Master of Science (MSc) in
International Sustainability Management
Your career makes a difference!
Objectives of the programme
Our world is changing. Climate change is already having a visible impact, and biodiversity losses are becoming distinctly observable. Businesses as well as society at large thus acknowledge the need to assume our responsibility for a sustainable management of the economy and our livelihoods.
Politicians are following that call. Renewable energy technologies are reaching advanced stages, and more resource-efficient solutions from a circular economy or the sharing economy are starting to spread. Start-ups are developing innovative solutions for urban farming, and cities considering green infrastructure or modern mobility concepts. Companies are asked to report on their environmental and social impacts, and to develop responsible supply chains in their highly internationalized operations. The changes to business are inevitable, and are more important than ever.
The Master in International Sustainability Management equips you with the knowledge and skills to manage this change. It offers a broad portfolio of classes on the problems we face, solutions to discuss, and management tools to deal with the transition.
As a Master of Science, the programme is grounded in science and research, but also takes on a business perspective. We are convinced that future managers need to understand the world and context in which they operate before implementing viable solutions.
The programme therefore starts with an introduction to sustainability research and natural science foundations on climatology and ecosystems. Alongside an initial acquaintance with the business side of sustainability management, the Master addresses the economics perspective on resource exploitation and emission control on which government regulations are formed. The curriculum then continues to alternate between business frameworks for a sustainability transition and topics such as NGO management or sustainable governance.
Making that difference
The two-year programme is taught at ESCP’s Berlin and Paris campuses, with two fixed terms in each city. In term 5 you will write your Master's thesis. Term 6 allows you to do an internship wherever in the world you like. The class composition is highly international. This blend and the mobile lifestyle will ideally prepare you for a global career.
Discussions and a high level of team work will equip you with the interpersonal skills to argue your position and persuade others, as well as collaborate cross-culturally with your peers. Student societies and associations offer the possibility to engage sustainably right away, offering you an ever-growing network and leadership skills.
The programme is designed for future business leaders, but might just as well guide you to a career in consulting, governance, politics or an NGO. Work where you can make the impact you want.
Participants’ background
- Business Administration / Economics: 46%
- Languages / Culture / Literature: 21%
- Sociology / Geography / Politics: 15%
- Sustainability: 6%
- Engineering: 6%
- Environmental Science / Ecology / Biology: 3%
- Law: 3%
19
nationalities
64% women
36% men
EU 65% – German, French, Italian, Belgian, Dutch, Slovenian, Spanish, UK
Non-EU 35% – Australian, Brazilian, US-American, Icelandic, Indian, Venezuelan, Chinese, Canadian, Taiwanese, Iranian
European Academic Director
Prof. Dr. Sylvie GEISENDORF
Chair and Professor of Environment and Economics
PhD in Economics
Habilitation (German acad. qual. for Ph.D. supervisor)
Research areas: Agents-based modeling, Ecological economics, Evolutionary econ., Behavioural econ., Complexity Theory
Advisory Board in Sustainability Management
Business as usual is over
The Advisory Board in Sustainability Management consists of research, business and organisation experts and devoted itself to finding answers to essential questions within the field of sustainability management and sustainable business.
ACQUIN Accreditation
The Master in International Sustainability Management programme is accredited by ACQUIN [DE] and state recognised under German regulation.
About the ESCP MSc
The choice of a Full-Time MSc corresponds to a professional project and gives young graduates and young managers a combination of high-value skills sought by recruiters.
This programme provides academic expertise and presentation of the best professional practices. Our goal is to train experts who will be rapidly able to progress in a globalized world. Choosing a "Full-Time Intensive" format allows, at the end of a short and dense tuition, to have an immediate access to decision-making leadership positions.
Class of 2022 Profile
43 students
15 nationalities
4 continents
65%
Are business/economics graduates. All academic backgrounds are welcome!
23
Is the average age of students starting this programmes
28% male
72% female
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.
See more
Master of Science (MSc) in
International Sustainability Management
Curriculum
Make Saving the Planet Your Day Job
In your first term, you will study environmental and sustainability management in Berlin. You will learn about business ethics and corporate social responsibility, eco-marketing, and integrated “triple-bottom-line” reporting. At the same time, you will study climatology and resource economics, preparing you for a real role as an advocate for sustainability.
