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Claire Siegel
Junior Manager, Recruitment & AdmissionsBook an appointement WhatsApp+49 152 099 36535
msc.entrepreneurship.sustainableinnovation@escp.eu
Master of Science (MSc)
Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Business as usual is over
Objectives of the programme
More than ever, the world needs business leaders who are committed to addressing social and environmental challenges with commercially viable and innovative solutions. The Master of Science in Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation equips aspiring changemakers with the business acumen, entrepreneurial mindset, and sustainability expertise to drive meaningful impact.
Whether students aim to integrate sustainability into existing corporate strategies, launch their own purpose-driven ventures, or pioneer change within industries, this Master provides the knowledge, skills, and network to make it happen.
Based in Europe’s innovation hubs—Berlin and Paris—with an intensive study trip to Norway, this two-year programme blends cutting-edge sustainable business practices with hands-on entrepreneurial experience.
Over six terms, students gain a deep understanding of key business concepts, such as values-based innovation management and business modelling, while applying their learnings through a 1-year Sustainable Lifestyles project course, internships, and company consulting project.
Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Practical idealism
Our students are pragmatic idealists who combine ambitious vision with practical action. While they come from diverse backgrounds in economics, or natural sciences, or engineering, they share a common goal: to create sustainability-driven solutions to global challenges, from climate change and ecosystem degradation to social inequality.
This full-time programme is taught entirely in English, but because major sustainability challenges transcend borders, students also study a second language of their choice. Cross-cultural perspectives are further enriched through discussions with ESCP’s international faculty, diverse student body, and frequent guest lecturers. In the vibrant capitals of Germany and France, students have various opportunities to engage with and learn from impactful sustainability initiatives.
Why sustainability & entrepreneurship at ESCP?
As the world's 1st business school, we bring deep expertise in entrepreneurship and a strong commitment to sustainability and responsible leadership. Our multi-country study model and diverse community emphasizes a global approach to today’s challenges. See why ESCP is the ideal place to dive into these topics.
Get support from the Blue Factory incubator
Commitment to Ethics, Responsibility & Sustainability
Make your impact in the ESCP community
Benefit from ESCP’s entrepreneurial leadership focus
2024 Intake Class Profile
36 students
19 nationalities
4 continents
67%
Are business/economics graduates
24
Is the average age of students starting this programme
39% male
61% female
Academic Director
Prof. Dr. Florian LÜDEKE-FREUND
Professor for Corporate Sustainability
Member of the European Sustainability Department and the SustBusy Center
Chair of Corporate Sustainability
Research areas: Sustainable Development
Accreditation
The MSc in Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation has been state-accredited by the Senate Administration for Education, Science and Research of the Federal State of Berlin. The programme is also an internationally recognized state-accredited Master of Science degree by the Accreditation Council through ACQUIN since 2020 and in accordance with the Bologna reform.
About the ESCP MSc
Our goal is to train experts who will be rapidly able to adapt, progress, and lead in a globalized world. The choice of a Full-Time MSc corresponds to a professional project and gives young graduates and managers a combination of high-value skills and experiences sought by recruiters. Choosing this intensive format allows for immediate access to decision-making positions.
Ranked #1
Read how ESCP Berlin Campus leads the way in Entrepreneurship among German universities
Blog Post
Read about one student's experience at the International Energy Agency's Ministerial Meeting.
Student Activities
Learn more about how Climate Fresk enables ESCP to bring climate change science to its community
Masters Students Blog
Learn about the masters student experience at ESCP, in and out of the classroom. Get admissions tips and discover what it’s like to live in the most dynamic cities in Europe. blog.masters.escp.euMaster of Science (MSc)
Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Curriculum
A programme for your passion
Students master entrepreneurship through immersive learning: combining classroom theory, practical skills training, and real-world fieldwork—all focused on creating sustainable ventures that benefit society and the planet.
Courses are taught by full-time ESCP faculty and experienced industry practitioners. Throughout the programme, students will also have the opportunity to meet and network with successful entrepreneurs and sustainability professionals.
A two-year full-time programme
Your learning journey begins in September and is structured over 6 terms. Beyond the academic modules, you'll get continuous career development support and access to the Careers Centre team to prepare you for the next step in your professional journey.
Please note that students from a non-business/non-economics background are required to participate in a preparatory course, which usually takes place a week before the official start of the programme. This course includes the fields of Accounting, Marketing, Finance, Economics, and Controlling.
