Sustainable Business Leadership MSc

Course overview

Lead the future of responsible business with an online MSc in Sustainable Business Leadership

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

This Masters in sustainable business leadership features specialist modules such as Decision Making in a Complex World, Leadership for Change and Sustainability and Business — all directly aligned with the skills employers are seeking. You’ll gain advanced sustainability knowledge, analytical skills and leadership capabilities to address complex business challenges and develop strategies for a more sustainable future.

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.

You'll develop the expertise to:

• evaluate the risks and opportunities associated with sustainability
• design and lead change initiatives in your organisation
• contribute to transitioning to a more sustainable economy
• communicate innovative, evidence-based solutions to stakeholders

Who is this course for?

This online MSc in Sustainable Business Leadership is ideal for:

• aspiring leaders with limited management experience who want to drive sustainability strategies
• experienced managers aiming for senior roles in sustainability and business leadership
• professionals from any background seeking a formal qualification in sustainable business

Course highlights

• Gain a Masters in Sustainable Business Leadership from a World 100 University (QS World Rankings, 2026).
• Delivered jointly by the triple-accredited Leeds University Business School and the globally ranked School of Earth and Environment.
• Learn from expert academics, including Dr Laura Smith and Dr James Van Alstine, with industry-leading knowledge in sustainability and business leadership.
• Benefit from cutting-edge research via the Sustainability Research Institute, covering areas like climate change, energy, transport, water, conservation, and sustainable cities.
• Access strong industry links and collaborations with organisations such as the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC), connecting you to real-world sustainable business challenges.
• Gain a flexible, online learning experience designed to equip you with the skills employers seek in sustainability leadership and strategy.
• Graduates can progress into roles such as Sustainability Director, Project Manager, Supply Chain Manager, or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Leader.

Course details and modules

About our Masters in Sustainable Business Leadership

Our sustainable leadership online course will begin with a two-week online induction designed to prepare you for online learning at the University of Leeds. It will introduce the study skills you will need to successfully complete your business and sustainability degree.

Delivered online, the course offers a flexible schedule of modules which are structured to be accessible to working professionals. The full course consists of nine taught modules and a research project. The modules cover a variety of subject areas such as Leadership for Change, Decision Making in a Complex World, and Sustainable Business Strategies.

On finishing studying the nine taught modules you then complete a 45-credit project module over 24 weeks. This has been designed to be flexible, enabling you to apply your newly acquired skills and knowledge to:

• Explore a specific issue/concept in depth within or across certain settings/sectors.

• Address a specific work-related business challenge relevant to your employer or your areas of interest.

You can take the course at your own pace and adapt your studies to fit around your work and life commitments. To give you flexibility, it is possible to pause your studies and take them up again at a later point.

Complusory modules

Policy, Governance and Sustainability (15 credits) - This module will provide you with an insight into the way in which human-environmental interactions are governed. You will gain an appreciation of the need for sustainability related policy and governance along with the various complexities. Key issues covered include the origins and evolution of environmental policy and governance and state and market led approaches to governance. By engaging with your classmates through the module’s discussion forums and live online webinars you will be able to share experiences and insights on the subject from an international, regional, national and local perspective.

Contemporary Economics (15 credits) - By studying this module, you will gain an insight into core economic concepts and terminology. Using this knowledge, you will have the opportunity to critically analyse established economic concepts and assess contemporary economic approaches which seek to integrate economic activity and the environment. Examples include doughnut economics, steady-state and circular economics. The module makes extensive use of case studies and organisational examples, and you will have the opportunity to apply what you have learnt through developing a strategy for an organisation to manage the interface between economic activity and sustainability.

Sustainability and Business (15 credits) - This module provides you with essential information on the relationship between organisations and sustainability. You will examine the origins and evolution of sustainability and gain skills and knowledge that will enable you to critically analyse the business case for sustainability. Throughout the module you will have the opportunity to engage with your classmates and learn from each other through analysing a series of case studies and discussing your views and experiences in the module’s live online webinars.