In your second term, you will study how companies can learn to become more sustainable, and take an elective that will allow you to delve further into an issue that you are particularly passionate about, such as human rights and international business or business and sustainability in the developing world.
A two-year full-time programme
Classes will be delivered on campus and/or online in accordance with government recommendations. The programme begins in September and is organised as follow:
Course Modules
You have to be proficient in English to follow these courses.
Sustainability
- Environmental and Sustainability Management
- Environmental and Sustainability Management
- Business Ethics and CSR
- Eco-marketing
- Integrated Reporting
- Ecosystems, Climate change and Economic theory
- Ecological Background of Economic Activity: Climatology / Ecosystems Theory
- Environmental and Resource Economics
- Frameworks for a sustainability transition
- Sustainable Supply Chain Management
- New concepts for a sustainable lifestyle: the Circular Economy
- New Interactions between business and society: innovative responses to the sustainability challenge
- Elective 1: Society, the developing world and the financial dimension
- NGO & Management
- The dark side of sustainability
- International Business and Human Rights
- Sustainable Finance
International
- Sustainable governance and management in an international context
- Cross Cultural Management and Sustainability
- Sustainability Governance and Policy
- Project management and consulting
- International Project Management and Consulting
- Mini Consultancy Project
General Management
- Research & consultancy
- Research methods
- Managing complexity
- Mgmt. of change & organizational behavior
- Elective 2: Specialisations in Management
- Eco-Venturing
- Model United Nations
- Urban Resiliance
- Business Information Systems
- Corporate Finance
Research
Skills
- Language Courses
- Career Development
- Company Consultancy project
- Internship
Faculty
Prof. Sylvie GEISENDORF
European Academic Director, Berlin Campus
Sylvie Geisendorf holds the Chair of Environment and Economics at the Berlin Campus.
In addition, Prof. Geisendorf is Scientific Director of the Research Centre on Sustainability: Business and Society - Towards a Sustainable World.
Courses taught in the programme
- Environmental and Resource Economics
- Model United Nations
- Urban Resilience
Prof. Olivier DELBARD
Academic Director, Paris Campus
Olivier Delbard is Professor at the Department of Economics, Law and Social Sciences at the Paris Campus. He is specialized on CSR and has written several books on it. In addition, Prof. Delbard is the Sustainability Coordinator of ESCP.
Courses taught in the programme
- New Interactions between business and society
- Sustainability Governance and Policy
- Mini Consultancy Project
Prof. Kerstin ALFES
Professor of Organisation and Human Resource Management, Berlin Campus
Kerstin Alfes is the Academic Director for the MBA in International Management at the Berlin Campus.
Courses taught in the programme
- Research Methods (together with Prof. Bick)
- Management of Change and Organizational Behaviour
Prof. Aurélien ACQUIER
Associate Professor of Strategy, Organizational Behavior and Human Resources, Paris Campus
Research: Embedding CSR within organizations, CSR and sensemaking, CSR history
Courses taught in the programme
- New concepts for a sustainable lifestyle (together with Prof. Carbone)
- The dark side of sustainability (elective)
Prof. Markus BICK
Professor of Business Information Systems, Berlin Campus
Research: Knowledge management, e-learning, convergent systems, ambient intelligence, simulation
Courses taught in the programme
- Research Methods (together with Prof. Wilken)
- Business Information Systems (elective)
Prof. Thierry BOUDÈS
Associate Professor of Strategy and project management at ESCP, Paris Campus
Research: narrative processes in organizations and the narrative dimensions of strategy and project management
Courses taught in the programme
- International Project Management and Consulting
Prof. Rolf BRÜHL
Professor of Business Ethics and Management Control, Berlin Campus
Research: Behavioural accounting, CSR reporting, Social accounts and trust repair
Courses taught in the programme
- Business Ethics and CSR
Prof. Valentina CARBONE
Professor of Supply Chain Management, Paris Campus
Research: Sustainable and green supply chain management, CSR and sensemaking
Courses taught in the programme
- Sustainable supply chain management (together with Prof. Moatti)
- New concepts for a sustainable lifestyle (together with Prof. Acquier)
Bruno CAZENAVE
PhD Student, Paris Campus
Specialised in Management Control. Current research title: “Impacts of financialised practices in French NGOs”
Courses taught in the programme
- NGO & Management (together with Emanuelle Garbe, elective)
Prof. David CHEKROUN
Associate Professor of Economics, Law and Social Sciences, Paris Campus
David Chekroun is the co-director of the “Law & Finance” major. In 2013, he was appointed scientific director of the ESCP/EDF Contract management Certificate Program.
