Sustainable Business Leadership MSc

Course overview

Designed and delivered by expert academics from Leeds University Business School and the School of Earth and Environment, this inspiring, innovative online Sustainable Business Leadership MSc is one of few courses that integrates the two areas of sustainability and business.

Our Masters in sustainable business leadership features specialist modules such as Decision Making in a Complex World, Leadership for Change and Sustainability and Business, which speak directly to the skills that today’s employers are actively seeking. You’ll be able to draw on sustainability techniques, concepts and analytical skills to solve and communicate solutions to complex business issues. You’ll also learn how to develop sustainable business strategies to transition to a more sustainable economy, whilst effectively leading on change strategies, in your organisation.

You’ll use your knowledge to make a positive contribution to sustainability and make a meaningful impact in your organisation, by helping to evaluate the risks and opportunities associated with sustainability.

Six reasons to study Sustainable Leadership online.

The University of Leeds

We are one of the top 75 universities in the world and ranked in the top 15 in the UK (QS World University Rankings, 2024) with a global reputation for excellence in research and teaching.

Through links with various industry partners worldwide, we provide you with a strong combination of higher education and careers support. Our team of high-profile academics create an exceptional study experience guided by industry-leading knowledge and research.

Why choose Leeds?

Learn from academic excellence

Our online Sustainable Business Leadership MSc is delivered in collaboration between Leeds University Business School and the School of Earth and Environment. The Business School has a broad portfolio of research and is triple accredited and ranked 67th in the world for Business and Management studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023). Meanwhile, the School of Earth and Environment is a major international powerhouse for environmental research, ranked in the global Top 25 for Earth and Marine Sciences and Top 40 for Environmental Studies (QS World University Rankings by subject, 2023).

Meet Dr Laura Smith, Lecturer for Sustainable Business Leadership

Meet Dr James Van Alstine, Associate Professor for Sustainable Business Leadership

The Sustainability Research Institute is part of the School of Earth and Environment and explores a range of research areas including:

• Climate change
• Energy
• Transport
• Water
• Resource use
• Land use
• Conservation
• Cities and communities
• Business
• Lifestyles.

Our research collaborations

The School of Earth and Environment also has strong links with the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) to carry out world-class, interdisciplinary research into sustainable future energy systems. Through links with businesses, public organisations, and research groups worldwide, we provide students with a strong combination of higher education and careers development. Our team of high-profile academics create an exceptional study experience guided by industry-leading knowledge and research.

Applying

Entry requirements

• A First or 2.1 (hons) bachelor degree in any subject.
• If you hold a 2.2 (hons) bachelor degree in any subject, or professional qualifications equivalent to Bachelor with Honours/Masters we will consider your application for the MSc course if you have at least three years of relevant work experience in a professional environment.
• If you hold professional qualifications or Higher education qualifications equivalent to Level 5, we will consider your application for the MSc course if you have at least five years of relevant work experience in a professional environment.
• Professionally qualified candidates who do not meet the formal qualifications will also be considered but assessed individually. We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information, please contact our Enrolment Advisors via email.

Mathematics entry requirements / numerical competence

Applicants will need to demonstrate:

• the successful completion of a university degree, or
• the successful completion of a recognised professional qualification with a clear numerical component (e.g., ACCA, CFA), or
• GCSE or A level Maths (or recognised international equivalent) or other forms of evidence outlining mathematical abilities will also be considered by the Programme Leader.

Proof of your English Language Proficiency

Proficiency in English language is essential to study at the University of Leeds. You will need either:

Alternative English Language Qualification

• A degree taught in English from a recognised institution, lasting at least two years at the undergraduate level or one year at the Masters level, which can be evidenced by transcripts and/or certificates.
• GCSE English language at grade C or above, or
• An appropriate equivalent English language qualification (read more).

Other forms of evidence may be considered but will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

In certain circumstances, applicants can provide alternative proof of English language proficiency rather than a standard English test. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. You should discuss the criteria with your Enrolment Advisor to see if this can be considered.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Career opportunities

Careers in sustainability management

Sustainability jobs are varied and contribute to the development of sustainable practices within a broad range of industries. Upon completion of the course, you’ll be well placed to enter a range of sustainability careers including:

• Sustainability /ESG Managers
• Sustainability Analyst
• Sustainability Project Manager
• Sustainability Compliance Manager
• Sustainability Marketing Manager
• Sustainability Consultant or Senior Sustainability Consultant
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager
• Net Zero Consultant

Learn more about the top careers in sustainability management.

Employability support

As an online student you’ll benefit from:  

• A range of events on careers and employability run throughout the year that include CV preparation and sustainability job application support.  
• Alumni focused events with recent and past graduates talking about their career journeys.
• Career networking opportunities through industry related events such as:
  • Live online career workshops such as ‘Going Global: The Evolution of Employment’, ‘Postgraduate Careers Support’ and ‘The Journey of a Successful Entrepreneur’.
  • Online professional development webinars and guest lectures delivered by academics and expert practitioners. Examples of previous sessions include ‘Incorporating Sustainability into Your Business Practice’, ‘Leadership in Difficult Times’ and ‘The ESG Agenda: What Do You Need to Know for Your Company Clients and Investors?’

We are committed to supporting you to get the most out of your postgraduate study so that you graduate with excellent career prospects in sustainability management. Our career support will help you in both approaching companies and throughout the application process.

The University of Leeds Careers Service

As a Leeds student, you will also have access to extensive online resources from the University of Leeds Careers Service’s including:

• Access to a database of employer events.
• Career planning guidance.
• CV writing tips.
• Sustainability job application support.
• Key interview skills advice.
• Tailored one-to-one support via an e-Guidance service which can provide advice by appointment via Microsoft Teams.