-
Claire Siegel
Junior Manager, Recruitment & Admissions Book an appointement WhatsApp+49 152 099 36535
msc.internationalsustainability@escp.eu
Master of Science (MSc)
International Sustainability Management
Integrate business acumen with climate science
Objectives of the programme
The time to deliver new ways of thinking and operating to preserve our planet is now, and companies are feeling the pressure. Businesses, which have an out-sized impact on our society and culture, are increasingly accountable for sustainable practices that affect our environment, economy, and livelihoods.
That’s where you come into play. Whether you're a recent graduate or a young professional looking to pivot your career, this programme prepares you to lead in sustainability. From governments adapting infrastructure to companies developing responsible supply chains, organisations across sectors need sustainability leaders.
And so the opportunities are vast. Business is changing, and they’re looking for passionate and knowledgeable experts to help meet their obligations to society and the environment while also driving impact and growth.
The Master in International Sustainability Management equips you with the knowledge and skills to address these opportunities with an interdisciplinary approach. As a Master of Science, the programme is grounded in science and research, but also takes on a business perspective. It offers a broad portfolio of classes including climate science, economics, governance & policy, management, ESG reporting, and ethics.
MSc in International Sustainability Management
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. You'll do an internship in Term 6, wherever in the world you like. The class composition is highly international, with diverse takes on the problems we face and their solutions. This multicultural exposure and mobile lifestyle will ideally prepare you for a global career.
Nuanced discussions and intensive teamwork offer the chance to develop the interpersonal skills to argue your position and persuade others, as well as collaborate cross-culturally with your peers. You can get involved with ESCP student associations, and both the cities of Berlin and Paris, with robust sustainability commitments, allow you to directly engage in the larger community and build your network.
Why sustainability at ESCP?
As the world's 1st business school, we bring 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.
Commitment to Ethics, Responsibility & Sustainability
Make your impact in the ESCP community
Get support from the Blue Factory incubator
2024 INTAKE PROFILE
67 students
23 nationalities
5 continents
58%
Are business/economics graduates. All academic backgrounds are welcome!
23
Is the average age of students starting this programmes
27% male
73% female
European Academic Director
Prof. Dr. Oliver Laasch
Chair and Professor of Responsible Management
ESCP Berlin Campus
PhD Management and Innovation
Research areas: Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Management Practices, Alternative Business Models and their Innovation
Co-Director
Prof. Dr. Olivier Delbard
Coordinator of the Sustainability Department
ESCP Paris Campus
PhD in Economics
HDR (French acad. qual. for Ph.D. supervisor)
Research areas: Business ethics, strategic and macro-economic issues of sustainable development and CSR
Accreditation
The MSc in International Sustainability Management 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 2016 and in accordance with the Bologna reform. ACQUIN's accreditation is valid until 2031.
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.
Representatives
Class of 2025
- Samuel Aldersey-Williams
- Ambre Durkheim-Marsaudon
- Marie-Elisabeth Khevenhüller-Metsch
- Oliver Manlove
Class of 2026
Master of Science (MSc)
International Sustainability Management
Curriculum
Make Saving the Planet Your Day Job
We are convinced that future managers need to understand the world, its natural systems, and how they work before implementing viable solutions.The programme therefore starts with an introduction to sustainability research, resource economics, and natural science foundations on climatology and ecosystems.
Alongside an introduction to sustainability management as a business discipline, the MSc addresses the economics perspective of resource exploitation and emission control on which government regulations are formed. The curriculum alternates between business frameworks for sustainability transitions and topics such as NGO management or sustainable governance.
A two-year full-time programme
Your learning journey begins in September and is structured over 6 terms, taking place primarily in Berlin with two terms in Paris. 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 your climatology foundation with management practices, economics, and marketing
Berlin
Kicking off in Berlin, you’ll build a comprehensive foundation in sustainability management by integrating climate science, business ethics and economic frameworks with practical applications like integrated reporting and marketing approaches. These courses prepare you to understand the intersection of our natural systems with economic activity, identify environmental impacts, implement management systems, and develop sustainable business strategies.
Additionally, you’ll participate in a language course of your choice to prepare for global career opportunities and work environments.
