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Master in Sustainability and Business Transformation

Better business for a better world: empowering business leaders to build a sustainable future
duration12 months
languageEnglish
locationMadrid
intakeSeptember
MODE OF STUDYFull-time
FORMATIn-person

SUSTAINABILITY FOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

Business sits at the heart of global transformation. Faced with complex social, environmental, and economic challenges, companies have the scale, reach, and resources to drive positive change – with sustainability integral to that strategy.

Across industries, leading firms are proving that sustainability drives innovation, strengthens competitiveness, and builds resilience. In an increasingly interconnected and socially aware market, it’s changing how business operates, invests, and measures success – creating an urgent need for professionals with a transformation mindset grounded in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.

The Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation prepares you to lead in this new era. You’ll learn to shape and apply ESG principles through a financial and strategic lens, turning complex frameworks into decisions that drive measurable business results.

Through real-world case studies, practical methodologies, and immersive experiences, we’ll equip you with the tools to lead transformative change. Designed for ambitious professionals ready to shape the next era of business, this program empowers you to make sustainability your competitive advantage – and the key to business success.

An educational poster for IE University's Master Program in Sustainability & Business Transformation, featuring two smiling female students walking in a hallway.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

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Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation: Leading Change with Purpose

overview

5 REASONS TO STUDY THIS PROGRAM​

  • 01.

    CREATE SUSTAINABLE IMPACT

    Gain the skills, tools, and knowledge to drive transformation across consulting, finance, strategy, marketing, and operations. Learn how sustainability shapes business models and drives long-term value – then apply that insight for real-world impact.

  • 02.

    LEAD WITH STRATEGIC PURPOSE

    This program is designed for ambitious professionals who understand that sustainability is a strategic advantage. You’ll learn to integrate ESG principles into strategy and decision-making, connecting profitability with responsible leadership.

  • 03.

    DEVELOP A HOLISTIC BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

    Open to candidates from all academic backgrounds, the program blends cutting-edge sustainable practices with practical business tools. You’ll learn to analyze challenges from a broader perspective – financial, environmental, strategic, social – and create sustainable value in any sector.

  • 04.

    REALIZE YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GOALS

    Develop your business acumen, expand your international network, and build the confidence to lead change. Through collaboration and expert guidance, you’ll refine your leadership skills and define a career path that aligns purpose with ambition.

  • 05.

     FUTUREPROOF YOUR CAREER

    Gain the insights and strategic foresight to get ahead in a market where sustainability and business success increasingly go hand in hand. The future of business hinges on integrating sustainable practices; put yourself at the forefront of this transition.

    WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?​

    • Two women walking and talking in a corridor, one holding a laptop and the other holding coffee cups.

      STRATEGIC BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS

      You want to build a career in consulting, finance, strategy, or corporate innovation, with sustainability as a key value driver. This program will strengthen your business fundamentals and analytical capabilities while making sustainable principles core to everything you do.

    • Three people, two women and one man, are working on laptops in a modern office environment.

      IMPACT-DRIVEN ACHIEVERS

      You’re motivated by results and know that modern business demands balancing profitability and responsibility. Whether your interests lie in corporate strategy, ESG advisory, or responsible investment, you recognize sustainability as a source of competitive advantage – and want the tools to turn that vision into measurable outcomes.

    • A man and a woman smiling and interacting at a table with a laptop.

      STEM AND TECH SPECIALISTS

      You bring expertise in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics and want to apply your skills in a strategic capacity. Whether it’s climate science, chemistry, or a related field, if you’re ready to combine your technical abilities with business acumen to drive innovation, transformation, and long-term success, this program will equip you to make that leap.

    YOUR FUTURE NETWORK

    In Their Own Words

    Gain real insights from students about their Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation journey 

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       How does the Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation help you realize your career goals?

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      How does the Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation prepare you for real-world impact?

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      Why Choose a Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation?

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      How do diverse classrooms help broaden your global perspective?

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      What’s unique about the learning experience in the Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation?

