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Business and Sustainability MSc

London, Bloomsbury

Becoming environmentally, socially and economically sustainable is essential for businesses of all shapes and sizes. UCL’s Business and Sustainability MSc explores how businesses can turn sustainability challenges into new opportunities and avenues for growth. You take part in in research-led, applied teaching on sustainability science, policy and business practice, empowering you to be a sustainability leader who makes informed decisions and takes responsible actions for people, planet and profit, now and in the future. 

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
£21,500
£10,750
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£39,200
£19,600
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2026
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 26 Jun 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A first or upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (such as geography, business and management, environmental sciences, engineering, economics), or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard from a recognised higher education institution. These requirements may be relaxed in consideration of UCL’s Access and Participation Plan. For example, for mature students with professional work experience in business, government or third sector organisations who can demonstrate aptitude for leadership, teamwork and collaboration, creativity and critical thinking, and/or adaptability, among other skills.

The English language level for this course is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree


To ensure a sustainable future with a resilient social economic system and a healthy natural environment, society urgently needs to address sustainability challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, migration, and inequalities in ethnicity, gender, health, and wealth. Business is a core stakeholder in achieving a sustainable future, both as a cause of, and solution to, environmental degradation, social inequality and economic poverty. We need a new generation of experts equipped with the tools to overcome complexities and embed sustainability into business purpose and practice, creating value whilst solving urgent Grand Challenges. 

Whilst studying the Business and Sustainability MSc at UCL you address these challenges, developing an applied scientific and technical understanding of the relationship between business and sustainability. Combining the expertise of the Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources and the UCL School of Management, you learn key environmental, social and business concepts and frameworks alongside problem-solving techniques based on robust scientific facts, local and global public policy, and innovative technical know-how. You then apply this interdisciplinary knowledge to business cases and scenarios, gaining hands-on experience tackling the complexities of sustainability issues in a business context, and practise pitching your solutions.  

You are ultimately equipped with essential strategic decision-making skills, backed by innovative technical and scientific knowledge, to help navigate the sustainability transformation in business and policy, whatever your chosen career. 

Who this course is for

This degree is suitable for recent graduates as well as early and mid-career professionals seeking to upskill. It is particularly relevant to individuals whose current role, or the role they aspire to have, whether in business, government, civil society or academia, requires them to understand and manage business sustainability issues, innovating to minimise the risks and make the most of the associated opportunities. 

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

The master’s is intended to help develop responsible leaders of business, government and civil society, enabling you to identify and innovate solutions to address urgent sustainability challenges. Graduates are able to make scientifically robust and policy informed decisions in complex situations. 

Through a combination of traditional classroom-based learning and online resources, you take part in real-life business simulations and policy advocacy debates, as well as engage with business and sustainability case studies that introduce and explore the complex reality of embedding sustainability in business.   

You gain the ability to look at problems from different perspectives and manage ambiguities to develop and communicate solutions to sustainability challenges appropriate to their context because of the programme’s transdisciplinary approach. Each module integrates expertise and material from different disciplines into a coherent body of knowledge to help you address the multi-level and interconnected challenges of economic prosperity, environmental integrity and social justice. 

UCL is the UK’s #1 University for sustainability (QS World University Sustainability Rankings 2025) and a world top 10 university (QS World University Rankings). Based in the heart of London, we are positioned in a major hub for business and policy. London is ranked the best city for students in the UK and Europe, and holds third place worldwide (QS Best Student Cities 2026).

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme
Making an impact
Jessie sitting on a panel with three other people speaking about her project

Capstone project insights for the real estate sector

Business and Sustainability MSc graduate Jessie Shaw presents her capstone project with Carter Jonas as an industry report.

The foundation of your career

This MSc prepares graduates to be sustainability-minded professionals, capable of contributing to both mainstream and sustainability-specific roles across sectors. Alumni of the Business and Sustainability MSc work in sustainability-specific and more general careers in industry, policy, or the third sector. Several use their master’s degree as a foundation to pursue a career in academia. Types of organisations our alumni work for include multinational sustainability-specific and industry-specific consultancies, banking and financial services, energy and engineering sectors industry, the digital industry, intergovernmental agencies, international and domestic non-profit organisations, government bodies, and local authorities. 