Courses taught in the programme
- International Business and Human Rights (elective)
Prof. Alberta DI GIULI
Associate Professor of Economics, Law and Social Sciences, Paris Campus
Alberta Di Giuli’s research focuses on corporate social responsibility, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions and family firms.
Courses taught in the programme
- Corporate Finance (elective)
Prof. Lola HERRERO
Associate Professor at ESCP, Madrid Campus
Scientific-Academic Director of the M.Sc. in Hospitality and Tourism Management
Courses taught in the programme
- Sustainable Tourism (elective)
Dr. Florian LÜDEKE-FREUND
Professor at ESCP, Berlin Campus
Chair of Corporate Sustainability,
European Academic Director of the Master in Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Innovation
Courses taught in the programme
- Environmental and Sustainability Management
- Eco-marketing and communication
Prof. Valérie MOATTI
Associate Professor at ESCP, Paris Campus
Associate Professor in the Information and Operations Management departement
Courses taught in the programme
- Sustainable supply chain management (together with Prof. Carbone)
Prof. Nathalie PRIME
Professor of International marketing and cross-cultural management at ESCP, Paris Campus
Chair of the European Department of Marketing at ESCP across 5 country campuses (Berlin, London, Madrid, Paris, Torino)
Courses taught in the programme
- Cross-Cultural Management and Sustainability
Prof. Martin SCHMIDT
Professor of Financial Reporting and Audit, Berlin Campus
Martin Schmidt joined ESCP in January 2013, when he became chairholder of the newly set-up Chair of International Accounting on the Berlin Campus.
Courses taught in the programme
- Integrated Reporting
Dr. Michaela WIEANDT
Manager Career Services & Placement, Linking Talents Germany
Michaela Wieandt is career advisor and coach at ESCP Berlin as well as associate researcher at the Talent Management Institute.
Courses taught in the programme
- Career Development
Emmanuelle GARBE
Affiliate lecturer, Paris Campus
Emmanuelle Garbe is a consultant, researcher and teacher in Human resource management and in Organizations.
Courses taught in the programme
- NGO & Management (together with Bruno Cazenave, elective)
Isabelle GUÉNARD-MALAUSSÈNE
Affiliate lecturer, Paris Campus
To make use of her experience and conviction in Sustainable Finance, Isabelle Guénard-Malaussène created her consulting company in 2015, FINANCE@IMPACT.
Courses taught in the programme
- Sustainable Finance (elective)
Dr. Julie GUTH
Affiliate lecturer, Berlin Campus
Having worked in management consulting for several years as well as developing and setting up new education programs, Julie Guth gained comprehensive knowledge in supporting students in acquiring new skills and expertise.
Courses taught in the programme
- Eco-Venturing (elective)
Claudia MÜLLER
Affiliate lecturer, Berlin Campus
Claudia Müller is a consultant, trainer and lecturer with a focus on international, intercultural collaboration and leadership as well as international organisational development. Founder of CIM Consulting.
Courses taught in the programme
- Management of Change and Organizational Behaviour
Prof. Dieter SCHERER
Professor at Technische Universität Berlin
Head of the Department of Climatology at the Institute of Ecology of Technische Universität Berlin.
Courses taught in the programme
- Ecological Background of Economic Activity (together with Prof. Tietjen)
Prof. Britta TIETJEN
Professor at Technische Universität Berlin
Head of the Biodiversity Research Group at Freie Universität Berlin.
