-
Claire Siegel
Junior Manager, Recruitment & AdmissionsBook an appointement WhatsApp+49 152 099 36535
msc.entrepreneurship.sustainableinnovation@escp.eu
Master of Science (MSc) in
Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Business as usual is over!
Objectives of the programme
This Master of Science degree in Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation is designed for aspiring change makers who want to apply the tools of business to solving the world’s most urgent social and environmental problems. Whether students set out to integrate sustainability practices into a corporation, start their own purpose-driven companies, or anything in between, this MSc empowers them to drive change within teams, firms, and industries.
A two-year residential programme based in Berlin and Paris, with a week in Norway, the Master in Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation builds on the latest thinking on sustainable business, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Over six terms, students will gain a practical understanding of relevant business concepts and methods, such as values-based innovation management and business modelling, as well as direct experience in the field on an internship, a consulting engagement, or a business development project.
ESCP Berlin’s Vision Of Sustainability
Sustainability is a Key Academic Area at ESCP Berlin. It entails various study programmes, research projects and ESCP Berlin’s activities in the pursuit of itself becoming a sustainable organisation. This Key Academic Area is devoted to finding answers to essential questions within the field of sustainability entrepreneurship and management. Selected experts from renowned companies and NGOs support the school as a Sustainability Advisory Board.
Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Practical idealism
We believe students of this programme will be pragmatic idealists. Most students will have backgrounds in economics, natural sciences, or engineering. They are fluent in English and interested in pursuing an international business career that is focused on building innovative and sustainability-driven companies that aim to solve urgent issues such as poverty, degradation of natural ecosystems or climate change.
This full-time, two-year programme is taught entirely in English, but most serious sustainability problems cross borders, so students study a second language as well. Cross-cultural perspectives are further encouraged through conversations with ESCP’s international faculty and students as well as frequent speakers. In the vibrant capital cities of Germany and France, students will also find significant opportunities to engage with and learn from impactful sustainability efforts.
Representatives
Class of 2025
Class of 2026
European 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.
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
Partnership
The MSc in Sustainability Entrepreneurship & Innovation has partnered with the United Nations Environment Programme.
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
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) in
Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Curriculum
A programme for your passion
Through a combination of lectures, skills instruction, and hands-on fieldwork, students learn both the theory and practice of what they need to know to become an entrepreneur who makes a difference to society and the planet.
Courses are taught by full-time ESCP faculty and experienced practitioners. Students also have the opportunity to meet successful entrepreneurs and business people focused on sustainability.
A two-year full-time programme
Your learning journey begins in September and is organised over six terms as follow:
Course Modules
You have to be proficient in English to adequately complete these courses.
Sustainable Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- Introduction to sustainability
- Sustainability entrepreneurship
- Values-based and sustainability innovation
Intercultural Management & Leadership
- Strategic management
- Leadership, teams & collaboration in an intercultural context
- Intercultural management
Accounting for Sustainability
- Entrepreneurial finance
- Sustainability accounting
Sustainability Entrepreneurship Skills
- Entrepreneurial methods
- Sustainability marketing
Business and Financial Planning
- Sustainability metrics and green financing
- Presentation skills for sustainability ventures
Advanced research & entrepreneurial skills
- Research methods
- Managing complexity
- Master Thesis for MSc
Electives
- 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
Additional Skills
- Language courses
- Career development
You will take part in a Company Consultancy Project (CCP) during this MSc, which allows you to put into practice the concepts you’ve learned in class. In groups of 4-5, you and your peers will collaborate on a real-time challenge provided by a company or organisation.
Your group is expected to deliver a high-level analysis and make actionable recommendations that can realistically be implemented by the company.
The Company Consultancy Projects are a key element of the programme that enables students to get to know a sector or a specific function. They require significant commitment and focus from the students over 2-3 months.
Through the Company Consultancy Project, students learn how to work efficiently as a team and hone their skills in:
- Project planning and management
- Data collection and analysis
- Development of hypotheses and recommendations
- Customer service
- Public speaking and presentations
Within the framework of the Company Consultancy Projects, dedicated workshops are carried out such as:
- Client interaction
- Presentation skills
Throughout the project, guidance is provided by business experts with support from ESCP professors.
Students learn how to approach an issue with a critical mindset, and how to adapt swiftly in unexpected situations with a creative and open-minded attitude.