Courses
- Environmental and Sustainability Management
- Business Ethics and CSR
- Integrated Reporting
- Management Alternatives: Transforming Mindsets, Practitioners, Practices
- Marketing Transition to Sustainability
- Introduction to Sustainability Research
- The Ecological Background of Economic Activity: Climatology
- Environmental and Resource Economics
- Language course
Term 2: Jan - April Examine traditional business models while learning how to transition towards more sustainable and resilient approaches
Paris
During this Paris-based term, you'll expand your expertise through specialized frameworks, approaches, and tools designed to help businesses adopt more sustainable value creation methods. You'll be exposed to practical models and strategies for rethinking supply chains, promoting circular economy principles, addressing the limitations of conventional CSR, and developing new financial and business practices that support long-term environmental and social goals.
The program requires you to select 3 electives from a portfolio that highlight different perspectives and aspects of complex sustainability challenges. You'll also continue advancing to the next level in your language studies.
Courses
- Sustainable supply chain management
- New concepts for a sustainable lifestyle: the circular economy
- The dark side of sustainability
- Beyond CSR: innovative responses to the sustainability challenge
- Sustainable finance
- Language course
Electives (choose 3)
The selection of elective courses varies every year. Recent electives include:
- NGO & management
- International business and human rights
- Measuring social impact
- CSR in the media and culture industries
- Design thinking
Term 3: May - July Strengthen your strategic expertise with policy and management while participating in a hands-on project and electives
Paris
Continuing in Paris, you'll develop the management capabilities, policy understanding, and strategic foresight needed to drive sustainable change in a global business environment. Through a sustainability-focused mini-consultancy project, you’ll work closely with businesses and organisations and offer your knowledge. With a choice of specialised electives on emerging global trends, you can position yourself as a versatile sustainability expert.
Courses
- Energy, business, climate and geopolitics
- Cross-cultural management and sustainability
- Sustainability governance and policy
- International project management & consulting
- Mini-consultancy project
- Language course
Electives (choose 1)
The selection of elective courses varies every year. Recent electives include:
- Business and sustainability in the developing world
- Sustainable tourism
Term 4: Sep - Jan Dive into the busiest term: a nature study retreat, a longer company consultancy project, and a broad set of sustainability electives
Berlin
After a summer break, your cohort returns to Berlin and will take part in a 1-week study retreat in the surrounding Brandenburg region to focus on nature-inspired electives. On campus, you’ll prepare to critically evaluate research and conduct your own scientific work, while learning about the multifaceted aspects of driving organisational change. You’ll also take 3 broad 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:
- Impact investment in emerging countries
- Engaging and communicating for sustainability
- Eco-Venturing
- Serious gaming for system change
- Sustainable value creation
- Regenerative leadership
- Digital technologies & sustainability
- Complexity and Systems Analysis for Sustainability
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
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 ESCP academic advisor. A Master 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 Project
Worldwide
You’ll finish your Master's journey with an internship (or a full-time permanent position), which must be a minimum of three months. You also have the option of doing a Business Project, if aligned with the programme and validated by ESCP's Careers Centre.
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 – Federal Ministry of Economy and Climate Action (Germany) – ClimateSeed – Good Citizen – Maa Biodiversity – Henkel – WWF Germany – Capgemini – HelloFresh Benelux – ROSE Technologies GmbH – Deloitte – Doctolib – Enpal B.V. – Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A. – Ceezer Software GmbH – EIT Raw Materials – Impact Fund Managament – OECD – Circulab – UN Human Settlements Programme – Sustainable Wine Limited – Institute for Ecological Economy Research (Germany) – PwC – Yves Saint-Laurent SAS – UN Environment Programme – AfricInvest – Transport for London – French Football Federation
Representatives
Class of 2025
- Samuel Aldersey-Williams
- Ambre Durkheim-Marsaudon
- Marie-Elisabeth Khevenhüller-Metsch
- Oliver Manlove
Class of 2026
Master of Science (MSc)
International Sustainability Management
Careers
Sustainability professionals work across a wide range of industries—not only in “green” companies such as those in renewable energy, technology, food, fashion, or cosmetics, but also in established organisations and traditional businesses of all sizes aiming to enhance their sustainability performance.
Typical career paths include roles as sustainability consultants or analysts. Graduates also work in diverse functions such as operations, supply chain, marketing, or strategy — within mission-driven organisations, NGOs, or certification bodies. Some eventually launch their own start-ups or become social entrepreneurs driving innovative change.