Term 1: Sep - Dec Establish a foundation to challenge “business as usual”
Berlin
Kicking off in Berlin, you’ll lay the theoretical groundwork essential to evaluating and addressing the status quo in business. You’ll get an introduction to sustainable development and organisational strategy, and gain the understanding needed to effectively tackle unsustainable business practices and develop entrepreneurial solutions. Expect case studies, group work, debates and a variety of exercises to connect theory to practice.
You’ll also start a unique 1-year journey with the Sustainable Lifestyles Venture (co-developed with the UN Environment Programme). In this hands-on project course, you’ll apply design thinking and customer development methods to create market-ready sustainable business ideas. The project starts with ethnographic research and analysis of a sustainability challenge.
Additionally, you’ll participate in a language course of your choice to prepare for global career opportunities and work environments.
Courses
- Introduction to sustainability
- Sustainability entrepreneurship
- Values-based & sustainability innovation
- Strategic management
- Language course
- Project: The Sustainable Lifestyles Venture
Term 2: Jan - April Build out your entrepreneurial toolkit
Paris
This term at the Paris Campus equips you with a comprehensive toolkit for sustainable business management. You’ll develop practical skills in financial decision-making, sustainability performance measurement, brand and product development, and venture creation, all while learning to balance profitable business operations with positive social and environmental impact.
The Sustainable Lifestyles Venture continues as you identify a compelling problem and solution. Experienced mentors serve as guides as you develop and refine your idea for the market. You’ll advance to the next level in your language course.
Courses
- Entrepreneurial finance
- Sustainability accounting
- Entrepreneurial methods
- Sustainability marketing
- Language course
- Project: The Sustainable Lifestyles Venture
Term 3: May-July Get practical financial training while boosting your intercultural soft skills
Berlin
At the Berlin Campus, this term combines practical training in financial tools, KPIs, and sustainable business planning with the development of essential soft skills for navigating intercultural work environments. You’ll be immersed in hands-on learning approaches including real consultancy projects, business modelling, and interactive simulations.
The Sustainable Lifestyles Venture concludes this term as you create a concrete business plan, refine financial estimates, and pitch your idea. You’ll continue advancing to the next level in your language course.
Courses
- Sustainability metrics and green finance
- Advanced business modelling for sustainability
- Leadership, teams & collaboration in intercultural contexts
- Intercultural management
- Language course
- Project: The Sustainable Lifestyles Venture
Term 4: Sep - Jan Step into the busiest term yet: Study trip, electives, and a hands-on consultancy project
Berlin
After a summer break, your cohort will take part in a 1-week trip to Oslo, Norway to get forward-thinking insights and practical experience with the Norwegian Model of sustainable and regenerative food system transformation. The visit consists of company visits, case studies, guest speakers, and group activities.
On campus, you’ll prepare to critically evaluate research and conduct your own scientific work, while learning about the multifaceted aspects of driving significant societal change. You’ll also take 3 electives of your choice.
A key element of this programme takes place this term — the Company Consultancy Project (CCP). Over 2 months, you and your peers will collaborate on a real-time challenge provided by a company or organisation. This project challenges you to put into practice the concepts you’ve learned in class and gives you valuable experience employers are looking for.
Courses
- Research methods
- Managing complexity
Electives (choose 3)
The selection of elective courses varies every year. Recent electives include:
- Business modelling for flourishing enterprises
- Technology entrepreneurship
- Serious gaming
- From Idea to Exit: A clean tech startup journey
- Digital technologies & sustainability
- Social entrepreneurship
- Quantitative entrepreneurial finance and private equity
- Strategic design thinking
Company Consultancy Projects (CCPs)
The CCP will require significant commitment and focus. Your group is expected to deliver a high-level analysis and make actionable recommendations that can realistically be implemented by the company.
You’ll learn how to work effectively as a team and hone your skills in:
- Project planning and management
- Data collection and analysis
- Development of hypotheses and recommendations
- Customer service & client interaction
- Public speaking and presentations
Throughout the project, guidance is provided by business experts with support from ESCP professors.
Company Consultancy Projects (CCPs) | ESCP Berlin Campus
Some Partner Companies
Henkel – Mercedes – EnBW – GreenAir – CM Consulting – Intersport – BearingPoint – Berlinhaus – Porsche Design – Beiersdorf – Allianz Partners – Women Economic Forum – Regenerative Marktwirtschaft – Kienbaum – Weleda – Colorsxstudios – Kuehne Climate Center – AmaliTech
CCP Examples
- Market Validation and Strategic Go-to-Market Planning for Alternative Assets for a Sustainable Investment AI agent
- Pilot electric truck rental programmes – advise on global best practices
- Transformation of current IIC Impact Report based on GRI-reporting in accordance with future ESRS and CSRD requirements
- Developing a Sales Strategy for baked’s Gluten-Free Product Line in the German Market
- Strategic Forecasting of Skin Care Market and Opportunity Mapping for Future Growth
- Sales Strategy and business development for our newest calculation module for sustainability (CO2-Footprint, production, packaging, transport and disposal
Term 5: Feb - April Research, write and defend your Master's thesis
Worldwide
You’ll have 12 weeks to complete an individual Master's Thesis in consultation with an academic advisor. A Master's Thesis demonstrates advanced research, analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills—highly valued in competitive job markets. As you develop expertise and contacts in your desired industry, a thesis can also serve as a launch pad for your career.
