Overview
There is growing demand for managers who can lead and drive sustainability change within an organisation. This unique course is designed to meet that demand. It explores how to address sustainability issues in an organisation’s key operational functions, from accounting to supply chain management.
You will gain the knowledge and skills you need to develop projects that focus on social transformation through organisations and their stakeholders. You will learn how to manage an organisation as it moves from a traditional business model to a sustainable one. We’ll show you how to design an organisation that is based on sustainability. This is essential for an ecological global economy.
You’ll explore key sustainability challenges through:
- political economy
- finance
- accounting
- entrepreneurship
- marketing
- strategic management
As you progress through the course, you will be able to:
- engage with industry partners
- carry out interdisciplinary research
- plan for a sustainability career
- study abroad (if eligible)
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
You will:
- gain a critical appreciation of global sustainability issues and challenges for organisations
- learn how to reflect on sustainability management practices in ethical and responsible ways
- apply systemic perspectives and use anticipatory and strategic thinking to address complex problems
- engage in practice and research projects with real-life organisations
- experience different learning environments and cultures
You will develop key skills in:
- stakeholder communication
- collaborative teamwork
- socially responsible leadership
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Sustainability Management MSc modules
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Sustainable Supply Chain Management | 10 |
| Digital Transformation for Social Good | 10 |
| Sustainable HRM Work and Employment | 10 |
How you’ll learn
You will be taught using a range of methods, including:
- lectures
- seminars
- small group work
- project work
- field trips
- study abroad opportunity (optional)
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Case study
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Oral presentation
- Problem-solving exercises
- Report
- Written exercise
Additional assessment information
During Semester 3 you will be able to pursue your own learning interests through a major research project. This is delivered within a capstone module.
The structure of this module is flexible. It allows you to choose one of three different options:
Individual research project
A research-based dissertation with one-on-one supervision.
Consultancy project
Research and/or policy development to address a real-life problem. This is in collaboration with a host organisation or external partner.
Applied research project
Case-study based research of a particular organisation and/or aspect of sustainability management. It is guided by group supervision.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
- Dr Wee Chan Au (Degree Programme Director)
Your development
Professional and practical skills
You will:
- be able to apply theoretical knowledge to specific contexts of sustainability practice and management.
- develop integrated problem-solving skills. These include being able to define, contextualise, analyse, and evaluate creative solutions to multi-level sustainability problems.
- be able to present sustainability solutions effectively to (potential) stakeholders.
- learn to plan, design, develop and implement collaborative project and team work. You will do this in cross-cultural settings, which will encourage you to be sensitive and responsive to diverse cultural contexts.
- develop self-awareness and leadership skills. These will help you to influence behavioural and social transformation for sustainability. You will integrate values, ethics and social justice in your learning.
Research skills
You will:
- develop and apply systemic perspectives on complex challenges at the interface between organisations, society and global eco-systems. This involves using systems thinking.
- reflect independently and critically on research and the ethical implications of complex sustainability problems and solutions. You will do this at both micro and macro levels of economic and social activity.
- be able to design, develop, implement, evaluate and report on theory or practice-based research.
Study Abroad opportunities
Once you have completed all the taught elements of the course, you will be able to undertake an additional semester of study with a partner institution.
The Study Abroad period will begin in the late September/early October following submission of your dissertation.
If you participate in an international exchange, you will need to select partner modules which add value to your degree. These should focus on subjects that will enhance your:
- graduate employability prospects
- intercultural understanding
- communication skills
Your future
Further study
This course provides a pathway to a Master of Research (major thesis), MPhil and/or PhD degree in Sustainability Management, and other related fields.
Careers
After completing this course, you will be well-equipped to begin or advance in a sustainability-oriented career. You could take on the role of sustainability analyst, officer or manager. This could be in a wide range of organisations and sectors, such as government, business or non-profit.
Industry links
We have strong links with a wide range of organisations focused on pursuing sustainability. These cover a variety of industries and civil society areas.
Careers support
We have careers staff with expertise in advising on “green” and sustainability-oriented careers. This course also includes extra-curricular activities which will support your professional and personal development planning.
You will become a member of our School’s Sustainability Forum. This is a year-long programme of events and activities. You will be able to explore and decide on the main goals and aspirations of your learning journey.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 200 for Business and Management Studies – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024Â
- Ranked 56th in the world and 19th in the UK for Sustainability (QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025)
Facilities
Newcastle University Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University. We have over 3,500 students representing over 80 nationalities. This valuable network extends beyond our current students to include:
- regional, national and international leaders
- over 34,000 alumni in our network, spanning over 150 countries
- leading professionals and practitioners from industry
The Business School is the gateway to Newcastle Helix – an innovation hub and community that brings together industry leaders, businesses and top researchers.
Our facilities include:
- flexible conference room with panoramic views across the city
- Wi-Fi enabled connectivity throughout the building, including three computer clusters housing over 120 PCs
- four large lecture theatres and over 25 seminar and teaching spaces, providing comfortable teaching and group study space
- dedicated Student Hub and Quiet Space, providing a balanced mix of study space for group work or quiet, individual study
- contemporary café
- employability hub to support your career aspirations
- Bloomberg Room to give you a real feel for the trading room floor
- Experimental and Behavioural Economics Lab, a state-of-the-art research facility for conducting studies in experimental economics and economic psychology
The Frederick Douglass Centre at Newcastle Helix also offers further study and learning spaces. This includes a 750 seat auditorium – the largest in the University.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in any subject.