Courses taught in the programme
- Ecological Background of Economic Activity (together with Prof. Scherer)
Claas WENZLIK
Affiliate lecturer, Berlin Campus
Founder of MOCOVISION. Claas Wenzlik's fields of expertise are change management, strategy development, and digitization
Courses taught in the programme
- Managing Complexity
You will accomplish a Company Consultancy Project during the MSc in International Sustainability Management programme, which allows you to put into practice the concepts acquired in the classroom. The projects provide students with collaborative and intercultural work experience on a case provided by a company.
In groups of 4-5, students are expected to perform an in-depth analysis and make recommendations for actions that can realistically be implemented by the company.
At the heart of the programme, 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.
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, tutoring is provided by an ESCP professor.
Students learn how to approach an issue with a critical mindset, and how to react swiftly in unexpected situations with a creative and open-minded attitude.
Some Partner Companies
BBVA – BNP Paribas – Capco – Deloitte – Eaton – EXPOFRANCE 2025 – GE Capital – Hydrogen – IBM – Indeu capital – Inditex (Zara) – Indra – International SOS – Interserve – Larousse – Lavazza – LVMH – Orange – Paul UK – Pernod Ricard – Porsche Design – Santer Reply – Telefónica – Vodafone
Examples of Company Consultancy Projects
- Benchmark and blueprint for an International Graduate Programme (utilities, HR)
- City launching of Urban Ninja in Spanish market
- Development and implementation of online business for commercialisation
- Development of a CSR strategy
- Development of an innovative B2B online portal
- Feasibility study to set up a commercial subsidiary: services, organisation and financial model
- Global mobility of highly skilled professionals
- Global supply chain and distribution model (retail chain)
- Growth opportunities in the digital technologies sector in Europe
- Identify growth opportunities for category portfolio products
- Portfolio strategy and dealflow 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 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
- Transforming London’s precious metal OTC market: feasibility report
- Valvetrain footprint optimisation: how to secure profitable regional growth
Starting in February of the second year, you 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. The thesis is defended orally to a committee between June and July. This individual applied research project is an essential part of the programme since it leads to in-depth analysis. It represents 20 of the total of 120 ECTS credits earned over the two years.
From May to July of the second year, students must complete an in-company internship of at least 3 months.The internship is an opportunity for practical application of the theoretical concepts learned from courses, with an eye to establishing a career.
Here are some examples of companies and organisations at which students have obtained internships:
United Nations Environment Programme – Nissan – Endeva – Impact Hub Berlin – Siemens – United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – Bearing Point – Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) – Save the Children – BNP Paribas – Deloitte – Marine Stewardship Council – San Benedetto – Nordex Energy – E.ON – WWF – The C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group – L’Oreal
The Corporate Relations Department
The Company Relations Department is dedicated to gather placement offers from many companies. The department also organises a series of fairs involving firms, giving MSc students many opportunities to make contact.
Class of 2022 Profile
43 students
15 nationalities
4 continents
65%
Are business/economics graduates. All academic backgrounds are welcome!
23
Is the average age of students starting this programmes
28% male
72% female
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.
See more
Master of Science (MSc) in
International Sustainability Management
Careers
Sustainability professionals work in “green” companies, such as renewable energy, technological, food, clothing or cosmetics industries, or in certification agencies.
Their mission: to rethink traditional business ideas in ways that create more sustainable value. Others work as environmental or corporate reputation consultants, green governance experts, or non-governmental organization officers. Some eventually go on to found their own innovative start-ups or become social entrepreneurs.
The first class of the MSc in International Sustainability Management started in September 2016 with 22 participants from 19 countries. After their graduation in September 2018, our students will be part of the ESCP 65,000-member alumni network in over 150 countries in the world.
Build your career
ESCP gives you the opportunity to leverage events, tools and guidelines to efficiently manage your career goals 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 increase your chances of making an impression on companies. In addition, careers support also provides you with a structured method and process to prepare a plan, in order to start and build an effective job-seeking strategy.
Job Fairs and Recruitment Day
Of particular relevance are the Job Fairs and Recruitment Days organised by the ESCP Careers Service on each campus. Students are welcome to attend the job fairs on any of ESCP's campuses, no matter the current study location. Thanks to these large 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 job-seeking visa, among other options. 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.