Read more about Business and Sustainability MSc graduate experiences  

I was fortunate to start work about a month after completing my Capstone project. I started working as a Sustainability Analyst at an international investment bank in London, where I primarily focus on sustainability reporting and driving internal ESG initiatives.

Photo of Caroline Morrell standing in front of a brick wall

Caroline Morell

Business and Sustainability MSc graduate

Learn more about Caroline's experience

Employability

This qualification equips you with skills attractive to a variety of potential employers, including sustainability- specific and non-sustainability specific roles in business, consultancy, NGOs, and the public sector. 

The hands-on approach to learning provides: 

  • A developed knowledge and understanding of sustainability in business and wider society 
  • An understanding of conflicts of interests and trade-offs, knowledge uncertainties, and contradictions in negotiating and setting sustainable development goals and targets 
  • Systems thinking to recognise, understand and analyse relationships and complex systems and deal with uncertainty 
  • The ability to develop and implement innovative actions and roadmaps that further sustainable development within different domains and spaces 
  • The ability to apply problem-solving approaches and frameworks to develop viable, inclusive and equitable solutions  
  • The ability to work effectively both individually and in a team  
  • Critical thinking skills to question norms, practices and opinions  
  • Awareness of different perspectives on sustainability and business in different regions, countries and cultures 
  • The ability to communicate complex ideas to peers, key stakeholders, and society 
  • The ability to reflect on your own actions and values in consideration of current and future environmental, social and economic impacts, from a local to global perspective. 

Networking

A broad range of guest speakers representing business, policy and/or academia contribute to the programme, sharing their expertise and experiences on business sustainability. Our department and faculty host regular public events with expert guest speakers, followed by networking receptions that bring together people with shared interests working in industry and policy with our academics and students. Furthermore, we foster ongoing engagement opportunities through regular alumni events involving current students. 

Teaching and learning

You engage in a transformational learning experience that challenges your own, others’ and societies’ ways of thinking, doing and living, in the quest for a more sustainable and just future. The master’s employs a range of learning environments including in-person, pre-recorded and/or online lectures, seminars and workshops, as well as e-learning and individual learning. All taught modules offer a balance of in-class activities, pre-recorded material, and peer-to-peer learning, combined with a diversity of assessments to demonstrate what you have learned. Taught modules are primarily delivered on UCL’s Bloomsbury campus in central London, with some modules potentially taught at the UCL School of Management’s base in Canary Wharf.

Types of assessment include: 

  • Critical essays, critical reflection, reports and case studies that involve in-depth exploration of key concepts, theories, practices and/or policies 
  • Group presentations and reports (in-person, online, video, pre-recorded, and/or written) 
  • Policy briefs  
  • Capstone project (a research project on a practical, mainstream business problem, opportunity or topic) 

Assessments are designed to develop your competencies and knowledge beyond the degree for application in your chosen career.  

In Terms 1 and 2 full time students can typically expect between 8 and 15 contact hours per teaching week primarily delivered through in-person seminars. This will be supported by a combination of in-person, pre-recorded and online lectures. The remainder of the week (approximately 22-29 hours) should be dedicated towards self-directed study. In term 3 students will work independently on their Capstone Project, which will be supported by regular tutorials with a supervisor.

Modules

As a full-time student you study four modules in each of the first and second terms, with the Capstone Project running across Terms 1, 2 and 3.  

In Term 1, you study ‘Principles and Paradoxes of Business Sustainability’, ‘Measuring, Reporting and Facilitating a Sustainable Future’, ‘Responsible Leadership and Sustainable Business Models’, and ‘Data-driven Insights into Sustainable Consumer Behaviour’. You are also introduced to the ‘Business and Sustainability Capstone Project’ – your own research project on a practical, mainstream business problem, opportunity or topic that you will be working on throughout the degree. These modules set the foundation for the whole Master's. You are exposed to concepts of research design and research methods in the first term, thus gaining the necessary knowledge to develop your research project during the year. 