Some Partner Companies
BBVA – BNP Paribas – Capco – Deloitte – Eaton – GE Capital – Hydrogen – IBM – Indeu capital – Inditex (Zara) – Indra – INTERSPORT – International SOS – Interserve – Larousse – Lavazza – LVMH – Orange – Paul UK – Pernod Ricard – Porsche Design – Santer Reply – Telefónica – Vodafone
Company Consultancy Projects
Examples of Company Consultancy Projects
- Implementation of GRI standards for sustainability reporting
- Development of a CSR strategy
- Brand and communication strategy for a new corporate start-up
- Analysis and disruption of a long-term business model
- How to attract and retain top talent in the New Age of Work
- Business model and prototype creation for an on-demand service that targets local food stores owners
- Transforming London’s precious metal OTC market: feasibility report
- City launching of Urban Ninja in the Spanish market
- Development of an innovative B2B online portal
- Feasibility study to set up a commercial subsidiary: services, organisation and financial model
- Growth opportunities in the digital technologies sector in Europe
- Identify growth opportunities for category portfolio products
- Portfolio strategy and deal flow identification (private equity fund, India luxury market)
- SME lending in Europe. New scoring model analysis (banking, innovation)
- Study of business intelligence in the field of "fast-moving consumer health" at the European level
- Telemedicine and return on investment: a real case modelling and evaluation
- The future of newspapers, books and magazines (publishing industry)
- The new online shop: benchmark and suggestions
- Valvetrain footprint optimisation: how to secure profitable regional growth
A 3-term project together with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to explore how to build and manage the enterprises of the future that will give consumers more sustainable choices.
At the beginning of Term 4, your cohort will visit Oslo, Norway to get forward-thinking insights and practical experience with the Norwegian Model of sustainable and regenerative food system transformation. The trip will last one week and consist of company visits, case studies, guest speakers, and group activities.
From May to August of the second year, students must complete an in-company internship of at least 3 months. The internship is an opportunity for practicing theoretical concepts learned, gaining experience, and networking, all with an eye towards kicking-off your career.
Here are some examples of companies and organisations at which students have obtained internships:
Nike – Atlantic Food Labs – Active Giving – SAP – Brussels Beer Project – Siemens Mobility – C4 Ventures – Emma: the Sleep Company – Digital Career Institute
A unique feature of this programme is the possibility to do a Business Development Project (BDP) instead of an internship. The BDP allows students to work on their 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 test and train their entrepreneurial skills in an intense working period at the end of their studies.
The European Career Development Centre
The Career Development Centre is present on all 6 campuses and is composed of career experts who specialise in knowledge about industries, countries, and local labour markets. Their role is to help identify your career goals and help you get there by providing you with the right tips, tools, and connections.
Starting in February of the second year, students must draft a professional thesis in consultation with an ESCP professor, which is based on the course "Research Methods" (Term 4). The topic chosen is approved beforehand by an academic advisor. This individual research project is an essential part of the programme. It represents 20 of the total of 120 ECTS credits earned over the two years.
Network of Business Mentors
Learning from ESCP’s entrepreneurship ecosystem
ESCP has a large network of companies and entrepreneurs, which offers unique access to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Berlin and beyond. This special access to entrepreneurial ecosystems is used to connect students of the MSc in Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation to business mentors.
These mentors will support our students during their one-year “Sustainable Entrepreneurship & Innovation Projects” (SEIPs). The SEIPs are hands-on business ideation projects, from opportunity recognition to business planning, that allow our students to gain in-depth insights into the practical challenges of entrepreneurship and innovation.
Typically, four students form a SEIP team which is guided by one experienced mentor.
ESCP is currently setting up a new network of business mentors for the MSc in Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation (as of April 2019).
Florian ANDREWS
Profile:
- Consultant for circular economy and business models
- Founder of Gruener Hering – Agency for Circular Economy, Hamburg
- Founding member of the cooperative sustainable natives, Berlin
Main areas of expertise:
- Circular economy
- Business models
- Business models for sustainability
Dr. Robert GERLACH
Profile:
- Founder of Threebility – Methods for Sustainable Innovation
- Interim executive and advisor for clean-tech venture development
- Mentor at Techstars Berlin and AtomLeap
Main areas of expertise:
- Methods for sustainable product and business model innovation
- Product management and customer development
- Impact entrepreneurship and startup advisory
Frauke HERDEN
Profile:
- Management-, Start-up- and Consulting Experience
- Founder and Partner of FUNKELFEUER– Innovation Consultancy, Hamburg
- Advisory Board B.A.U.M. e.V., Jury Member and Mentor Start Green Award Borderstep Institut
Main areas of expertise:
- Sustainable Business Model Generation and Market Roll Out
- Agile Transformation, Learning Teams, Leadership
- Sustainable Finance
- (Renewable-) Energies, Water, Life Science
Marie-Lucie LINDE
Profile:
- Sustainability and communication consultant (marieLuCie)
- Founding and board member of the cooperative sustainable natives, Berlin
Main areas of expertise:
- Sustainability management
- Sustainable corporate communication
- Developing and facilitating events for sustainable development
Marie’s call for perspective: “Create your ‘raison d’être’ by putting values at the heart of your business.”
