regeneration
Sustainable transport
Waste and recycling

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

Further enquiries

Dr Jude Stephens
The Gibson Institute for Land, Food and
Environment
School of Biological Sciences
T: +44 (0)28 9097 2114
E: j.stephens@qub.ac.uk
W: www.qub.ac.uk/gibsoninstitute

Subjects taught

Programme Content
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 theories and practices of leadership and project management in the context of sustainable development.

F oundations for Sustainable Development 1 & 2: considers core themes, policies and strategies underpinning sustainable development.

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

Spring and Summer Semesters
Students carry out three placements, each comprising eight weeks' work in each of the following:

Sustainable Development in NGO (Placement 1): provides experiences of sustainable development and leadership in Non-Governmental Organisations.

Sustainable Development in Governance (Placement 2): provides experiences of sustainable development and leadership in Governance.

Sustainable Development in Business (Placement 3): provides experiences of sustainable development and leadership in Business.

Comment

Learning and Teaching
At Queens, 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 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.

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

Did you know?
The School of Biological Sciences was the first school of Biological Sciences in the UK to achieve a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award in recognition of its outstanding progress in promoting gender equality and addressing the unequal representation of women in science.

Assessment method

Students will be assessed through a variety of methods throughout the course.

This includes; research projects, group work, one examination, presentations, reports and essays, seminar contribution and reflective self-assessment.

Application date

Postgraduate Taught
In general, there are no closing dates for the majority of courses (those with closing dates will be highlighted in the Course Finder). However we advise you to apply as early as possible, particularly for those courses where there is a high demand for places. Early application is also important for international applicants to allow sufficient time to obtain a student entry visa.

Postgraduate Research
There is no standard closing date. You should however check both the Universitys website and refer to the relevant School/Institute webpage for information on deadline dates for postgraduate funding applications, as these will also determine when your application for admission should be submitted.