Program Overview

Overview

The Leadership in Climate Change and Sustainability MSc programme is designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and insights to address global climate challenges. The programme focuses on interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches, learning through live projects with external partners, and the development of personal agency and leadership roles.

What You'll Learn

The programme will cover core skills in leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, information processing, research, and communication and presentation. Students will analyze scientific theories on climate change and sustainability, examine social, cultural, and economic aspects of sustainability and climate change, and prioritize and confront challenges in real-life situations.

Modules

The programme consists of the following modules:

• Facing up to Climate Change: A Multi-Disciplinary Perspective (20 credits)
• Professional Skills (20 credits)
• Research Dissertation (60 credits)
• Addressing Climate Change and Sustainability through Live Projects (40 credits)
• Leadership for Climate Change and Sustainability (20 credits) Optional modules include:
  • Climate Change: Vulnerability, Impacts and Adaptation (10 credits)
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (10 credits)
  • Environmental Humanities (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Sustainability Management (10 credits)
  • Critical Approaches to Environment and Society (20 credits)
  • Engagement with environment, landscape and planning (10 credits)

How You'll Learn

The programme mixes lectures, seminars, and collaborative interactive workshops and study trips. Students' learning will also be supported with digital content and the university's online environment. The interdisciplinary modules provide in-depth knowledge on climate change, critical understanding of the evidence and concepts supporting that knowledge, and the research and leadership skills enabling students to come to their own conclusions and to lead their own research project.

Your Development

The programme aims to evaluate knowledge, encourage collaboration, and instil a reflective approach in addressing complex sustainability and climate change challenges for responsible, proactive leadership. Graduates will leave equipped with a diverse skill set combining theory, application, collaboration, and critical thinking for success in academia and professional endeavors.

Your Future

The programme offers 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 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. Graduates on this MSc are prepared for a wide range of careers across the globe in various areas and sectors.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is ranked 42% for world-leading research, with a 65% increase in research power since 2014. The university is also ranked as a Global Top 140 University and has a strong reputation for sustainability, ranking 56th in the world and 19th in the UK for Sustainability.

Facilities

As a MSc Leadership in Climate Change and Sustainability student, you will be based mainly in the Henry Daysh Building on the university's city centre campus. The School has a number of dedicated spaces for teaching and private study in the building. You will also have full access to the University Library, with holdings of over 800,000 print books, 700,000 e-books, and 54,000 journals.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry are £11,400 for home students and £25,900 for international students. The university offers a range of scholarships, including a 25% discount for EU students without settled or pre-settled status.

Entry Requirements

The entrance requirements for the programme include a 2:1 honours degree in any subject, or international equivalent. English language requirements also apply, with IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo English Test, and TOEFL accepted.

How to Apply

The programme starts in September, and there is no application closing date. However, international students are recommended to apply at least two months before the course starts. A deposit of £1,500 is required for international students who need a visa to study in the UK. The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application, and you can choose to start your application, save your details, and come back to complete it later.