In Term 2, you study ‘International Dynamics and Global Governance of Business and Sustainability’, ‘Climate Finance’, ‘Technology and Innovation for Sustainability’, and ‘Sustainable Business in Practice’. These modules further develop key concepts learnt in Term 1, in addition to adding new topics. During Term 2, you also prepare and develop your Capstone Project proposal. 

In Term 3, you undertake a Capstone Project that is supported by regular tutorials with a supervisor. The Capstone Project provides an opportunity to put learnt knowledge and skills into practice through a piece of original, robust, and applied research that presents information in an organised format to either a research, business or policy audience. 

As a part-time student you complete your degree over two years. You study two modules in Terms 1 and 2 of both years. You begin the capstone project module in Term 1 of Year 2, completing it by the end of Term 3 of Year 2. An example of a possible outline part-time programme structure follows: 

Year 1, Term 1:  

  • Principles and Paradoxes of Business Sustainability 
  • Measuring, Reporting and Facilitating a Sustainable Future 

Year 1, Term 2:  

  • International Dynamics and Global Governance of Business and Sustainability 
  • Climate Finance 

Year 2, Term 1:  

  • Responsible Leadership and Sustainable Business Models 
  • Data-driven Insights into Sustainable Consumer Behaviour  
  • Introduced to Business and Sustainability Capstone Project  

Year 2, Term 2:  

  • Technology and Innovation for Business Sustainability 
  • Sustainable Business in Practice 
  • Prepare your Capstone Project proposal 

Year 2, Term 3:  

  • Undertake a Business and Sustainability Capstone Project  

Modular flexible students complete their degree within 2 to 5 years. For details about the modular/flexible structure and to discuss options please contact the course administrator.

Compulsory modules











Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Business and Sustainability.

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Where you'll study

Students in an Economics and Policy of energy and the Environment MSc lecture

You will study at the UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources in The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources, home to four sustainability-focused institutes. Our vision is a sustainable, resilient and equitable net-zero future. We train students to become leaders in energy and sustainability related business, finance, policymaking and academia.

Find out more

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All open days and events

Online - Open day

Discover MSc Courses at the UCL Institute For Sustainable Heritage

Join The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources for an online taster session exploring MSc Courses at The UCL Institute For Sustainable Heritage.

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Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Bartlett Promise UK Scholarship

Join our virtual event to explore our postgraduate courses, hear from academic staff and current students, and learn about the application process, scholarships, and career support. A live Q&A will give you the chance to get your questions answered. Take the next step toward shaping a more sustainable built environment with us.

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Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) £21,500 £10,750
Tuition fees (2026/27) £39,200 £19,600

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

Additional costs

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a £350 deposit will be charged.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a £500 deposit will be charged.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

Students should take into account any optional travel and accommodation expenses involved in their Capstone Project. Furthermore, students will also be expected to cover costs of transport for optional ad hoc case study or field visits within London.

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

UCL offers a range of financial awards aimed at assisting both prospective and current students with their studies.

In our faculty, The Bartlett Promise Scholarship aims to enable students from backgrounds underrepresented in The Bartlett to pursue master's studies. Please see the UK Master's scholarship and Sub-Saharan Africa Master's scholarship pages for more information on eligibility criteria, selection process and FAQs.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Bartlett Promise Sub-Saharan Africa Masters Scholarship

Deadline: 29 March 2026
Value: Fees, stipend and other allowances (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: Overseas

Bartlett Promise UK Master's Scholarship

Deadline: 31 May 2026
Value: Full tuition fees and an annual stipend of £17,096 for a 12 month master's or £15,864 for a 9 month (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this course of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:  

1) Your reasons for applying to this particular programme;  

2) Your interest in the relationship between business and sustainability;  

3) Your preliminary knowledge and/or experience of the subject area;  

4) Your ability to work independently and in a team towards a collective goal;  

5) Your leadership potential and/or interest in leading change towards a sustainable future;  

6) Where you would like to go professionally with your degree and how this programme meets these needs. 

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2026-2027

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources
Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources

bartlett.pg-bseer@ucl.ac.uk

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