Are you the next sustainability leader?

Swedish Masters in Strategic Leadership for Sustainability accepting applicants as of December 1st

The Blekinge Institute of Technology’s Sustainability Masters program is taking applications for the 2012 year starting December 1. Located in Karlskrona, a beautiful town on the south eastern coast of Sweden, BTH’s Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability (MSLS) one-year Masters program teaches future leaders using innovative learning and leadership practices combined with the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (developed by The Natural Step).

This groundbreaking program recognizes that the global challenge of achieving a sustainable society requires cooperation across borders and disciplines and through its students brings together a rich diversity of perspectives and experiences to explore in the stimulating environment.

The program is organized around two main themes:

1. Strategic Sustainable Development- a science based, strategic approach toward planning for sustainability; and
2. Organizational Learning and Leadership-practicing leadership to effectively create change needed for sustainability.

To date more than 300 students, conversant in more than 30 languages and representing over 50 countries have graduated from the 1 year program which is taught in English.

"I am amazed at the depth of learning I experienced, especially around the theories and practices of strategic leadership. Such a rich environment to create your own learning journey and accelerate your skills in guiding clients through the change process toward sustainability. I don't know where in the 'outside world' I could have had access to the top practitioners in the fields of sustainability, leadership and organizational change than those offered through MSLS. My clients will certainly benefit from this deeper level of understanding, consciousness and knowledge I can now bring to our shared work." -Tracy Meisterheim, Blue Heron Sustainability Associates

The feedback from students illustrates not only the strength of the programme, it also reinforces another important element that of co-creation, co-learning and the sharing of experiences. Many people say their year in Sweden changed their lives, providing a valuable learning environment where strong and lasting friendships are created where there is space to explore the beautiful surroundings and conversations to explore what we can positively do to help build a more sustainable world.

Using a solid scientific foundation, the program begins by assessing and understanding society’s current sustainability challenges. Building on this foundation, the curriculum introduces complementary skills in strategic management, organizational learning and change, economics, engineering, and effective collaboration. Through both their internal expertise and partnerships with external organizations, the MSLS program draws on the latest research and expertise from world-leading sustainability practitioners and guest lecturers, including Natural Step Founder Dr. Karl-Henrik Robert and Canadian sustainability expert Bob Willard.

This program is exceptional and a once in a lifetime opportunity. To find out more visit the website at www.bth.se/MSLS and download the brochure. Applications open December 1, 2011 and close January 15th,  2012. 

If you’d like to talk to an alumni about the program, please feel free to contact Dana Pearlman (Class of 2011) at danapearlman@gmail.com.