Heike MEWES
Profile:
- Independent Consultant
- Trainer and facilitator
Main areas of expertise:
- Sustainable strategies and business models
- Environmental management and climate change
- Sustainability reporting
Thomas SCHINDLER
Profile:
- Deep Alignment for individuals and organisations: www.thomas.cr
- Building Software for a Good World: delodi.net
- Digital Transformation with Purpose: katapultnow.com
Main areas of expertise:
- Transformational Coaching
- Digital Technologies
- Divergent Thinking
SustBusy Research Center
In cooperation with 25 ESCP members from Paris, Torino, Madrid, Warsaw and Berlin, the research centre on issues of sustainability in business and society has been founded in 2013 under the scientific direction of Prof. Dr. Sylvie Geisendorf.
Jean-Baptiste SAY
The Jean-Baptiste Say Institute relies on a unique European network, which was developed in 2007 by the Entrepreneurship Chair and is backed by the momentum of ESCP’s European platform and other significant resources devoted to its European expansion.
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
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
Partnership
The MSc in Sustainability Entrepreneurship & Innovation has partnered with the United Nations Environment Programme.
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
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) in
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
Build your career
ESCP gives you the opportunity to leverage events, tools and guidelines to efficiently manage your career process after the end of your Master.
The Careers Service
Prepare your Career Plan
The Careers Service team supports you in preparing a well-structured Curriculum Vitae and cover letter in order to strongly increase your chances to have an impact on companies. In addition, it also provides you with a structured method and process to prepare a career plan, in order to build and start an efficient and effective job-seeking strategy.
Job Fairs and Recruitment Day
Of particular relevance are the Job Fairs and Recruitment Day organised by the ESCP Careers Service on each campus. Thanks to these huge events you have the opportunity to directly get in touch with HR and managers of leading companies.
Post-graduation options for non-EU citizens
Start your sustainability career in Europe. Studying in Germany has many distinct advantages during and after your studies. Upon completion of a state-recognised degree, non-EU citizens are entitled to apply for an 18-month residence permit, which can be converted to a longer permit after obtaining a job. See more information here.
The Alumni Network
Once you have completed your Master, you have the opportunity to be part of the Alumni Network that updates ex-students about newest internship and job offers for the national and international business environment.
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
Partnership
The MSc in Sustainability Entrepreneurship & Innovation has partnered with the United Nations Environment Programme.
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
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) in
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
- Work experience not required (if given, a maximum of 2 years is recommended)
*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, Vietnam, and Mongolia
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
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
Partnership
The MSc in Sustainability Entrepreneurship & Innovation has partnered with the United Nations Environment Programme.
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
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) in
Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Fees & Financials
Application Fees
The application fees are set at €130. Registration fees are non-refundable.
Tuition Fees
For those entering in September 2025, the fees for the two-year programme are as follows:
- Tuition fee: €15,100 per year
- Service fee: €1,000 per year
A non-refundable down-payment of €3,000 is due two weeks after admission. The remaining fees are due in four instalments on the following key dates:
- First instalment: September 1st 2025
- Second instalment: January 1st 2026
- Third instalment: June 1st 2026
- Fourth instalment: January 1st 2027
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.
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
Partnership
The MSc in Sustainability Entrepreneurship & Innovation has partnered with the United Nations Environment Programme.
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
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)in
Sustainability Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Meet Us
We want to help you make an informed decision about the next steps in your educational journey.
Book a video call at a time that suits you with Claire Siegel, admissions advisor for the MSEI. In this 1-on-1 call, you can ask all your questions and get more detailed information about the programme, student life at ESCP, financing opportunities, and more.
Book an appointmentCampus Visits
It's important to get a good feel for the right programme for you. If you live in or happen to be travelling to Berlin, we offer personalised visits to our Berlin Campus. Please reserve a time here or reach out to msc.entrepreneurship.sustainableinnovation@escp.eu for more information.
Events
Online Fairs
On-site Fairs - Europe
On-site Fairs - America
On-site Fairs - Africa / Middle East
On-site Fairs - Asia
Coffee Chats
We're happy to schedule an individual meeting (apart from the fairs) in any of the cities we visit. If ESCP is coming to a city near you, and you'd like to meet over a coffee, reach out to msc.entrepreneurship.sustainableinnovation@escp.eu.
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
Partnership
The MSc in Sustainability Entrepreneurship & Innovation has partnered with the United Nations Environment Programme.
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