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Leaders who can drive meaningful environmental change are in high demand – and short supply. Esade’s MSc in Sustainability Management is closing that gap, equipping graduates with the mindset, skills, and global network to tackle real-world challenges. The proof? 100% of 2024 graduates landed jobs within three months of graduation.
Consumers care about the environment; that is certain. Demand for sustainable products and services is growing. Paradoxically, trust in companies and governments to take action is declining, according to Globescan. This points to a leadership gap that the Esade Master of Science (MSc)in Sustainability Management aims to fill.
Esade and its program are succeeding. Among 2024 graduates, 100% found employment within three months of graduation. Leaders with a holistic approach to sustainability find roles in corporate ESG strategy, climate consulting, renewable energy, and public policy. Their titles include Sustainability Manager, ESG Analyst, Climate Policy Advisor, and Circular Economy Entrepreneur.
“In three words, I would say [the program] is dynamic, very future-oriented, and quite forward-thinking,” says Debojit Dutta, a 2024 graduate from India. (01:50) Debojit chose Esade among sustainability master’s programs in Europe for these characteristics, alongside the diversity and the vibrant location in Barcelona, Spain.
Today, Debojit uses his expertise to foster change in India’s development sector.
At Esade, you’ll gain the mindset, skills, and global network to turn bold ideas into action. Students from around the world bring backgrounds in science, engineering, law, economics, and management. In fact, the class of 2026 represents 14 nationalities.
What they all have in common is a desire to lead change for the better.
“This program is for you if you care about people and the planet and if you bring the curiosity to find new solutions within and across the boundaries of business,” says Maja Tampe, Academic Director of the Esade MSc in Sustainability Management. (02:05)
Maja emphasizes the program’s hands-on approach. “We’ll be outside the classroom, visiting organizations and studying a concrete sustainability challenge in a more comprehensive way,” she explains. “You will learn with your head, with your heart, [and] with your body.” (01:47)
Simulations, projects, cases, dialogues, debates, and conversations with guest professionals enhance the learning experience.
The MSc in Sustainability Management is a full-time, one-year program on Esade’s campus in Sant Cugat, just outside the city of Barcelona. Students without a business background complete a three-week Business Integration Path before the MSc program begins.
In the first term, you will focus on the context and background of sustainability. Then, in term two, you delve into the business models, disruptive technologies, and transformations needed to drive change. Finally, term three enables you to specialize in a variety of areas, from data analytics to strategy.
For those intent on maximizing your impact, you can choose the Sustainable Finance or Sustainable Supply Chains track. Alternatively, personalize your study path by choosing electives from a range of other business areas, such as marketing, communications, or project management.
Two key elements of the hands-on approach at Esade are the Sustainability Innovation Project (SIP) and the Capstone Project. The SIP is a group project where teams analyze an issue provided by a partner organization. Together, you’ll develop innovative solutions, gaining experience in sustainability strategy and implementation.
A representative from IKEA said the students’ “thoughtful approach provided solid insights we can rely on.”
In the Capstone Project, you’ll conduct academic analysis and fieldwork to address a concrete sustainability challenge. For example, one team analyzed the environmental impact of synthetic fibers in sportswear. Furthermore, they investigated how to drive systemic change in the fashion industry. This opportunity to address real-world challenges required real-world innovative solutions.
Esade’s location in Barcelona remains a great reason to choose it. In fact, Barcelona is a hub for entrepreneurs, known for its sustainability-driven startup ecosystem. The city itself strives to implement sustainable urban development principles and innovations.
It’s tempting to remain in Barcelona to enjoy Esade’s state-of-the-art learning spaces and world-class recreational facilities, and the stunning city of creative minds such as Antoni Gaudí, Joan Miró, and Salvador Dalí. (Fun fact: Esade’s campus runs on 100% renewable energy!) Nevertheless, many MSc in Sustainability Management students take the opportunity to travel beyond the campus.
Furthermore, for travel in the virtual sense, students can study Spanish, German, French, or Mandarin. Meanwhile, week-long study tours provide insights into local culture and business practices. Recent destinations include Seoul, Korea, where students focused on digital transformation, and Spain’s Basque region, where they examined food supply chains.
Alongside close teamwork on projects or traveling together on study tours, Esade boasts a lively community in Barcelona. There are more than 20 student clubs, both professional and social, open to MSc students. Choose one to suit your interests, from law to tech, music to sports.
Events and parties also forge a strong community. The most relevant may be events like the Esade Sustainability Week, which brings guest speakers and students together to ideate a sustainable future.
Looking to the future, the team at the Esade Career Services will guide you toward yours. With general and sector-specific training sessions, advisor meetings, and career events with partner companies, you’ll be on your way to a new role after graduation. Furthermore, Esade offers special advisory services for non-European Union citizens seeking jobs in Europe. In short, Esade is committed to your success, and the results speak for themselves.
Fortunately, your Esade experience doesn’t end with graduation. The Esade alumni community, now more than 80,000 strong, from 147 countries of origin, maintains close ties thanks to their shared Esade values. There are 74 alumni chapters and myriad clubs around the world. They welcome you, share expertise and advice, and extend opportunities.
If all this sounds intriguing, experience Esade at their Open Day in Barcelona this March! Learn more about the program, speak with admissions counselors, and meet current students and alumni. You’ll leave with the full picture of what you can gain at Esade.
Consider an Esade MSc in Sustainability Management if you want to shape your future, and the planet’s.
Looking to specialize in a specific field? Explore the various master’s program specializations available worldwide.
