Sustainability Leadership

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

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

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.

Applications must be completed online at: https://nuigalway.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Account/Login.



An application requires a registration fee of €35. You will be asked to upload proof of identification, academic transcripts, a personal statement, an academic reference and documentation to fulfil the English requirement (where English is not your first language).

Part-time: 2 academic years (six semesters).

Next Intake: September 2025

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.