Class of 2022 Profile
43 students
15 nationalities
4 continents
65%
Are business/economics graduates. All academic backgrounds are welcome!
23
Is the average age of students starting this programmes
28% male
72% female
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.
See more
Master of Science (MSc) in
International Sustainability Management
Admissions
IMPORTANT
Under the special circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic, all admission exam sessions organised by Berlin Campus will take place online. The dates and times listed in the admission exam calendar below remain the same.
We are doing everything possible to minimise the impact the current circumstances will have, while continuing to maintain the highest health standards.
Our teams will remain available to reply to your questions, and will be in touch as soon as new information becomes available.
Requirements
- A Bachelor degree with a minimum of 180 ECTS from a state accredited institution of Higher Education i.e university
- A university background preferably in economics, social or natural science, or engineering
- *(Students from a non-business/economics background are required to participate in a preparatory course prior to the start of the programme. This course includes the fields Accounting, Marketing, Finance, Economics and Controlling)
- Fluency in English: TOEFL, TOEIC or IELTS scores or English test on campus
- Work experience not required (if given, maximum 2 years)
Procedure
Step 1: Application form
Applications are made online.
Admission process
To apply for the Master in International Sustainability Management Programme you have to 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 (only mandatory for the online application process - see below)
Step 2: Personal Interview
Tests and personal interview at the Berlin Campus
Candidates who have successfully passed the Background evaluation will be invited to the admission test at the Berlin Campus. The test consists of:
- Online deductive and numerical logic test (you will find more information and examples here)
- 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)
In exceptional circumstances, e.g. for students living outside of Europe, we offer an online application process:
Applicants will be tested in the same fields. Therefore - in addition to a video interview with the applicant - we require a GMAT test result* and the score of a standardized English language test (if English is not the first language).
*should you not be able to provide a GMAT result in time please contact us.
Step 3: Confirmation
Candidates will be admitted on a rolling basis.
Admission Calendar
The application for the 2021 intake is now open. Register here to start an application.
Contact Jessica Thater (Programme Manager) for more information and any questions.
| Application Deadline |
Admission Test Day (at ESCP Berlin) |
|---|---|
| 26 Oct 2020 | 13 Nov 2020 |
| 25 Jan 2021 | 12 Feb 2021 |
| 9 Mar 2021 | 26 Mar 2021 |
| 25 Mar 2021 | 22 & 23 Apr 2021 |
| 10 May 2021 | 31 May, 1 & 2 Jun 2021 |
| 14 Jun 2021 | 2 Jul 2021 |
| 12 Jul 2021 | 30 July 2021 |
Class of 2022 Profile
43 students
15 nationalities
4 continents
65%
Are business/economics graduates. All academic backgrounds are welcome!
23
Is the average age of students starting this programmes
28% male
72% female
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.
See more
Master of Science (MSc) in
International Sustainability Management
Fees & Financials
Application Fees
The application fees are set at €130. Registration fees are non-refundable.
Fees
A payment of €28,500 is due for the two-year programme. Apply by 28 February 2021 to receive a €2,850 Early Bird tuition reduction.
A non-refundable down-payment of €2,000 is due four weeks after admission.
The remaining fees are due in four instalments on the following key dates:
- First instalment: September 1st 2021
- Second instalment: January 1st 2022
- Third instalment: June 1st 2022
- Fourth instalment: January 1st 2023
Class of 2022 Profile
43 students
15 nationalities
4 continents
65%
Are business/economics graduates. All academic backgrounds are welcome!
23
Is the average age of students starting this programmes
28% male
72% female
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.
See more
Master of Science (MSc) in
International Sustainability Management
Meet Us
Please note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fair providers have not yet decided whether the fairs will be held online or in person. We will keep this list updated as soon as more information becomes available.
Events
Online
Fairs - Europe
Fairs - America
Fairs - Africa / Middle East
Fairs - Asia
Class of 2022 Profile
43 students
15 nationalities
4 continents
65%
Are business/economics graduates. All academic backgrounds are welcome!
23
Is the average age of students starting this programmes
28% male
72% female
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.