Leadership for Change (15 credits) - Organisations operate in a dynamic environment that reshapes itself continuously. This situation underlines the importance of change management and the ability to lead organisational change. By studying this module, you will learn about the issues and controversies relating to the management of change and the capabilities that leaders need to affect change in their organisations. You will learn about leadership models, the change management process and critical factors for leading change strategies with particular emphasis on sustainability related initiatives.

Sustainable Business Strategies (15 credits) - This module introduces topics at the intersection of strategic management and sustainability strategies. You will consider what are sustainability related business strategies why are they important and how can sustainability be incorporated into an organisation’s strategy. Throughout the module you will have the opportunity to explore the practicalities of implementing and managing sustainability related strategies whilst also analysing case studies and real-world examples along with your module tutor and classmates.

Decision Making in a Complex World (15 credits) - Decision making is a key management function, particularly in complex contexts with competing demands. By studying this module, you will gain an understanding of the thinking processes that underlie your own and others’ judgement and decision making activities. You will learn to recognise the judgmental errors and decision biases that commonly arise, and strategies for improving your decision making, risk communication and negotiation skills. You will also gain an initial insight into designing decision making contexts which have been shown to influence the behaviours of others.

Enterprise, Innovation and Sustainability (15 credits) - This module provides you with a foundation for exploring the core themes around entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, within the context of sustainable development. You will examine various debates around entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship along with key theoretical perspectives, frameworks and models. From this you will be able apply the models and frameworks when developing a business or engaging in entrepreneurial activities within a conventional business setting and in relation to sustainable development.

Delivering Sustainable Solutions (15 credits) - Through studying this module, you will gain a critical insight into select tools and frameworks relating to sustainable operations and supply chains. The module will also provide you with insights into the key factors promoting and impeding sustainable operations and supply chains/networks. As a result of the insights gained you will be able to apply the tools and frameworks and contribute to the attainment of sustainable solutions in business operations and supply chains.

Business Analytics (15 credits) - Data is an invaluable resource in the 21st century, but to gain the full benefit from the information available, managers need to be able to transform data into insights through data analytics. In this module you will gain an insight into business analytics and the application of key elements within the analytical process (with a special emphasis on common areas of application in sustainability). You will gain theoretical knowledge, technical aptitude, and also further your analytical thinking with an ability to transform quantitative and qualitative data into insights which support informed decision making. The module focuses on interpreting results rather than a deep understanding of the algorithm and/or techniques upon which the calculations are based. As such no prior knowledge of business analytics is required.

Sustainability Leadership Research Project (45 credits) - The project is your opportunity to conduct an in-depth and critical investigation of an issue(s) relating to business and sustainability. You can tailor the investigation, to meet your own interests and career aspirations. In practical terms this may mean a project has a strong academic focus or equally your project could be practitioner related and investigate a specific issue facing an organisation of your choice. During the project you will be supported by comprehensive online Business Research resources, live online webinars and discussion forums. You will also be allocated an academic supervisor who will advise you throughout the project.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Sustainable Business Leadership MSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 2 compulsory modules

Learning and teaching

Studying online

Each week on our Sustainable Business Leadership MSc, you will engage in live online webinars with your module tutors. These sessions are based on pre-read case studies and scenarios, giving you the opportunity to apply concepts to real-world sustainability challenges. You’ll also have the chance to interact with fellow learners from different sectors and countries, sharing experience and knowledge to deepen your understanding.

We recognise that professionals have busy lives, so with our 100% online delivery model, you can manage your learning around your personal and work commitments without relocating or incurring additional costs. To support your study, we provide tools such as study planners to help you track your progress and better manage your time.

Minerva

Your learning will be delivered online via our award-winning virtual learning environment, Minerva. Minerva can be accessed on different devices, whenever and wherever it suits you. The platform has been designed by a team of experts to ensure your online learning experience is of the highest quality and prepares you for success, both academically and professionally.