Term 6: May - Aug Do an internship, start a permanent job, or work on your own Business Development Project
Worldwide
You’ll finish your Master's journey with either an internship (or a full-time permanent position!) or a Business Development Project, all of which must be a minimum of three months.
The internship, which you can do anywhere in the world, is an excellent opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge, get more hands-on experience, and build professional connections, all aimed at jumpstarting your career. ESCP’s European Career Centre provides support as you look for the right internship opportunity.
Here are some examples of companies and organisations at which students have obtained internships:
KPMG – Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft & Klimaschutz – ClimateSeed – Good Citizen – Maa Biodiversity – Henkel – Capgemini – HelloFresh Benelux – ROSE Technologies GmbH – Deloitte – Doctolib – Enpal B.V. – Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A. – Ceezer Software GmbH
A unique feature of this programme is the possibility to do a Business Development Project (BDP) instead of an internship. The BDP allows you to work on your own business projects, for example writing a business plan, launching a marketing campaign, doing market research, applying for funding, and much more. Many MSEI students make use of the BDP to sharpen their entrepreneurial ideas and skills, with the aim of kicking off their venture after graduation.
Student & Alumni spotlight
Yacine Cherraoui
France
Class of 2024
“With a background in natural science, I chose to study a degree at the intersection of sustainability and entrepreneurship to equip myself with the business acumen needed to create and develop new ventures that are technically and financially viable while having a net positive impact on both the natural environment and human societies.” Read More
Jo Bautista
Philippines
Class of 2021
“Within my first year, ESCP helped me to launch my own social-impact startup which I've used to drive social change amidst the challenges of the COVID pandemic. The professors gave me critical insights, the staff helped me reach out on social media, and everyone helped me go from one small win to another. This level of support is not something I think you'd find in just any business school.” Read More
Oliver West
United Kingdom
Class of 2025
“In the Sustainable Lifestyles Venture, I learned a lot about how to create a sustainable business venture, such as: design thinking, Strategyzer business modelling, commercial ethnography, determining impact metrics, and more. However, despite all the entrepreneurial skills I gathered, I think the biggest takeaway was how to successfully navigate the interpersonal dynamics within an entrepreneurial team.” Read More
Leopoldo Angelini
Italy
Class of 2023
“My group worked with the European Space Agency — great organization, great project and lots of freedom to discover...we were offered positions in the company. Sadly I had already founded the company at that moment, and I didn’t allow myself a plan B — my company was ready to launch.” Read More
Ranked #1
Read how ESCP Berlin Campus leads the way in Entrepreneurship among German universities
Blog Post
Read about one student's experience at the International Energy Agency's Ministerial Meeting.
Student Activities
Learn more about how Climate Fresk enables ESCP to bring climate change science to its community
Masters Students Blog
Learn about the masters student experience at ESCP, in and out of the classroom. Get admissions tips and discover what it’s like to live in the most dynamic cities in Europe. blog.masters.escp.euMaster of Science (MSc)
Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Careers
Demand is up for values-based change agents and entrepreneurs: more companies than ever see sustainability as an essential part of their mission.
However, the new corporate commitment should be seen as the floor of our forecast, not the ceiling. Given the world’s many pressing concerns – climate change, aging populations, income inequality, and more – it’s hard to think of any industry or sector that could benefit more from talented and socially aware entrepreneurs.
Job titles of some of our graduates include: Sustainability Consultant - Partnerships & Social Innovation Manager - Venture Architect - Junior Corporate Development Manager - Entrepreneur in Residence - Managing Director - Project Manager - Venture Developer - Impact Manager - Packing Strategy Manager - Manager for Circular and Sustainable Products
Unlock Your Career Potential
Take control of your career journey with ESCP's events, personalised guidance, and tools designed to support your success after graduation.
The European Careers Centre
Strategically Plan Your Next Steps
Transform your career aspirations into reality with our Careers Centre. Expert advisors across five European campuses guide you through a variety of professional development workshops as well as 1-on-1 advising sessions. You’ll also access a platform with over 50,000 internship and job opportunities each year, plus cutting-edge digital resources to accelerate your success.
