"Incredibly inspirational and would recommend to all."

George Teggin, Jaguar Land Rover, PCSB

Admissions requirements

Besides enthusiasm and commitment, applicants must have:

• An undergraduate degree from a recognised university, or evidence of equivalent work experience/achievement and ability to read for a Master's-level programme
• An acceptable ability in written and spoken English language (evidence will be required of participants’ proficiency if English is not their first language. See below for further information.)
• A minimum of 3 years’ work experience after graduation
• An endorsement from their employing institution supporting their application, required time commitment for the programme and ideally support for the assignments being undertaken in the context of a sustainability challenge/opportunity relevant to the organisation, or – if independent – from an acceptable institution familiar with their work
• Demonstrable enthusiasm and/or aptitude for sustainability leadership
• Academic and/or professional excellence
• Commitment to using learning from the programme to lead or influence change within their business context
• Access to appropriate computer technology and internet software
• Ability to pay the course fees or identify a sponsoring institution
• Ability to attend both workshops in blended programme or to join online virtual sessions in the online programme. 

Additional information for PCSB Online:

• Part 1 of PCSB Online is delivered via a selection of CISL 8-week online courses.  Please see the Online programme’s main pagefor details. Candidates can apply to Part 2 before, after or during their Part 1 studies but must have completed Part 1 before beginning Part 2. The process described on these pages refers to the application process for Part 2 only.

Application and selection process

Applications are made via an online application form. Applicants should expect to receive an update on the progress of their application within 6 weeks. This may be a request for further information, and invitation to interview or a notification that the application has been unsuccessful. Any offer of a place would be subject to success at interview. 

The Selection Panel will adjudicate applicants against the above criteria. While academic performance is one of the criteria used to identify the strongest candidates, we will also consider the other listed indicators of ability. 

Applications are considered as they are received, on a rolling admissions basis. We typically receive a large volume of applications towards the closing date, hence applying as early as possible can increase the likelihood of receiving an early indication of the likely/final outcome. This can be especially helpful for applicants requiring time to obtain organisational approval, funding or visas to study, or make other travel or personal arrangements.  

Language requirement

All teaching and assessment on CISL's postgraduate-level programmes is in English. The University of Cambridge requires all applicants to demonstrate competence in the English language at a very high level before they begin their proposed course of study. Adherence to this requirement is strict.  

Applicants that are a national of a majority English-speaking country are not normally required to take a language test. However, individual circumstances may lead to this being set as a condition of an offer. Majority English-speaking countries, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), are listed here.

Applicants who are not a national of a majority English-speaking country will likely be required to take a test and as such we recommend early investigation of test options available, including waiting list times and preparation requirements.

If applicants are required to take a test as part of their offer conditions the test must meet the University’s English language requirement, currently; 

• IELTS (Academic), IELTS for UKVI Academic, IELTS One Skill Retake, IELTS Online: Overall score of 7.5 (a minimum of 7.0 in each individual component) 
• TOEFL iBT (including Home Edition) taken on or before 21 January 2026*: Overall score of 110 (a minimum of 25 in each individual component) 
• C1 (CAE): Grade A and B (overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185) plus a Language Centre assessment 
• C2 (CPE): Grade A, B, or C (overall score of 200 with no element lower than 185) 

*Due to changes in the test format, candidates who complete TOEFL after 21 January 2026 will be required to pass an additional assessment with the University of Cambridge Language Centre. There is a fee associated with this assessment.

It is not necessary to have met the Language requirement at the point of application, but applicants are advised to make arrangements to sit a test as soon as possible if this is applicable to them.

Visa requirements 

For blended PCSB programmes, students who do not hold a UK or Irish passport will need immigration permission in order to come to the UK and study at Cambridge. Further details can be found on the University of Cambridge International Students website.  

Fees and funding 

The course fee for the Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business can be found in the overview table. Bursary funding has been made available for deserving candidates who are currently prevented from studying due to financial reasons. For details of this bursary and other funding options please see the bursaries page. 

Terms and conditions 

Candidates offered a place on the course will be asked to sign terms and conditions via an admissions agreement and/or financial undertaking form. This terms and conditions document provides some indicative terms.