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 jeopardizing those of future generations has never been more essential, particularly for organizations across the public and private sectors.
This innovative Masters's program 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 organizations, and a willingness to be challenged.
Program content is designed to be holistic, so students will study at the 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.
A key principle of the program is the importance of Education for Sustainable Development, and students will complete the course as fully developed individuals with competency in critical thinking, systems thinking, interpersonal working, and much more. Modules are taught through action-based, experiential learning methods such as practicals, site visits, work placements, and community-based learning consultancy projects, in addition to lectures and tutorials.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2023 for courses that commence in late September. If any program 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 program 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 the deposit terms and conditions for more details.
Leadership For Sustainable Development Highlights
Industry Links
The program includes two compulsory and a third optional eight-week work placement that can be undertaken in any organization 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 on employment with their host organization after completing their Masters's degree.
Career Development
The year-long community-based learning group project requires students to work with an organization in need of help to provide support and solutions to a real-life problem in sustainable development. Students will cement their leadership, and 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 in 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 is, students will be able to engage with the program to return to their old field as sustainability leaders or forge a new path elsewhere!
Student Experience
The course aims 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.