MSc (Sustainability Leadership)
A two-year part-time, flexible learning program suitable for working professionals
Duration: 2 Years Part-Time
NFQ: Level 9
Next Intake: September 2025
ECTS Weighting: 90
Delivery Model: Flexible Learning Delivery
Combining online classes with 2 on campus blocks per annum, this programme can be taken by students worldwide
Programme Introduction
Sustainability is a leadership imperative in today’s world, as organisations face increasing pressure to respond to complex global problems such as climate change, labour exploitation, and persistent inequality. This programme will equip students with the leadership skills to address the challenges, risks, and opportunities that environmental sustainability and social responsibility present for contemporary businesses and organisations. Participants will learn to value the importance of preserving relationships with communities, employees, and the environment, therefore ensuring responsible business models. Through a holistic consideration of environmental, economic, and social resources, students will develop the expertise to lead organisations through the transition towards a sustainable planet and society.
The part-time, flexible approach allows for industry’s skills needs and training requirements to be met in a flexible manner. The curriculum will include an international study trip to a highly ranked European university partner. The curriculum is strongly integrated with industry through a combination of guest speakers, company site visits, real-life case studies and applied sustainability projects. Organisations are grappling with managing the transition towards a sustainable planet and society. The programme addresses a gap in the market and will enable participants to develop sustainability leadership expertise.
This programme is for you if:
- You work in any leadership, management, policy making, non-profit, technical or sustainability-oriented role
- You have a primary degree in business, science, engineering or social science
- You wish to build a network of contacts with shared values and a sustainable mindset
Key Features
Flexible Learning Delivery
A 2-year part-time, blended delivery approach that allows for industry’s skills needs to be met in a flexible manner. Classes are delivered primarily online in
the evenings but participants benefit from 4 immersive learning inperson blocks over 2 years.
International Study Trip
The curriculum includes an international study trip to Bologna Business School, Italy.
Leadership
Equip yourself to address the challenges, risks and opportunities of environmental sustainability and social responsibility in the modern business world.
Curriculum
Strongly integrated with industry through a combination of guest speakers, company
visits, case studies and applied projects.
Programme Learning Outcomes
- Develop the knowledge and expertise to embed environmental and social factors into business decisions and projects.
- Develop the leadership skills required to fully integrate sustainability into organisational strategy and culture.
- Be able to communicate effectively with all stakeholders about sustainability risks and opportunities.
- Develop the collaborative and teamwork skills required to formulate partnerships for collective sustainability action.
- Appreciate their responsibility to serve society and the planet as good citizens.
- Value an ethical approach to governance and management.
Career Opportunities
There is a very strong employer demand for these skillsets with several potential career pathways identified including Chief Sustainability Officer; Director of Sustainability; Sustainability Manager; Sustainability Officer; Marketing Officer; Procurement Officer; Planning Officer; Sustainability Coordinator; Sustainability Consultant; Sustainability Projects Leader; Supply Chain Officer; Hospitality Manager; Finance Manager; Project Manager; HR Manager; Policymaker; NGO and County Council roles; General Management roles.
- There is a need for organisations to understand the impact that sustainability will have on their supply chain, how to gain a competitive advantage and how to understand the regulatory and governance requirements.
- Companies are constantly being asked now by their larger corporate clients to demonstrate how they are integrating sustainability into their strategy and what plans and targets they have in place to reach Net Zero, implement the Climate Action Plan etc.
- SMEs will lose out on competitive bids if they are not demonstrating sustainability in their operations and supply chain.
- A high level of EU funding is available for companies to advance their sustainability strategies.
Modules
Modules Year 1
Year 1 (50 Credits)
Semeter 1
MG5145: Responsible Management & Leadership - 10 Credits - Semester 1
MK5155: Consumption & The Consumerist Society - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Semester 2
MG5144: Sustainable Innovation - 10 Credits - Semester 2
BSS2104: Introduction to Sustainability 2 - 5 Credits - Semester 2
Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).
Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Modules Year 2
Year 2 (40 Credits)
Semester 1
Required
- MS5133: Sustainable Information Systems - 10 Credits - Semester 3
- AY5138: Corporate Governance and Taxation - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional
- SBE5118: IrelandNetZero Simulator - 5 Credits - Semester 4
- MK5153: Stakeholders, Partnership Development & Collective Action - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Semester 2
Required
-EC5145: The Economics of ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) - 10 Credits - Semester 4
Optional
- AY5139: Financing Net Zero Summer School - 10 Credits - Semester 4
- MK5154: Systems Thinking & Practice for Sustainable Leadership - 10 Credits - Semester 4
What Our Students Say
Jennifer Loftus, Chief Financial & Risk Officer, Acorn Life, Galway
"My passion for Corporate Social Responsibility, together with a professional requirement to upskill in ESG reporting led me to explore postgraduate options in the sustainability sphere. The MSc in Sustainability Leadership at University of Galway appealed to me on a number of levels. As a working parent, the flexible nature of the course delivery was particularly appealing. The programme, which blends individual work, group work and engaging guest lectures, has been immensely rewarding and enlightening so far. The group work element of the course has allowed me to learn from my exceptional classmates who bring very diverse career and life experiences. 30% Club Ireland aims to achieve better gender balance at all organisational levels by promoting and rewarding female leadership. This objective is very much aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Gender Equality (SDG5). As a recipient of the 30% Club scholarship for the MSc in Sustainability Leadership, I am very grateful for the support of University of Galway and 30% Club Ireland. I look forward to applying the knowledge and skills I gain on this Master’s in both my personal and professional life!"
