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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

Building the Future of Sustainable Business

This master’s program is thoughtfully designed to equip you with the tools, knowledge, and mindset to lead meaningful change in today’s business world. Structured around three core focus areas—Foundations of Sustainability, Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Business Transformation & Impact—the curriculum blends rigorous academic learning with hands-on experience. You’ll explore sustainability from every angle: from systems thinking and climate science to ESG finance, purpose-driven leadership, and circular value chains. At every step, you'll gain practical skills to integrate sustainability into core business functions and drive long-term impact across industries.

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

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FOCUS AREAS​

The program is anchored by three robust pillars: Foundations of Sustainability, Sustainable Business Practices, Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Business Transformation & Impact.​

Through these pillars, participants forge a comprehensive understanding of seamlessly integrating sustainability into every facet of the business landscape. Equipped with these pillars, they not only gain the insight but also the essential skills needed to spearhead the transformative journey towards a more sustainable future.​

  • FOUNDATIONS OF SUSTAINABILITY ​

    The business world continues to shift and requires us to move with it. A sustainable mindset is vital for success in any business. In this program, you will explore the foundations of sustainability and current issues affecting businesses through topics like systems thinking, climate and carbon science, natural resource management, energy foundations, social science foundations, and governance and regulation. Dive into these current, impactful topics shaping the world and explore their profound implications for businesses.​

  • SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS PRACTICES

    Acquire a solid understanding of essential business fundamentals while simultaneously cultivating a comprehensive perspective on how sustainability permeates every aspect. Focus on topics including strategy, new business models, branding and communications, marketing and sales, product design and development, operations, supply and logistics, talent and well-being, and carbon analytics, accounting and reporting.

  • SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

    We put innovation and entrepreneurship at the heart of everything we do. The advancements in sustainability today go hand in hand with innovation and the reimagination of business models. Dive into design thinking, venture building, VX and private equity, social innovation, emerging technology and more, all while keeping sustainability at the core.​

  • BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION & IMPACT

    This program will equip you with the skills necessary to drive change, effectively engage and activate key stakeholders, and put sustainability at the core of businesses. Learn to identify and solve a wide range of business challenges from a holistic perspective, propose actions that elicit change, and start a movement within your company. From client relations, change leadership and behavioral nudging to social mobilization, negotiation and alliance building, you will be ready to create a positive impact in your company and beyond.​

Program Structure

Program Structure
PRE-TERM
TERM 1
TERM 2
TERM 3
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR PROGRAM
Description
Systems Thinking for Navigating Complexity
High-performance Team Building I
Well-Being in Practice
Career Success
DESCRIPTION
Eco-Essentials for Business I
Economics, Progress & Prosperity
Behavior, Nudging & Positive Change I
Behavior, Nudging & Positive Change II
Social Entrepreneurship & Impact Investing
AI For Productivity
Challenge: Venture Building
Finance for Sustainability Professionals
Sustainable Business Strategy
Marketing Sustainable Products & Services
Project Management
Critical Thinking
Creative Thinking
Description
High-Performance Team Building II
Problem Solving
Eco-Essentials for Business II
Triple Bottom-Line Accounting
Data Analytics & Visualization
Challenge: Consulting & Change Leadership
Sustainability Law
Driving Sustainability Through Innovation & Technology
The Sustainable Value Chain
Sustainable Strategic Governance
Storytelling & Public Speaking
Description
Power & Influence
Non-Market Strategy
Fostering Great Places to Work
Sustainability Impact Analysis & Reporting
Integration Seminar: The Sustainable City
Integration Seminar: Purpose-Driven Leadership
Final Integration Challenge
ESG Investing
Biomimicry: Nature-Inspired Innovation
The Future of Energy
Responsible AI
Self-Transformation I
Career Forum: Sustainability Day
Career Discovery Accelerator
Business Transformation Trek
The Global Immersion Week
Program Structure

University private degree

This is a University Private Degree from IE University*. Find out more information on what earning a University Private Degree from IE University entails.

*IE University is a university officially recognized by the Spanish education authorities, allowed to grant both University Official Degrees (bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degrees), which are specifically regulated and accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education, and University Private Degrees (master’s degrees), which are specifically designed by the university to facilitate the professional application of their studies and the constant update of higher education, while preserving IE University’s educational standards of excellence. Both types of degrees are equally backed by the rigor and prestige of IE University.

*Please note that our program content is continually updated to remain in sync with market demands. Therefore, we advise you that the content is subject to change and it can be dependent on student demand.

business for good

Following IE Business School’s unique approach to learning, our sector-leading faculty deliver a wide range of high-impact courses, equipping you to confidently tackle the world of business, with sustainable methods at the forefront. You’ll benefit from an enriching learning environment while being exposed to valuable content, innovative methodologies and diverse class dynamics that mirror the real business world. You will gain a comprehensive, 360˚ view of the business world, encompassing all functions and domains, enabling you to adopt an integrated approach that offers practical applications of sustainability goals and models. Recognizing that actions in one area significantly influence outcomes in others, this holistic perspective allows you to make informed and impactful decisions.

You will be prepared to lead sustainable business practices in areas including products & marketing, operations & logistics, strategy & business models, finance & investing and more. You will be able to inspire teams and organizations to adopt a broader perspective and embrace sustainable values as a core part of their identities.

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LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

This unique program immerses you in sustainability-driven business transformation through hands-on initiatives and industry collaborations.

  • Business Transformation Trek: Explore Spain’s leading industries to see sustainability initiatives and innovations in action, gaining practical insights to drive impactful change.
  • Sustainable Business Challenge: Collaborate with leading companies in real-world sustainability challenges, developing practical, innovative solutions to the common issues corporate sustainability initiatives face.
  • Experts & Leaders as Class Speakers: Learn from experts at top companies who share valuable perspectives and real-world sustainability strategies.
  • Career development opportunities: Grow your career and network from exclusive recruitment events and internship opportunities with global employers, preparing yourself to lead in sustainable innovation.

insights and career opportunities

Our students have access to cutting-edge insights and unparalleled career opportunities through our partnerships with leading companies such as:

  • A global leader in financial services, propelling innovative approaches to sustainability in the banking industry.
  • A multinational company that specializes in designing and manufacturing sustainable automotive components.
  • A trailblazer in combatting food waste that empowers businesses and consumers with creative, scalable solutions

Discover our events

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

International Experience

Global Immersion Week

The optional Global Immersion Week offers a powerful opportunity to explore how sustainability is put into practice across international business hubs. You’ll gain firsthand insights into global sustainable business models through lectures, interactive sessions, and company visits. Led by top professors and industry experts, the experience includes direct engagement with managers from leading sustainable organizations—giving you real-world perspectives on the challenges and successes of driving sustainability at scale.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Students develop management, strategy, and analytical skills, covering finance, marketing, operations, and digital transformation. Leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving are embedded in real-world projects throughout the program.

  • Yes. Students can choose electives to deepen expertise in strategy, finance, technology, or other areas aligned with their career goals.

  • Absolutely. Students rotate across company departments, work on real projects, and solve challenges that reflect mid-career responsibilities, gaining measurable, hands-on experience.

  • The curriculum combines functional rotations, core business modules, electives, workshops, and immersive projects, all designed to reinforce leadership, strategic thinking, and operational skills.

  • Yes. Students can participate in international exchange programs, Global Immersion Weeks, or collaborate with partner universities, gaining a global perspective on business challenges.