You’ll have access to:

• The Pathways to Success induction course designed for online learning students.
• In-course communication tools, such as discussion forums and announcements, to facilitate collaboration with peers and module tutors across the globe with ease.
• Webinars to engage in real time with module tutors and peers to learn about a range of contemporary subject areas.
• Online advice and support services for Minerva.
• Tools to help self-monitor progress.
• We recommend a high-speed broadband internet connection with a minimum speed of 1.5 Mbps. You will need regular access to a desktop computer, tablet, or laptop, with a webcam. You will also need the ability to view PDF documents and work in Microsoft Office (software provided).

As an online student on the Sustainable Business Leadership MSc, you’ll be taught by the same experienced academics who deliver our on-campus Master’s modules. This ensures you receive the same high-quality, research-informed teaching and guidance in a flexible online format. You will also benefit from insights shared by industry professionals, connecting theory to real-world sustainability challenges.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment methods for this online Sustainable Business Leadership MSc will emphasise not just knowledge, but essential skills development too. Assessments will vary from module to module, with examples including:

• individual projects
• assignments to build real-world experience
• pre-recorded student presentations
• literature reviews, using extensive online resources via the library
• reflective logs

We do not use traditional exams as our experience has indicated that these are not suitable for online learning students.

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.

Applicants will also need:

GCSE English Language grade C, or another appropriate English qualification for example:

• IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other international English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications
• a degree taught in English from a recognised institution, which can be evidenced by transcripts and/or certificates.

GCSE Maths grade C, or another appropriate Maths qualification for example:

• an international equivalent
• a recognised professional qualification with numerical component (eg. ACCA, CFA).

Other forms of evidence outlining mathematical and English abilities can also be considered. Please get in touch and discuss the criteria with our Enrolment Advisors.

How to apply

The ‘Apply’ button at the top of this page takes you to the University's online application system, where you can start your application for this course. Alternatively, you can request further information by ‘registering your interest’.

If you require assistance in completing the online application, please contact studentenquiries.online@leeds.ac.uk. and one of our Enrolment Advisors will be happy to help.

All suitably qualified candidates will be contacted by telephone as part of the selection process.

Identification

The Digital Education Service requires all applicants to provide proof of their identity at the point of application. Accepted forms of ID are: 

• Passport photo page, or
• Driving license, or
• National identity card

Deadlines

The deadline for applications to join each intake are outlined below:

• September 25 start: application deadline is 19 August 2025
• November 25 start: application deadline is 14 October 2025
• January 26 start: application deadline is 9 December 2025
• March 26 start: application deadline is 17 February 2026
• May 26 start: application deadline is 21 April 2026
• July 26 start: application deadline is 16 June 2026

Applicants for Digital Education Service programmes should contact their Enrolment Advisor to find out more about the course, how to start the online application process and if applicants wish to change their start date after submitting an application.

You can email for more information here.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

School of Earth and Environment
Leeds University Business School

Contact us

Enrolment Advisor team

Email: studentenquiries.online@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)113 868 6129

Fees

UK: £17,500 (Total)

International: £17,500 (Total)

The fee is composed of (which can be paid on a module-by-module basis*):

• nine taught modules (15 credits each): £1,650 per module
• project module fee (45 credits): £2,650

*If you are receiving a student loan or your fees are being paid directly to the University by your employer or sponsor you will not be able to pay on a module-by-module basis. Please check with our Enrolment Advisors.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

• Graduates of the University of Leeds (or an affiliated institution) are entitled to a 10% bursary towards tuition fees. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
• UK students may be able to apply for a UK government-backed loan and there may be specific terms and conditions for online courses. Applications should be made through the Student Loans Company.

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 studies so that you graduate with excellent career prospects.

Careers support

The University of Leeds Careers Service offers extensive online resources to help you maximise your studies and achieve your career goals:

• one-to-one support from a careers advisor via telephone or virtual meeting
• online career workshops, webinars and resources
• a database of job opportunities and online employer events
• LinkedIn Learning platform
• CV writing tips and job application support
• interview coaching and practice sessions.

The Careers Service also connects students seeking to work in a specific region and offers professional development through alumni network, online support and employer partnerships. Find out more about Careers support.