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Deutsch Who is the MSc in International Sustainability Management suitable for?
The Master's programme International Sustainability Management at ESCP Business School is aimed at graduates from all disciplines who want to systematically combine management skills with sustainability expertise. The programme targets both recent graduates and young professionals who aspire to an international career in corporate responsibility, sustainability consulting, ESG, environmental management or sustainable transformation in companies, NGOs or international organisations. The course is particularly relevant for applicants who want to address social and ecological challenges using economic methods and who are interested in practical, real-world projects in a highly international environment.
Admission criteria: What documents do you need?
You need the following formal qualifications for admission:
- Completed Bachelor's degree with at least 180 ECTS credits from a recognised university
- Proof of very good English skills (minimum level C1, e.g. through Cambridge Certificate, TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS or equivalent test; an internal exam on site is also possible), unless you are a native speaker or have completed a degree programme taught in English
- 0–2 years of relevant work experience after your first degree (the programme is also accessible directly after the Bachelor’s degree)
- Applicants with a non-business-related degree (e.g. natural or social sciences, engineering) must complete a compulsory preparatory course in business administration, accounting, marketing and controlling before starting the programme
- For degrees from China, India or Vietnam, a current APS certificate is additionally required (for the German visa procedure)
The selection process also requires a motivation letter, a CV, certificates and a personal interview. Optionally, a GMAT score can be submitted to replace the ESCP logic test.
You should have a strong interest in sustainability, environmental issues and social responsibility. Analytical skills, willingness to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration, high self-motivation as well as the ability to work in intercultural teams and adapt quickly to new challenges are essential. Initial practical experience in the sustainability or environmental field – for example through internships, voluntary work or projects – is helpful but not mandatory. An open, argumentative communication style, enjoyment of teamwork as well as very good written and oral expression in English are expected.
Detailed Study Content
In the master’s programme International Sustainability Management at ESCP Business School, you will acquire comprehensive, interdisciplinary expertise at the intersection of business, natural sciences and governance. The focus lies on combining business management skills with the challenges of global sustainability. The programme comprises a total of 120 ECTS and is taught entirely in English.
- Foundation Modules: Introduction to sustainability research, resource cycles, economics of sustainable development, natural sciences (including climatology, ecosystems)
- Economic & Management Perspectives: CSR, ESG reporting, sustainable corporate governance, sustainable value chains, financing & accounting in the context of sustainability
- Governance & Politics: Sustainability in international, regional and local political contexts, EU regulation, NGO management, sustainable decision-making
- Ethics and Social Responsibility: Business ethics, social innovation, critical perspectives on sustainability-related business models
- Practical Modules: Project management, consulting projects with partner companies and non-profit organisations
- Advanced Electives (depending on cohort, selection includes):
- Eco-Venturing
- Serious Game for Sustainable Change
- Climate Change, Business, and Society
- Impact Investment in Emerging Countries
- Digital Technologies and Sustainability
- Communication Skills: Language courses preparing for the international job market, presentation techniques, academic research skills
Throughout the programme, you will deepen methodological skills (e.g. empirical research), project work, teamwork as well as practical professional skills through exchanges with companies. A focus lies on consultancy projects in which real business challenges are solved in teams.
Course Structure and Organisation
The two-year full-time programme is divided into 6 trimesters and takes place both on the Berlin campus and at the ESCP in Paris. Lectures start each September in Berlin.
- Term 1 (Berlin): Basics in natural, economic and social sciences, academic work, language course
- Term 2 (Paris): Focus on governance, politics and sustainable business practice, electives in corporate functions, project management
- Term 3 (Paris): Management skills, specialisation via electives, first consulting project with companies, completion of language course
- Term 4 (Berlin & Brandenburg): Retreat with natural science electives, execution of a comprehensive company consultancy project with partner firms, empirical research methods
- Term 5 (worldwide): Master’s thesis in the country of your choice, supported by an ESCP academic supervisor
- Term 6 (worldwide): Mandatory internship (at least 3 months) or project-based work at a company/NGO
Workshops, seminars, networking events and career counselling are regularly offered throughout the entire programme. Academic achievements consist of written exams, practical projects, presentations, group work and the final thesis.
Career Fields and Prospects as a Graduate
After graduation, you will be well prepared for a wide range of roles in sustainability management – both in companies as well as in the non-profit sector or international organisations. ESCP equips you with skills that make you immediately ready for responsible positions.
- Sustainability Consultant or analyst in consulting firms or sustainability departments
- CSR or ESG Manager in industry, trade, services or start-ups
- Project Manager for sustainable transformation, climate or environmental projects
- Supply Chain Analyst or specialist in sustainable supply chains
- Scientific roles in think tanks, research institutions, NGOs or international organisations (e.g. UN, WWF, OECD)
- Founding a social start-up or engagement in impact investment projects
Graduates are employed by various employers including KPMG, Henkel, Capgemini, Deloitte, UN organisations, NGOs and innovative start-ups. A strong alumni network offers international contacts for launching your career.
Study Locations: Well Connected Between Berlin and Paris
The programme takes place mainly at two internationally oriented ESCP campus locations:
- Berlin (Heubnerweg 8–10, 14059 Berlin): Key focuses on sustainability, entrepreneurship and digitalisation – with access to the network of Berlin’s business and start-up scene
- Paris: Focus on sustainable governance, international perspectives, close ties to the grande école tradition and French companies
During your studies, you will benefit from mobility and exchange opportunities between both cities. Additional retreats take place in the Berlin surrounding area. Many students complete their master’s thesis and mandatory internship worldwide at locations and companies of their choice.
Costs and Financing Options
The total tuition fees for the two-year master’s programme amount to €36,600 (€16,650 per year plus €1,650 annually for service and administrative fees). Reduced service fees of €1,000 per additional year apply if the programme is extended. Fees include lifelong membership in the ESCP alumni network and international support services – travel and accommodation costs are not included.
- One-time application fee: €130 (non-refundable)
- Deposit upon acceptance of study place: €3,600 (credited towards total fees, non-refundable)
Scholarships & Financing
- ESCP Berlin Global Excellence Scholarship: up to €3,330 discount (10% of tuition fee; merit-based and automatically considered for applicants who apply promptly)
- External scholarships: possibility of additional funding through governmental or private programmes
- Living costs: realistic monthly expenses amount to approx. €1,450 in Berlin and approx. €1,925 in Paris
Depending on country of origin and individual profile, additional funding programmes and student loans are also available for financing.
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