Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business (PCSB)
The Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business (PCSB) is an accredited Master's-level programme from the University of Cambridge, designed to support current and aspiring leaders in driving positive change within their organisations and contributing to a better future for society and the planet.
In an era of rapid change, the programme develops the capabilities needed to navigate uncertainty and lead meaningful transformation, with a strong emphasis on systems thinking, adaptive leadership, and sustainable impact. Students are encouraged to craft ambitious yet pragmatic solutions that address immediate organisational challenges while creating long-term value.
Bringing together professionals from different sectors and regions, the programme offers exposure to diverse perspectives and real-world challenges. Through a combination of academic insight, practical application a nd peer learning, participants develop knowledge, skills and perspectives that can be applied directly in their professional contexts.
Applications for 2027 entry are now open. Apply now.
About the Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business (PCSB)
PCSB has been offering world-class education to business leaders for 30 years. Designed for working professionals, the programme is intended for those who wish to embed their learning directly into their work environment. Combining Cambridge-quality education with expertise from global industry leaders, PCSB offers an exceptional foundation for those looking to complete their studies in 9 months or take a more flexible route towards a full Master's.
PCSB is offered in two formats, both of which deliver the same learning outcomes. The 'blended' format includes short residential workshops in Cambridge, while the 'online' format is delivered remotely.
Blended programme key information
PCSB Blended combines the flexibility of self-driven, remote work on the assignments, with the opportunity to join lectures, participate in hands-on exercises, and network with peers from all over the world through short and intense residentials in Cambridge. Throughout the nine months of the programme, students are expected to engage remotely in preparatory reading and self-led study, and to work on assignments. During the residential workshops, students will work on their assignments with their supervisors and in their groups, attend expert-led lectures, and engage in peer learning and problem-solving activities.
| Start date: | July 2027 |
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| Application deadline: | 25 March 2027 |
| Fee: | £10,158 |
Read more about the blended format.
Online programme key information
PCSB Online combines the flexibility of self-paced learning with the engagement of a highly interactive classroom experience. Students access expert-led content and guided activities ahead of each session, creating space during live online workshops for discussion, peer learning, problem-solving and application.
| Start date: | May 2027 |
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| Application deadline: | 25 March 2027 |
| Fee: | £9,099 |
Read more about the online format.
A £2,350 fee reduction applies to the PCSB fees (blended and online) for candidates who have successfully completed a CISL 8-week online course.
Find out more about bursaries and other sources of funding.
Apply now
“There are many sustainability courses, but PCSB is unique. The Cambridge setting, the faculty's knowledge, the people you meet, the social and personal experience. This programme will remain a highlight in my educational career.”
Sascha Reimann, Postgraduate Certificate, Value Chains stream
What will you learn
- Develop a clear understanding of the global economic, environmental, and social forces shaping decision-making, and how business can help drive system-level change
- Build the capability to translate sustainability into practical business action, aligned with resilience and long-term value creation
- Gain tools, frameworks, and approaches to support effective strategy, innovation, and implementation in complex environments
- Strengthen their ability to influence, engage, and align stakeholders, and to operate effectively within organisations and across systems
- Achieve a Master’s-level qualification from the University of Cambridge
Who is it for?
PCSB is designed for mid- to senior managers who may be leading change in their organisations or aspiring to lead change in the future. Find out more about who should apply.
Assignments
Assessment for PCSB is based on three written assignments. Two are undertaken individually, and the third in a small group of five to eight students. Supervisors are allocated to support these assignments, through scheduled supervisions and written feedback. PCSB assignments are the same as those undertaken in year 1 of the MSt Sustainability Leadership, giving students an excellent foundation in research and critical analysis as well as a practical action plan for their supporting organisation. Read more about the Analysis Paper, Strategic Action Plan and Group Project here.
Academic research and writing skills
Students have access to a dedicated online module on academic research and writing throughout the programme, designed to support the development of essential study and research skills. In addition, live sessions delivered by University experts, together with individual and group supervision, provide guidance and practical support to help participants apply these skills effectively in their assignments and academic work.
Accreditation and progression options
Successful completion of the PCSB results in a Postgraduate Certificate awarded by the University of Cambridge. This carries 60 CATS points at Level M and is equivalent to one-third of a Master’s degree.
PCSB alumni who wish to continue their learning with CISL are welcome to apply for admission to the Master of Studies in Sustainability Leadership.
If successfully admitted, PCSB alumni are exempted from the first (of four) workshops and gain credit for the year 1 assignments.