Program Overview
Share Facebook Linkedin Email Postgraduate Taught 2026 autism-practice-msc robotics-artificial-intelligence-msc artificial-intelligence-pgcert history-pgdip engineering-energy-economics-the-environment-pgcert applied-cyber-security-pgcert data-analytics-pgcert technology-management-msc sound-music-pgcert sound-music-pgdip masters-law-mlaw international-commercial-business-law-llm cancer-medicine-mscres public-health-mph education-computingit-digital-skills-creative-enterprise-pgce public-health-systems-policy-theory-into-practice-pgcert international-political-economy-msc sound-music-ma public-health-sciences-pgcert public-health-data-systems-research-pgcert substance-use-substance-use-disorders-msc substance-use-substance-use-disorders-pgcert substance-use-substance-use-disorders-pgdip english-creative-writing-ma data-analytics-msc english-creative-writing-pgdip advanced-healthcare-practice-msc law-technology-llm intellectual-property-law-llm palliative-care-pgdip irish-studies-ma 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sustainable-energy-systems-management-msc sustainable-energy-systems-management-pgdip systemic-practice-family-therapy-msc systemic-practice-family-therapy-pgcert systemic-practice-family-therapy-pgdip systemic-psychotherapy-msc teaching-english-speakers-other-languages-applied-linguistics-msc translation-ma violence-terrorism-security-ma violence-terrorism-security-pgdip youth-justice-msc youth-justice-pgdip zero-carbon-engineering-pgcert Share Facebook Linkedin Email Undergraduate 2025 MSc | Postgraduate Taught Leadership for Sustainable Development Apply now Register Interest Entry year Academic Year 2026/27 Entry requirements 2.2 Attendance 1 year (Full-time) Places available 50 (Full Time) Overview Course content Modules Entry requirements Careers Fees and funding Apply 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 future generations has never been more essential, particularly for organisations across the public and private sectors. This innovative Masters programme 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 organisations, and a willingness to be challenged. Programme content is designed to be holistic, so students will study at 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.
Key Program Features
Leadership for Sustainable Development highlights
Industry Links
The programme includes two compulsory and a third optional eight-week work placement that can be undertaken in any organisation 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 onto employment with their host organisation after completing their Masters degree.
Career Development
The year-long community-based learning group project requires students to work with an organisation in need of help to provide support and solutions to a real-life problem in sustainable development. Students will cement their leadership, 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 on 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, students will be able to engage with the programme to return to their old field as sustainability leaders or forge a new path elsewhere! The School 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.
Student Experience
The aim of the course is 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.
Career Opportunities
Career Development
The year-long community-based learning group project requires students to work with an organisation in need of help to provide support and solutions to a real-life problem in sustainable development. Students will cement their leadership, 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 on 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, students will be able to engage with the programme to return to their old field as sustainability leaders or forge a new path elsewhere! The School 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.
Student Experience
The aim of the course is 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.
The whole teaching staff on the MSc Leadership for Sustainable Development are so supportive and the teaching you receive is so relevant and applicable to what employers want today. The placement opportunities are invaluable and provide opportunities to grow as a person and to hone your skills for your professional life. Overall, it has been such a great experience. I’ve met new friends and created a solid basis for a successful career in sustainable development. Constance Mallon
Program Curriculum
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 & 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 and understanding of the tools and methodologies needed by a sustainability professional such as behaviour change, environmental impact assessment and lifecycle analysis. Effective Leadership (Group Project): requires a small group of students to engage with a host organisation 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' work: Work Placement in Sustainable Development Placement I – January-March Work Placement in Sustainable Development Placement II – April-June The placements provide experiences of sustainable development and leadership thereof in a wide range of organisations. Staff and students work together to identify suitable hosts. Summer Semester Students have a choice between a third eight-week work placement, or to undertake 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.
People teaching you Dr Adewale Adenuga Programme Director School of Biological Sciences a.adenuga@qub.ac.uk Dr Eileen Mitchell Lecturer in Sustainable Development School of Biological Sciences e.mitchell@qub.ac.uk Dr Natasha McGowan Lecturer (Education) School of Biological Sciences n.mcgowan@qub.ac.uk Prof Alberto Longo Professor of Environmental & Energy Economics School of Biological Sciences a.longo@qub.ac.uk Prof George Hutchinson Professor of Environmental & Health Economics - Honorary School of Biological Sciences g.hutchinson@qub.ac.uk
Learning and Teaching
Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:
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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, research skills, digital learning technologies and self-directed study to enhance employability.
Assessment
Admission Requirements
How to Apply
Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply .
Terms and Conditions
The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study. Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions .
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 15,200/year (international)
Tuition Fees
| Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | £7,700 |
| Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | £7,700 |
| England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | £10,400 |
| EU Other 3 | £23,000 |
| International | £23,000 |
1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
More information on postgraduate tuition fees .
Additional course costs
Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications 1.1 Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications. 1.2 You will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the course. The current mandatory tuition fee deposit payment is: • £400 for Domestic (NI/ROI/GB) students • £1000 International (Non- EU & EU except ROI). 1.3 This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements. Read the full terms and conditions at the link below: https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/postgraduate/tuition-fees/deposit-refunds-policy/
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Financial Aid & Funding Opportunities
A range of funding options may be available to students enrolling at Queen's University Belfast. Explore all options early — many scholarships have deadlines months before programme start.
- University Scholarships: Queen's University Belfast may offer merit-based, need-based, or programme-specific scholarships for postgraduate students. Contact the international or financial aid office for current awards.
- Government Scholarships (): National governments often fund outbound and inbound student mobility. Check your home country's government scholarship schemes (e.g., national student loan bodies, ministry of education awards).
- International Scholarships: Major funders include: Commonwealth Scholarships, Fulbright (USA programmes), Chevening (UK), Erasmus+ (Europe), DAAD (Germany), Campus France, Australia Awards, and many more.
- Employer Sponsorship: Professionals returning to study may negotiate tuition sponsorship with their employer, particularly for MBA or executive programmes.
- Graduate Assistantships / Fellowships: Some universities offer funded research or teaching assistant positions that include a stipend and partial or full tuition waiver.
- External Foundations: Rotary Foundation, Aga Khan Foundation, Ford Foundation, and many discipline-specific bodies fund postgraduate study globally.
- Payment Plans: Flexible instalment plans may allow you to spread tuition payments across the academic year.
About Queen's University Belfast
Queen's University Belfast
Botswana, Botswana
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Start Date 2017-09-26
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)