Connect Directly with Companies
Build valuable connections with HR leaders and industry experts at our diverse career events. From career fairs and company visits, we bring you face-to-face with hundreds of top employers throughout the year. These signature events give you exclusive networking opportunities with decision-makers from global companies, helping you launch your international career.
For non-EU graduates: living and working in Germany
Thinking of starting your sustainability career in Europe? Studying and living in Germany has many distinct advantages. Upon completion of a state-recognised degree, non-EU citizens can apply for an 18-month residence permit, which can be converted to a longer permit after obtaining a job. See more information here.
ESCP's Alumni Network: Stay connected and keep growing
With a global network of over 85,000 alumni across 150+ countries, you'll gain access to a dynamic community that can open doors to unparalleled opportunities – both during and after your studies.
The ESCP Alumni Association is dedicated to enriching your experience. From day 1 at ESCP, you'll become a lifelong member of the Association. You can enjoy numerous exclusive benefits far beyond graduation, including networking opportunities, career support, continuing education, and alumni discounts and offers.
Testimonial
Jeanne Duprez
Currently working as a Project Manager on Circular Economy
France - Class of 2022
Testimonial
Jan-Owe Linden
Currently working as a Senior Consultant
Germany - Class of 2020
Ranked #1
Read how ESCP Berlin Campus leads the way in Entrepreneurship among German universities
Blog Post
Read about one student's experience at the International Energy Agency's Ministerial Meeting.
Student Activities
Learn more about how Climate Fresk enables ESCP to bring climate change science to its community
Masters Students Blog
Learn about the masters student experience at ESCP, in and out of the classroom. Get admissions tips and discover what it’s like to live in the most dynamic cities in Europe. blog.masters.escp.euMaster of Science (MSc)
Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Admissions
Requirements
- A Bachelor degree* with a minimum of 180 ECTS from a state-accredited institution of higher education i.e university
- Applicants will preferably** have a degree in business, management, or entrepreneurship; or a degree in economics with minors in business, management, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and/or innovation
- Fluency in English: Cambridge C1 certificate, TOEFL, TOEIC or IELTS scores, OR English test during the Admission Test Day
- 0-4 years of full-time work experience (additional experience may be accepted in exceptional cases)
*You may submit an application in the last year of your undergraduate studies, if you expect to have completed your Bachelor degree by the time you start the MSc.
**Students from a non-business/economics background are required to participate in a preparatory course prior to the start of the programme. This course will include the topics of accounting, marketing, finance, economics, and controlling.
Please read the programme FAQs and familiarise yourself with the unique programme features before starting the application process.
For applicants from China, India, and Vietnam
Applicants who have obtained a degree from the aforementioned countries must have an APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) Certificate in order to be able to apply for a German study visa. Please be aware that the process can take several months.
The APS is a joint institution of the German Embassy and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) that serves to verify the authenticity of educational degrees and certificates. Learn more here:
Procedure
Step 1: Application form
Applications are made online. After creating your account, please choose "Master - Master of Sciences" in the "Admission" section.
Admission process
To apply for the Master in Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation programme, you must submit the following documents:
- Letter of motivation (half page)
- Photocopy of passport or identity card
- Your resume (curriculum vitae)
- Transcripts of records of all years of higher education (certified copies) and current weighted average mark and/or expected final grade
- Bachelor degree - if you hold it already - original or certified copy
Optional:
- The score on a standardized English language test, dated no later than 2 years ago
- GMAT score. In this case, applicants will be exempt from the online logic test (see below).
Step 2: Completion of a video interview via Kira Talent
Process
After your online application has been reviewed, eligible candidates will be invited to complete a video interview on Kira Talent – an online platform via which we ask you interview questions, and you record yourself answering them. This video interview aims to provide a middle step in the application process in order to give all candidates a fair chance to present themselves.
Once you receive the invitation from us by email, you will have one week to complete the interview. Because the interview is recorded, you can take it any time that week.
Please note: you should schedule 45 minutes for the interview. You can practice as much as you need but please be aware that once you start the official assessment, it is not possible to pause or take breaks.
Step 3: Personal Interview
Online tests and personal interview
Candidates who have successfully passed the background evaluation and have submitted the video interview via Kira, will be invited to the online Admission Day. The Day consists of:
- Online deductive and numerical logic test. Here you will find more information and practice tests. On the Admisson Day, you will have to complete the Numerical Reasoning Test and the Deductive Reasoning Test (the Mobile-Enabled Interactive Versions for both).