Paula Leavy-McCarthy, Librarian, Westmeath County Council
"As a lucky recipient of the 30% Club Scholarship, I commenced my MSc in Sustainability Leadership in September 2023. One semester in and I am delighted to have chosen this course and to have been given the financial support that the scholarship offers, especially given that I also have two children attending third level! The 30% Club Scholarship places emphasis on supporting participation levels of women in executive education and building talent and skillsets aimed at career progression. The MSc in Sustainability Leadership has opened up a wealth of experience and knowledge. The peer-to-peer learning opportunities have been second to none. My classmates come from a diverse range of professional backgrounds including financial services, engineering, public service, the armed forces, retail and fashion and insurance. The unique perspectives this brings to the learning experience, in tandem with the excellent academic standards, and contributions from industry professionals really mirrors the real-world requirements for a sustainable future."
What Organisations Say
Susan Murray, Vice President, Program Delivery Excellence & Commercial at Boston Scientific
"As Senior Director, Global Regional Transformation Lead & EMEA Environmental Sustainability Lead at Boston Scientific I am thrilled to see University of Galway launch this MSc Sustainability Leadership offering, which is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead sustainable change in organisations. With a focus on practical application and real world challenges, graduates will be well-prepared to make a positive impact on the environment and society."
Conor O'Dowd, CEO at The Port of Galway
"The Port of Galway has and will play a key role in the renewable energy sector. The world class wind speeds off our coast and the advent of new technologies represent a huge opportunity for the region. The new MSc Sustainability Leadership programme will play a key role in developing the required skills and learnings to enable us to capitalise on this once-in-a-generation opportunity."
International Study Trip
At the heart of our programme is the international study trip to Bologna, Italy.
MSc Sustainability Leadership students complete an immersive four day International Study Visit to Bologna Business School. As part of the trip, students visit organisations in the local region who are leading on sustainability transition, learn from industry thought leaders in the sustainability space and collaborate with students on the Masters in Sustainability Transition Management at BBS.
The course fees for the programme include the costs for the international study visit.
Teaching Schedule
2 Blocks on Campus Per Annum
Year 1 - In Person Blocks AY2024/25
- Block 1: 3-day Induction Thursday 12th, Friday 13th, Saturday 14th September 2024, (University of Galway Campus).
- Block 2: 7th, 8th, 9th April 2025 (Bologna University Business School, Italy)
Year 2 - In Person Blocks AY2025/26
- Block 3: 8th, 9th, 10th October 2025 (University of Galway Campus)
- Block 4: May/June 2026 (5 days, University of Galway Campus)
Teaching dates for students commencing in September 2025 will be available in due course. Block 1 will take place on campus on the 11th, 12th, and 13th September 2025.
Online lectures typically take place and Tuesday and Thursday evenings during the academic semesters from 6:30PM - 8:30PM.
Admissions and Fees
Admissions
Applicants should have a minimum of two years’ post-graduation working experience, along with a primary degree in business, science, engineering or social science.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Applicants who do not meet the formal academic entry requirement may be considered if they have a minimum of five years’ work experience. Such candidates will be interviewed to ascertain the relevance of their work experience for the programme. Further information is available on the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning website.
Course code:MSC-SL
Fees & Scholarships
The course fees for the programme include the costs of the international study visit.
Scholarships
University of Galway is offering scholarships to cover up to 50% tuition fees for the MSc Sustainability Leadership. One scholarship is available for each of the following sectors.
The following scholarships are also available:
30% Club Scholarship: The 30% Club partners with higher level institutions to provide professional women with scholarships to pursue executive education in their chosen field. The aim of the scholarship is to address the under-representation of women pursuing post-graduate management education, by offering scholarships aimed at women.
Scale Ireland Scholarship: University of Galway is pleased to offer one 50% tuition fee scholarship for the MSc Sustainability Leadership to members of Scale Ireland. Scale Ireland is an independent not-for-profit organisation who supports Irish tech start-up and scale-up companies, to create the most advantageous conditions for them to succeed.
University of Galway - Sustainability Rankings and Accolades
- University of Galway has been named the number one university in Ireland for sustainable development for a second year in a row, and we are also ranked 34th in the world by Times Higher Education THE Impact Rankings 2023
- In addition to its top 50 Overall Impact rank, University of Galway was ranked 5th in the world for SDG12:Responsible Consumption and Production, ranked 21st in the world in SDG 14: Life Below Water in addition to a number of other top 50 ranks in other SDGs - See more on University of Galway's SDG Ranking results here.
- University of Galway is a national Sustainable Development Goal Champion for 2023-24. We are the first University to make the list, chosen from across society as leaders in driving forward Ireland’s progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Learn More
- University of Galway awarded a Gold (STARS) rating by (AASHE).
- Named a top performer in the 2022 AASHE Sustainable Campus Index.
- Fifth in the world in the Times Higher Education Societal Impact Ranking for SDG 12—Responsible Consumption and Production.
- University of Galway 2022 Sustainability Report.
We're here to help!
Programme Administrator
Martina Huban Sweeney
E: martina.sweeney@universityofgalway.ie
Programme Director:
Dr Orla Lenihan
E: orla.lenihan@universityofgalway.ie
