The ACU’s Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholars (QECS) have joined the University of Manchester’s ‘Creating a Sustainable World’ course for a third consecutive year.
A partnership between the ACU and the University of Manchester enabled QECS scholars to access an online unit equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to address the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The course, designed specifically for online learning and offering a unique interactive experience, presents the concept of sustainable development and explains the basis of partnership working that underpins the SDG approach. Each SDG is explored through its own module, drawing on cutting-edge research carried out by world-leading experts across the University of Manchester, together with input from external experts and international policy-makers and practitioners.
Since 2021, 40 QECS scholars across 24 countries, studying at 27 institutions have joined the course, learning from the expertise of the University’s course providers and tutors.
Commenting on the news, Annabel Boud, Head of Commonwealth Scholarships at the ACU, said: ‘We are delighted that the Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth scholars were invited again to join the ‘Creating a Sustainable World’ course, a programme that has been so crucial in highlighting the importance of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and sustainability across academic disciplines. Through their unique experiences, the scholars have been able to build on the discussions raised through the programme by providing their different perspectives.
As well as providing an additional direct benefit to our scholars, this partnership also provides a link to wider networks globally for the University of Manchester through the students, who hail from a wide range of different countries across the Commonwealth. We look forward to continuing this partnership and bringing Commonwealth-wide perspectives and expertise into this unique programme’.
Professor Luke Georghiou, Deputy President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, The University of Manchester, said: ‘It is a great pleasure to welcome Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholars to our 'Creating a Sustainable World' course for the third consecutive year. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to fostering global collaboration and addressing the pressing challenges outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By engaging with diverse perspectives and expertise, we aim to empower the next generation of leaders to drive positive change.’
The Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships (QECS) are a unique opportunity to study a two-year Master's degree in a low or middle-income Commonwealth country. Aimed at students in the Commonwealth who are committed to creating change in their communities, the scholarships are a life-changing opportunity to experience a new country and culture, to broaden horizons, and to build a global network that will last a lifetime.
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships are made possible by the generous support of The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) endowment fund.
More information
- Find out more about QECS