The programme

Our programme takes 10 months to complete. It is fasttrack, intense and highly structured. Your learning, through lectures delivered by the best minds available, is applied in the real world on work placements arranged by Forum for the Future through our extensive network of contacts.

The programme is validated as a Masters in Professional Studies (Mprof) by Middlesex University.

The Mprof is a work-based equivalent to an academic MA or MSc. Teaching takes place at Forum for the Future’s London office.

There are two core elements to the programme:

1. Understanding leadership and sustainability

You will learn about the ethics and values that provide the base for leadership in sustainable development, gain valuable insights into the dynamics of people and communities, appreciate the fundamental scientific principles that govern our environment and learn how business and society are developing a new economics.

You will explore how this knowledge is shaping our response to
sustainable development and how leadership is evolving to transform society.

We have a range of high level speakers. Previous speakers have included:

  • Lord Browne, Ex-CEO of BP
  • Dermot Blastland, Managing Director Mainstream Holidays, First Choice Holidays
  • David Cameron, Leader of the Conservative Party
  • Malcolm Dean, Assistant Editor, The Guardian and its social policy lead-writer
  • John Elkington, Founder, Chief Entrepreneur, SustainAbility
  • Mike Hulme, Professor, School of Environmental Sciences at the University of East Anglia (UEA); Founding Director, Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research
  • Tony Juniper Director, Friends of the Earth
  • Satish Kumar Director, Schumacher College; Editor, Resurgence Magazine
  • Ed Mayo Chief Executive, National Consumer Council
  • Sara Parkin Founder Director Forum for the Future
  • Jonathon Porritt Founder Director and Trustee, Forum for the Future; Chairman, Sustainable Development Commission
  • Fiona Reynolds Director General, National Trust
  • Tim Smit Founder, Eden Project
  • Barbara Young Chief Executive, Environment Agency

2. Work based learning

On placement you will meet, observe, work with and learn from leaders for sustainable development in all walks of life. You will experience leadership first hand in NGOs, local government, national government, businesses and the media.

This practical experience will give you the self-belief and competence to be an effective agent for change to a more sustainable world.

Assessment

You will be assessed on:

  • A report on each placement
  • Supervisor feedback on placements
  • A group project
  • Your final portfolio of work, which will include placement reports, reflection on
    learning and an assessment of your personal and skills development.

Additional benefits An important benefit from the programme is getting to know people with a shared purpose in all the right places – whether they are your fellow students, the experts who deliver your lectures, the leaders you meet on placement or members of the lively alumni network.