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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

The power of sustainability-driven business transformation

Our world is grappling with critical social, environmental and economic issues, and given their expansive reach, influence and ability to scale, businesses today are uniquely positioned to act as catalysts for change, shaping our planet toward a more sustainable future. In today's dynamic business landscape, aligning sustainability with your strategy isn't a mere choice—it's an indispensable imperative. Companies that embrace sustainability seamlessly within their strategies not only drive positive environmental, economic and social impact, but also fortify their resilience, reputation and competitive edge in an increasingly conscious and interconnected market.​

There is a growing need for purpose-driven business professionals with a transformational mindset, prepared to truly embed social, environmental and economic change into their strategic playbook in a way that transcends surface-level green labels. The Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation will prepare you to be that type of professional, who is able to integrate sustainability—encompassing economic, environmental and social perspectives—as the driving force and cornerstone of your business strategy. ​

You will broaden your perspective by understanding all aspects of ESG (environment, society and governance) in every function of the business and integrating them into business strategies that generate long-term impact for your company and for society. Ultimately, this program will enable you to harness the latent potential and power of businesses, making them function as agents of positive change.​

Because we believe your career path is as unique as you are, we have designed a learning journey that utilizes real-world case studies, practical methodologies and immersive experiences to ensure you are well-prepared to navigate the professional landscape and lead transformative change. Get ready to spearhead the transformation of the modern business landscape—where sustainability isn't an add-on, but rather the pulsating heart of 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.

    FOCUS ON SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS 

    Gain the knowledge, skills and tools to become an ambitious, impactful professional ready to drive positive change in consulting, strategy, finance, marketing and operations. Take your passion for business and sustainability and turn it into tangible action.

  • 02.

    TAKE ON A PURPOSE-DRIVEN APPROACH

    This program is designed for those who believe in business with a purpose. Providing a platform for you to align your passion for environmental and social issues with practical business acumen, the program takes you to new heights in the world of work and gives you the space to create lasting change.

  • 03.

    ENHANCE YOUR HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE

    Professionals from any academic background are welcome, as long as you are interested in bridging the gap between sustainable ideals and practical business tools. Equipping you with the necessary skills to navigate the ever-changing business world, this program will help you stay true to your passion and catalyze your purpose. ​

  • 04.

    GROW PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY

    This program gives you the space for personal and professional growth. From developing your business acumen and expanding your global network to gaining the confidence and skills to succeed in impactful roles, this program guides you toward a successful and purpose-driven career path.

  • 05.

    STAY AHEAD IN A COMPETITIVE TOMORROW 

    You will gain actionable insights on how to embark on a sustainable career journey in a very competitive environment. The future of business hinges on its integration with sustainable practices; early adopters of these practices will be rewarded.

    WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?​

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

      Purposeful business professionals​

      Are you an ambitious business professional with a passion for sustainability? Are you ready to really make things happen? If you believe that good business needs to be profitable as well as purposeful, and want to make a real impact, this is the program for you.​

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

      Passionate changemakers​

      Are you passionate about social, environmental and economic issues? Do you believe there are better ways of doing business? Do you seek to make a tangible impact in the business world without compromising your values? If you believe in the potential of businesses to drive positive change and want to catalyze your purpose using practical business tools, you're in the right place.​

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

      STEM specialists ​

      Do you have a background in science, tech, engineering or mathematics, armed with the know-how and skills in biology, chemistry, climate science, or another technical field? If you are ready to use your technical and analytical skills to take on a more strategic role that defines significant business transformation, join us and be the change you want to see in the world.

    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 a Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation Help You Create Real Impact? #Sustainability #BusinessTransformation

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      How Does the Master in Sustainability and Business Transformation Prepare You for Real-World Impact? #FutureLeaders #Sustainability

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      Why Choose a Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation? #Sustainability#FutureLeaders:

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      How Can Learning with People from Different Countries Expand Your Vision? #DrivingChange

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      What’s Unique About How We Learn in the Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation? #HandsOnLearning

    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 Galdón is IE Business School’s Vice-Dean of Business with Purpose and the Director of the IE Center for Social Innovation and Sustainability. She leads the Master in Sustainability & Business Transformation and the Career Pathway in Sustainability, working with other vice-deans to design and deliver student modules and experiences related to sustainability and social innovation across programs. Concepción teaches world-class courses in sustainable business and social innovation across IE University and in-company programs with Headspring. She is the academic co-director of IE University’s executive program Sustainability: Your competitive advantage; president of the Social Venture Puentes Global, which she co-founded in 2009; and a member of Ashoka Spain’s Venture Board.

    Concepción is an Economist at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. She holds a Master in Public Administration and International Development from Harvard Kennedy School. Concepción holds a PhD 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 chapters in books. She writes contributions for mass media regularly and is a speaker at international conferences.

    Her past professional experience includes leading the IE Sustainability Office’s teaching and research efforts, launching Area 31 at IE Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, working on inclusion-related matters at IE Center for Diversity, and the foundation of 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 ensurethe 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