First positions of some of our graduates include: Sustainability Analyst — CSR Consultant — McKinsey Fellow — Sustainability Consultant — Project Manager — Supply Chain Analyst — Campaign Manager — Sustainable Development Consultant — Impact Analyst — Climate Success Manager — Sustainability Project Engineer — Blue Book Trainee — Recyclability & Circularity Consultant — Sustainability Strategy — Climate Finance & Nature Land Use Consultant — Sustainability Reporting Manager — CSR Auditor & Consultant — Outreach & Development Manager — Climate & Energy Consultant — Strategic Buyer — ESG Analyst
The European Careers Centre
Take control of your career path with ESCP’s events, personalized guidance, and tools designed to support your success after graduation.
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 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 in Germany has many distinct advantages during and after your studies. Upon completion of a state-recognised degree, non-EU citizens may 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
Daniel Schmitt (Brazil/France)
Project Manager
VEJA
Class of 2019
Tell us a bit about yourself. What were you doing or studying before you started the SustM?
I’m half Brazilian, half French. I was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil and grew up in Latin America, in between Argentina, Brazil and Mexico. I moved to Montreal, Canada from 2013 to 2017 to study Political Science at Université de Montréal. After several work experiences in the public sector, I decided that I wanted to understand how social and environmental impact could be done and handled via the private sector. So I applied to the SustM programme, joined it and graduated in 2019.
What are you currently doing? What challenges does your team face?
During the master's program I had the opportunity to work in retail at VEJA (a footwear brand), so after graduation, I applied for a job at VEJA as a project manager in sustainability. I was hired to handle the circularity project at VEJA, and develop repairing business models so that we can increase our products' lifecycle, enter the secondhand market, and master recyclability when the pair of shoes isn’t repairable anymore. Today, I manage a team of 4 people.
For which main reasons did you choose to study the SustM?
...
Testimonial
Ásdís Nína Magnúsdóttir (Iceland)
Programme Analyst
UNDP
Class of 2019
Tell us a bit about yourself. What were you doing or studying before you started the SustM?
I am Icelandic but grew up both in Reykjavík, Iceland and in Durham, North Carolina (USA). I studied philosophy at the University of Iceland in 2013-2017 and studied on an Erasmus scholarship at Humboldt-Universität in 2015. I had just completed my BA degree in philosophy before I started this programme.
What are you currently doing? What challenges are you or your team/company facing?
I currently work as a Programme Analyst for UNDP in Zimbabwe in the department of Poverty Reduction, Environment and Climate Change. All our projects interlink development and the effects of climate change. We work closely with communities and government on e.g. installing renewable energy and providing policy advice.
For which main reasons did you choose to study the SustM?
...
Representatives
Class of 2025
- Samuel Aldersey-Williams
- Ambre Durkheim-Marsaudon
- Marie-Elisabeth Khevenhüller-Metsch
- Oliver Manlove
Class of 2026
Master of Science (MSc)
International Sustainability Management
Admissions
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 of Accounting, Marketing, Finance, Economics and Controlling)
- Fluency in English: Cambridge C1 certificate, TOEFL, TOEIC or IELTS scores, or English test on campus
- Work experience not required (if given, maximum 2 years)
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 International Sustainability Management 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.
Due to the time required to obtain a German study visa and the mandatory presence in Berlin by early September, we are only currently accepting 2025 applications from EU/EEA citizens, or citizens from countries that do not need a visa to enter Germany for study purposes: the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, South Korea, or the United States.
| 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 |
| 28 Jul 2025 | 7 Aug 2025 | 11 Aug 2025 |
| Classes start early September 2025 | ||
If you’d like to be notified when applications open for the September 2026 intake of the MSc in International Sustainability Management, please sign up here.
Representatives
Class of 2025
- Samuel Aldersey-Williams
- Ambre Durkheim-Marsaudon
- Marie-Elisabeth Khevenhüller-Metsch
- Oliver Manlove
Class of 2026
Master of Science (MSc)
International Sustainability Management
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: €16,200 per year
- Student service and registration costs: €1,500 per year
Total programme costs:
- €35,400 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.internationalsustainability@escp.eu.
Representatives
Class of 2025
- Samuel Aldersey-Williams
- Ambre Durkheim-Marsaudon
- Marie-Elisabeth Khevenhüller-Metsch
- Oliver Manlove
Class of 2026
Master of Science (MSc)
International Sustainability Management
Meet Us
Are you thinking about applying to the MSc in International Sustainability Management? 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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On-site Fairs - Africa / Middle East
On-site Fairs - Asia
Representatives
Class of 2025
- Samuel Aldersey-Williams
- Ambre Durkheim-Marsaudon
- Marie-Elisabeth Khevenhüller-Metsch
- Oliver Manlove