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Leadership in Climate Change and Sustainability MSc

Tackling Climate Change and building sustainable approaches through interdisciplinary collaboration and leadership

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Start date(s):

  • September 2025
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Overview

Climate change is the defining crisis of our time and requires an agile and globally collaborative response. Now is the time for bold collective action.

On our Leadership in Climate Change and Sustainability MSc programme you will gain a deep insight into climate change's impact on the planet and on human societies and develop the professional skills needed to influence and lead on sustainable climate action.

You will explore sustainable approaches to tackle climate change and other negative human impacts on the planet.

The programme has 3 distinct themes:

  1. Interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches
  2. Learning through live projects with external partners
  3. Development of personal agency and leadership roles

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and Newcastle University's own commitment to Net Zero and Climate Action Plan, the programme offers learners the opportunity to study global solutions, enhance personal growth, and refine leadership skills.

Together, we'll explore ways to drive meaningful responses and create a more sustainable future.

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

What you'll learn

The programme will equip you with the essential knowledge and insights to address global climate challenges.

You will learn core skills in:

  • Leadership
  • Problem solving
  • Teamwork
  • Information processing
  • Research
  • Communication and presentation

Throughout the programme, you will:

  • Analyse scientific theories on climate change and sustainability, while learning how to identify authoritative evidence and sources of information to assess those theories.
  • Examine social, cultural, and economic aspects of sustainability and climate change
  • Prioritise and confront challenges in real-life situations, employing an interdisciplinary approach
  • Acknowledge the demands and possibilities of responsible leadership for sustainable practices

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

How you'll learn

 

Your future

Graduate destinations

Employability is a key focus of the programme, offering tailored support from Newcastle University's award-winning career service.

Climate change is one of the most complex and challenging issues of our time and impacts everyone on the planet. The job market is responding to the global and national responses to climate change with an increase in opportunities across the board: in industry, government, NGOs, charities as well as international bodies and organisations.

The skills and knowledge acquired through this programme are essential for the future of work. The programme will empower learners to become leading change agents in their chosen field.

Graduates on this MSc are prepared for a wide range of careers across the globe in various areas and sectors, including:

  • policy
  • planning
  • local government
  • energy consultancies
  • large and small engineering consultancies
  • entrepreneurship and business start-ups
  • economic development
  • charitable organisations

Practical skills

Learners are offered the opportunity to tackle local, national and international challenges in climate change and sustainability through live projects, supported by personal tutors and industry experts. On successful completion of this programme, learners will be able to:

  • Research, select and apply appropriate knowledge to practice-based projects
  • Plan and deliver team and individual work-packages and projects within timescale and given resources
  • Engage in peer and self-assessment to drive improvement and progressive personal and team development
  • Design and deliver effective communication strategies for a variety of audiences

Transferable/Key Skills

On successful completion of the programme, learners will be able to:

  • Source expert, authoritative and verifiable knowledge
  • Work and lead effectively in interdisciplinary teams by understanding and drawing on the skills, knowledges, practices, cultures, and motivations of each team member.
  • Respond to complex social challenges and opportunities with creative, analytical and innovative thinking
  • Design and present arguments in a clear and impactful manner for a range of audiences

Industry links

Our strong industrial and stakeholder engagement means our degree programmes are informed by industry and experts. You will typically benefit from this engagement through:

  • industry guest lectures
  • site visits
  • projects
  • employment opportunities with added support from our Careers Service

You can expect to carry out programme-based projects with international companies such as ARUP and RWE

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Facilities

As a student on MSc Leadership in Climate Change and Sustainability, you’ll be based in the Henry Daysh Building on our city centre campus.

As the programme is interdisciplinary, some of your time will also be spent in the School of Engineering. 

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

  • matriculation
  • registration
  • tuition (or supervision)
  • library access
  • examination
  • re-examination
  • graduation

Find out more about:

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

INTO International Pre-Master's - Pathway course

Our Business and Humanities Pre-Master's will prepare you for Master's study at Newcastle. If you're successful then you're guaranteed a place on this Master's course.

How to apply


Using the application portal

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You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.


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Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

School X

e-mail: PGT.ClimateChange@newcastle.ac.uk

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