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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 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.

Entry requirements

Entrance requirements
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.

Duration

1 year, full-time.

Learning and Teaching
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 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.

Careers or further progression

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 on to a wide range of roles such as; Communications and Engagement Specialist; Environmental Manager; Sustainability Consultant; Housing Development; Recycling Education Promotions Officer; International Development Volunteer; Marine Community Support Officer; Parliamentary Assistant and Environmental Consultant.

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

Subjects taught

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

Foundations 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

Leadership for Sustainable Development highlights
Student Experience
•The programme of three eight-week placements in the NGO, governance and business and finance sectors can be carried out locally or internationally. These aim 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.

Assessment method

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

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

Application date

Postgraduate Taught
Closing dates do apply for some of our courses, and details of these are available on our Course Finder. 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.

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. See application weblink below.