Leadership for Sustainable Rural Development MSc

Rural areas are crucial to national productivity. Sustainable rural development is a strategy to promote vibrant, healthy rural communities by supporting regional economies, protecting natural resources, ensuring adequate rural services, and addressing food security. Many rural communities depend on the viability of natural resource-based activities for their livelihoods, from farming, forestry and energy production to leisure, tourism, and artisan markets. Climate change and the increasing encroachment of urban spaces into rural areas present challenges as rural communities navigate the complex landscape of rural sustainability. Rural sustainability leaders are needed to challenge the disparities between rural and urban environments, and enable and strengthen sustainability through policy making, environmental protection and the empowerment of local communities. This innovative Masters programme is open to applicants from all subject backgrounds, and is designed to create leaders and sustainability professionals in all fields and subjects. The course will require a high level of independence, adaptability, engagement with both the University and external organisations, and a willingness to be challenged. Programme content is designed to be holistic, so students will study at intermediate level the broad-ranging fields of leadership and management, environmental and sustainability science, social studies, and economics, amongst others, to prepare them for life as change agents in sustainable development. The course embraces personal choice of study where possible to enhance the students’ existing knowledge, experiences, and interests. A key principle of the programme is the importance of Education for Sustainable Development, and students will complete the course as fully developed individuals with competency in critical-thinking, systems-thinking, interpersonal working, and much more. Modules are taught through action-based, experiential learning methods such as practicals, site visits, work placements and community-based learning consultancy projects, in addition to lectures and tutorials. SCHOLARSHIPS Whether you're from Northern Ireland or joining us from overseas, Queen’s University Belfast offers dedicated funding opportunities for future sustainability leaders including the Gibson Trust Bursary for NI-domiciled students and the £5,000 Sustainability Scholarship for eligible international students enrolling on the MSc Leadership for Sustainable Development or MSc Leadership for Sustainable Rural Development. Gibson Trust Bursary https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/funding-scholarships/mhls/SchoolofBiologicalSciences/gibson-bursary.html Sustainability Scholarship https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/funding-scholarships/mhls/SchoolofBiologicalSciences/sustainability-scholarship.html Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page. Please note a deposit may be required to guarantee a place on the course. Due to high demand, applications may not be considered if the course has reached its maximum class size and will be placed on a waiting list. Please see deposit terms and conditions for more details.

IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is require

International students: £23,000

UK students: £7,700 (NI/ROI), £10,400 (GB)

UK/Home: £7,700 (NI/ROI), £10,400 (GB)

International: £23,000

Academic Year 2026/27

• Belfast, United Kingdom