    INSIDE The Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation CLASSROOM

    The Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation class is made up of students from various backgrounds and disciplines, reflecting the wealth of career pathways the program offers.​

    • 89%
      International students
    • +23
      Nationalities
    • 25
      Average Age
    • GENDER

      Female
      Male
    • ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

      Business
      Engineering
      Social Sciences
      Economics
      Humanities
      Legal
      Science
      Other
    • Sectors represented in class

      Consulting
      Technology / Telecommunications
      Banking / Insurance / Financial Services
      Chemical / Energy & Utilities
      Other
      Consumer Products & Retail
      Fashion
      Government / NGO
      Tourism & Hospitality
      Agribusiness, Fish & Livestock
      Automotive
      Healthcare / Pharma / Biotechnology
      Legal Services
      Marketing / Advertisement / Communication
      Media / Entertainment

    OUR FACULTY ARE HERE TO GUIDE YOU ​

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    MEET THE PROGRAM'S VICE-DEAN, CONCEPCIÓN GALDÓN SANZ-PASTOR​

    Concepción is an Economist from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. She holds a Master in Public Administration and International Development from Harvard Kennedy School. Concepción holds a Ph.D. in International Economy and Development from Universidad Complutense de Madrid, which granted her an Outstanding Award for her doctoral dissertation. Her Ph.D. research focuses on the use of technology in social entrepreneurship. She has published papers in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters, writes regularly for mass media, and is a speaker at international conferences.

    Concepción's past professional experience includes leading the IE Sustainability Office’s teaching and research efforts, launching Area 31 at the IE Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, working on inclusion-related matters at the IE Center for Diversity, and founding an NGO.

    MEET THE PROGRAM'S ADVISORY GROUP

    The Advisory Group of the Master in Sustainability and Business Transformation at IE Business School is composed of senior professionals and thought leaders who bring diverse perspectives from across sectors and geographies. Members contribute their expertise in finance, social impact, industry, sustainability, innovation, technology, and beyond.

    Meeting quarterly, the Advisory Group provides strategic guidance to ensure the program remains relevant, forward-looking, and impactful in shaping the next generation of sustainability leaders. Their insights support curriculum development, inform real-world challenges for students, and enrich the program’s connection to the evolving field of sustainable business.

    By engaging this group of committed individuals, the MSBT bridges academic excellence with practical insight and system-level thinking.

    OUR FACULTY'S INSIGHTS INTO CRAFTING YOUR FUTURE

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    MAKE IT A DUAL DEGREE - DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT

    Pursue two disciplines while gaining insight from different perspectives and ways of thinking. You'll cover the contents of two master's programs—and graduate with two diplomas—ensuring in-depth expertise that maximizes your value in the job market.

    Experience Madrid

    Madrid is one of the most vibrant and student-friendly cities in Spain, known for its excellent public transport network, rich cultural scene, and dynamic nightlife. The city is also making strides in sustainability, with green initiatives and urban development projects that support a more eco-conscious lifestyle.

    As the headquarters for global companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple, Madrid offers exciting opportunities for professional growth. Its unique blend of tradition, innovation, and forward-thinking values makes it an ideal setting for an inspiring and impactful educational journey.

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    A city street with modern buildings displaying various flags, including one marked 'IENYC'.

    Interested in Studying Social Impact & Sustainability in New York?

    Check out the MS in Business for Social Impact and Sustainability at our partner institution IENYC, designed to equip future leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to drive sustainable change and create significant social impact through innovative business solutions.

    Discover our events

    Everything you need to know about our Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    • The Master in Sustainability and Business Transformation is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to lead change in a future focused on sustainability. Taking a holistic approach to business, you’ll take a 360-degree look at every detail to succeed in doing business through a sustainability lens. This program teaches you to understand the intersection of business and sustainability and shift with the evolving landscape.

    • Duration: 12 months 

      Format: Full-time, in-person

    • Madrid, Spain

    • The program welcomes students from any academic or professional background, as long as they share a passion for sustainability ranging from aspiring entrepreneurs to professionals seeking a purposeful career pivot.

      It specifically targets:

      • Purposeful business professionals
      • Passionate changemakers
      • STEM specialists looking to apply technical skills strategically in sustainable business
    • This program is distinctively business‑integrated: it embeds sustainability deeply into all business functions (strategy, operations, marketing, finance, innovation), and uses immersive methodologies like real-world consultancy challenges, field treks, and integration projects.

    • English.

    • Yes. Applicants do not need prior experience candidates from any academic or professional background qualify, as long as they bring a genuine passion for sustainability in business.

    • Graduates are prepared for a wide array of roles as sustainability becomes central to business strategy. Career pathways include positions such as:

      • Sustainability Manager
      • Circular Economy Consultant
      • ESG Auditor
      • Social Impact Analyst
      • Decarbonization Consultant
      • Management Consultant, Strategy Consultant, and various business development, tech or engineering roles that integrate sustainability
      • The program partners with leading organizations in banking, sustainable automotive, food waste innovation and more, offering strong industry links for recruitment and internship