- Individual interview
- English test (written, oral)
- Applicants whose first language is English or who provide the result of a standardized language test not older than two years are exempt (TOEFL written 600; TOEFL IBT 100; TOEFL computer based 250; IELTS 7)
Step 4: Confirmation
Candidates will be admitted on rolling basis.
Admission Calendar
To start or continue an application for the September 2025 intake, please click here.
| Application Deadline |
Logic test (if applicable) |
Admission Test Day (with ESCP Berlin) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Nov 2024 | 10 Dec 2024 | 11-12 Dec 2024 |
| 8 Jan 2025 | 28 Jan 2025 | 29-31 Jan 2025 |
| 5 Feb 2025 | 25 Feb 2025 | 26-28 Feb 2025 |
| 7 Mar 2025*** | 27 Mar 2025 | 28 & 31 Mar 2025 |
| 8 Apr 2025 | 28 Apr 2025 | 29-30 Apr 2025 |
| 5 May 2025 | 23 May 2025 | 26-28 May 2025 |
| 3 Jun 2025 | 24 Jun 2025 | 25-26 Jun 2025 |
| 30 Jun 2025 | 18 Jul 2025 | 21-22 Jul 2025 |
***Due to the required time it takes to obtain a German study visa, the final application deadline for non-EU/EEA applicants is early March 2025. This final deadline does not apply If you come from one of the following countries (from which you do not need a visa to enter Germany for study purposes): Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, South Korea, the UK, or USA
Ranked #1
Read how ESCP Berlin Campus leads the way in Entrepreneurship among German universities
Blog Post
Read about one student's experience at the International Energy Agency's Ministerial Meeting.
Student Activities
Learn more about how Climate Fresk enables ESCP to bring climate change science to its community
Masters Students Blog
Learn about the masters student experience at ESCP, in and out of the classroom. Get admissions tips and discover what it’s like to live in the most dynamic cities in Europe. blog.masters.escp.euMaster of Science (MSc)
Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Fees & Financials
Application Fees
The application fee is €130 for all candidates. Please note that the application fee is non-refundable.
Tuition Fees
For those entering the MSc in September 2025, the fees are set at:
- Tuition fee: €15,100 per year
- Student service and registration costs: €1,500 per year
Total programme costs:
- €33,200 for European and non-European students
For any additional year until graduation, reduced student service and administrative costs (€1,000) are payable.
The above costs already include the lifelong ESCP Alumni membership, administrative & service costs, and the international SOS mobility support. Travel & accommodation costs are not included for all classes on ESCP campuses (Berlin, London, Paris, Madrid, Turin or Warsaw).
Applicants who are offered a place must confirm their acceptance and pay a non-refundable deposit of €3,000, which will be deducted from the total tuition fees.
Estimated Cost of Living
When planning your studies, consider the monthly cost of living in Berlin and Paris. Please note that the figures provided are estimates, as expenses will vary based on your choice of accommodation and lifestyle preferences.
| Berlin | Paris | |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €750 | €900 |
| Living costs | €450 | €625 |
| Transport and leisure | €250 | €400 |
| TOTAL | €1,450 | €1,925 |
ESCP Merit-Based Scholarships
ESCP Berlin offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships to outstanding Specialised Master applicants for the 2025 intake. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, test scores, motivation, extracurricular achievements, and overall quality of the admissions interview.
To be considered for a merit-based scholarship, you must submit a separate scholarship form, which can be found here, at the same time as your programme application. If admitted, your scholarship decision will be communicated at the same time.
For detailed information, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any further questions, contact us at scholarships_berlin@escp.eu.
External Funding Options
For more information about external scholarships and a copy of our scholarship guide, please feel free to email msc.entrepreneurship.sustainableinnovation@escp.eu.
Ranked #1
Read how ESCP Berlin Campus leads the way in Entrepreneurship among German universities
Blog Post
Read about one student's experience at the International Energy Agency's Ministerial Meeting.
Student Activities
Learn more about how Climate Fresk enables ESCP to bring climate change science to its community
Masters Students Blog
Learn about the masters student experience at ESCP, in and out of the classroom. Get admissions tips and discover what it’s like to live in the most dynamic cities in Europe. blog.masters.escp.eu
Master of Science (MSc)
Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Meet Us
Are you thinking about applying to the MSc in Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation? Choosing the right master’s programme is a big decision, and we’re here to help you navigate this journey. Connect with us and get the insights you need to make an informed choice.
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Ranked #1
Read how ESCP Berlin Campus leads the way in Entrepreneurship among German universities
Blog Post
Read about one student's experience at the International Energy Agency's Ministerial Meeting.
Student Activities
Learn more about how Climate Fresk enables ESCP to bring climate change science to its community