MSc Leadership in Climate Change and Sustainability
Tackling Climate Change and building sustainable approaches through interdisciplinary collaboration and leadership
About the programme
Climate change is the defining crisis of our time and it 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'll gain deep insights into climate change's impact on the planet and on human societies.
You'll also develop the professional skills needed to influence and lead on sustainable climate action.
You'll explore sustainable approaches to tackle climate change and other negative human impacts on the planet.
The programme has 3 distinct themes:
- Interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches
- Learning through live projects
- Development of personal agency and leadership roles
On our programme you'll study global solutions, enhance personal growth, and refine leadership skills. This aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, and our own commitment to Net Zero and Climate Action Plan.
Together, we'll explore ways to drive meaningful responses and create a more sustainable future.
Throughout the programme, you'll:
- Analyse scientific theories on climate change and sustainability. Learn 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
Live project learning is at the core of the degree. You'll be working on ‘real world’ projects, with briefs set by partner organisations - from industry, public, or voluntary sectors - alongside leading researchers within Newcastle University.
These projects provide invaluable experience of engaging and working with professionals, as well as building key links contacts and connections for your future career.
Key features
The programme is co-curated by our dedicated Climate Change Fellows. They come from a range of academic backgrounds and disciplines within our four departments: engineering, history, urban planning and science.
Interdisciplinary team teaching
You'll be tutored by the Climate Change Fellows on the modules:
- ‘Facing up to Climate Change’
- ‘Live Project’
- ‘Research Dissertation’ and
- 'Leadership for Climate Change and Sustainability'.
You'll explore the diverse approaches, methodologies, and concerns of different disciplines facing the same challenges. This will enable you to ‘triangulate’ your own approach.
Engaging with other Master's courses
On our programmes you'll be connect with a variety of disciplines. You'll do this mainly on the 'Facing up to Climate Change' module and through elective modules.
Exploring leadership
You'll focus on personal understanding, exploring and critically evaluating leadership theory and its application within the individual contexts and practices of sustainability and climate change.
Student visits
Through study visits we'll build course community and introduce you to the North East of England. We'll examine the area's role in the emergence of a coal-based, fossil-fuel economy, which fuelled the industrialisation that led to modern global warming. We'll also study regional efforts to develop sustainable and resilient ecosystems.
Research dissertation
You'll take the knowledge you've gained throughout the programme and apply it to your own project, encouraging you to reflect upon different climate change approaches in diverse cultural contexts.
How you'll learn
The programme mixes lectures, seminars, and collaborative interactive workshops and study trips. Your learning will also be supported with digital content and our online environment.
The interdisciplinary modules on the programme provide:
- in-depth knowledge on climate change
- critical understanding of the evidence and concepts supporting that knowledge
- research and leadership skills, enabling you to come to your own conclusions and to lead your own research project
Our teaching approach blends:
- lectures, seminars and collaborative workshops
- case studies from industry and cutting-edge research
- team projects
- study trips
- independent research
Assessment criteria focuses on knowledge depth, critical analysis, and collaboration across activities including:
- reports
- case studies
- group projects
- reflective essays
This comprehensive approach evaluates knowledge, encourages collaboration, and instils a reflective approach to addressing complex sustainability and climate change challenges.
Graduates leave equipped with a diverse skill set combining theory, application, collaboration, and critical thinking for success in academia and professional endeavours.
Employability skills
Employability is a key focus of the programme and includes tailored support from our careers service.
Climate change is one of the most complex and challenging issues of our time. It impacts everyone. The job market reacts to global responses to climate change, with an increase in opportunities in:
- industry
- government
- NGOs
- charities
- international bodies and organisations
An interdisciplinary approach provides a more enduring understanding of climate change, drives innovation in mitigating complex climate challenges and cultivates strong future leaders who can encourage collaboration across all sectors.
The skills and knowledge gained on our programme are essential for the future of work. The programme will empower you to become a leading change agent in your chosen field.
Our students graduate ready for a wide range of careers in various sectors, including:
- policy
- planning
- local government
- energy consultancies
- large and small engineering consultancies
- entrepreneurship and business start-ups
- economic development
- charitable organisations
Practical skills
You'll tackle local, national and international challenges in climate change and sustainability. You'll do this through live projects, supported by personal tutors and industry experts. On successful completion of this programme, you'll be able to:
- Research, select and apply appropriate knowledge to practice-based projects
- Plan and deliver work-packages and projects within timescale and given resources
- Engage in peer and self-assessment to drive development
- Design and deliver effective communication strategies for a variety of audiences
Transferable/Key Skills
On successful completion of the programme, you'll be able to:
- Source expert, authoritative and verifiable knowledge
- Work and lead in interdisciplinary teams, utilising the competencies 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'll benefit from this engagement through:
- industry guest lectures
- site visits
- projects
- employment opportunities with added support from our Careers Service
On the Live Project you'll work with international companies, such as ARUP and RWE, in the sustainability industry. You'll also respond to challenges posed by our partners and develop innovative concepts and solutions. You'll have a chance to showcase your ideas and yourself when you present your projects.
If you have any further questions about this programme, please contact us at :