The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) is renowned for its transformative approach to sustainability education, offering working professionals the tools to lead sustainability efforts in their industries. Among its offerings are the Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business (PCSB) and the Master of Studies in Sustainability Leadership (MSt SL), both designed as part-time programmes to accommodate mid-career professionals.
These programmes have been a cornerstone of CISL’s efforts to cultivate sustainability leaders, empowering participants to create meaningful change in their organisations and beyond.

A Legacy of Sustainability Education

Since its inception in 1998, the PCSB has served as an entry point for professionals seeking to understand sustainability’s critical role in business. Over the years, CISL has expanded its programme offerings, introducing the MSt SL in 2010 in response to demand for a more in-depth, academically rigorous course.
Dr. Theo Hacking, Director of Postgraduate Education at CISL, reflects on the launch of the MSt SL:
“In September of [2010], CISL welcomed our first cohort of the Master of Studies in Sustainability Leadership [MSt SL]. We launched it in response to CISL senior leadership at the time recognising that graduates joining the postgraduate certificate programme wanted a more substantial course. Something that fulfilled the profile and standing of a full master’s course. However, CISL also recognised that those who would benefit most from such a course were likely in the midst of their careers, so we decided that a part-time, two-year format was most appropriate.”

Flexibility for Today’s Professionals

CISL recognises that professionals pursuing further education often balance demanding careers and personal commitments. The introduction of the Flexible Route for the MSt SL in 2022 reflects this understanding. This innovative path allows students to complete their studies over ten years, providing breaks between programme stages.
Dr. Hacking explains:
“It is an option for students that want to step through the stages in a more expansive way. The flexible route permits breaks in between, and the student can take up to ten years to complete their studies.”
The PCSB is also segmented into two streams tailored to different business needs: the Organisational stream, focusing on internal sustainability challenges, and the Value Chains stream, which examines sustainability across supply chains and external stakeholders.

Expanding Access to Sustainability Education

CISL’s dedication to accessibility has led to the establishment of bursaries for students from underrepresented groups and an expansion of its online courses. This approach ensures that more professionals, regardless of their circumstances, can benefit from CISL’s world-class education.
Dr. Hacking highlights the importance of online learning:
“A very important area of provision is online courses. Cambridge University – which CISL is part of – has traditionally been cautious to enter the market, whereas some of its competitors have been very bullish and offer online courses up to master’s level. Nonetheless, in recent years the university has accelerated its entry into this area, motivated in large part by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Online options not only reduce barriers related to cost and travel but also align with sustainability principles by minimising environmental impact.

Building a Global Network of Leaders

Graduates of CISL programmes join a global network of over 30,000 sustainability professionals, benefiting from lifelong connections and resources. As alumni of both CISL and their Cambridge college, they have access to events, practical tools, and a supportive community committed to driving change.
Dr. Hacking remarks:
“From that community, we can access considerable insights, people that are willing to step up and do things with us, and network members can access practical resources such as newsletters and invites to events that support everything CISL does.”

Be Part of the Change

Start your sustainable business journey today by applying to the Master’s in Sustainability Leadership or Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business with CISL. CISL is a globally influential institute developing leadership and solutions for a sustainable economy.
CISL welcomes applicants with a minimum of three years of full-time work experience. The programmes are studied part-time and are designed to be completed alongside full-time employment. A variety of scholarships and bursaries are available for eligible students.
Find out more.