Friday 17 July 2026

Queen’s University Belfast has unveiled a scholarship aimed at empowering future leaders to address complex global sustainability challenges and accelerate progress in climate action, renewable energy transition, and low-carbon innovation. 

MSc Leadership for Sustainable Development programme

Launched by the School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s and funded by Action Renewables, the scholarship will support a student undertaking the MSc Leadership for Sustainable Development programme at the Gibson Institute for Land Food and Environment within the school. The programme has recently achieved professional accreditation from the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP).

The Action Renewables Scholarship in Energy Leadership for Sustainable Development will support one Northern Ireland fee-paying student enrolling on the MSc Leadership for Sustainable Development programme.

Programme director Dr Adewale Adenuga from the School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s said: “Supporting talented students through scholarships like this can have a lasting impact, not only on the individuals who receive them but, on the communities, and organisations they will go on to serve. By helping students develop the leadership skills and expertise needed to tackle complex sustainability challenges, this investment will contribute to a more sustainable future. We are incredibly grateful to Action Renewables for making this opportunity possible."

The launch of the scholarship comes at a significant time for the University's sustainability leadership programmes, with both the MSc Leadership for Sustainable Development and MSc Leadership for Sustainable Rural Development programmes recently achieving accreditation from the ISEP.

Address complex sustainability challenges

Dr Adenuga added: "Achieving ISEP accreditation is a major milestone for our programmes and an important recognition of their alignment with the needs of the sustainability sector. It provides students with confidence that they are developing the professional competencies, practical experience and leadership skills valued by employers. Through strong links with industry, our graduates are equipped to lead meaningful change and help organisations and communities address complex sustainability challenges."

Worth £15,000, the award will cover full tuition fees alongside a contribution towards living expenses, helping to make postgraduate study more accessible for future sustainability leaders. The scholarship builds on existing financial support available across Queen’s sustainability leadership programmes, including the Gibson Trust Bursary for Northern Ireland applicants.

Director of postgraduate taught education for the School of Biological Sciences, Dr Simon Cameron said: “This accreditation is a testament to the commitment and expertise of our academic and professional support staff, who work tirelessly to provide students with an outstanding learning experience. Recognition from ISEP across our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes highlights the strength of our sustainability education and ensures students are well prepared to progress into graduate careers where they can make a positive impact."

The accreditation recognises that both programmes meet the ISEP Graduate Standard, providing independent assurance that graduates develop the knowledge, leadership skills and professional competencies expected of sustainability professionals. Students enrolled on the accredited programmes will also receive complimentary ISEP student membership during their studies and benefit from a recognised pathway towards professional registration after graduation.

For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofBiologicalSciences/Study/ScholarshipsandAwards/