Who should apply?
The Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business is designed for those looking to build bold and pragmatic business solutions to the sustainability challenges we face. The programmes are designed to build capacity and leadership for change within mid to senior managers and are ideally suited to those who:
- Understand that a thriving future for society requires a new form of business leadership, one that tackles the challenges of today and uses them as a catalyst for future opportunities.
- Want to embed an innovative mindset in how they approach their professional role, supporting a systemic approach to change within their organisation, sector or region.
- Want to enhance their ability to respond to sustainability challenges and are looking to further their own personal and professional development in the field.
The Certificate is a standalone qualification and can be used as the first step towards a full Master’s qualification.
The University of Cambridge is renowned for its educational excellence and part of that excellence comes from the diversity of thought we bring into our cohorts. CISL’s programmes are designed for working professionals with business experience, and that attracts students from varied backgrounds, including those from unconventional academic backgrounds or who have not studied for many years. Dedicated sessions during the programme provide skills develop students’ academic writing and referencing skills.
We encourage all those looking to be bold in creating change for a better future to apply or to contact the team to discuss their suitability.
“With participants from all over the world across different industries, functions and backgrounds, the course has improved my ability to think critically, communicate cross-culturally and apply insight to propose practical solutions.”
Jake Smith, Rolls-Royce plc, PCSB Organisational stream
Applicants
We welcome applications from:
- mainstream business and finance roles from all business functions, including strategy and policy, finance, corporate affairs and communications, research and business/product development, procurement, operations, sales and marketing
- social/environmental/CSR/sustainability specialists, including consultants
- entrepreneurs and founders or managers of small and medium enterprises
- those working in the not-for-profit and government sectors that are involved with, or interested in gaining exposure to, sustainability in a business context.
It is assumed that applicants will have a reasonably good general knowledge of some of the issues dealt with during the programme; however, it is not essential to have specialised knowledge in sustainability or a related field. In fact, we welcome perspectives from applicants in a variety of roles who wish to improve their ability to mainstream sustainability into core business activities.
All applicants are required to identify an appropriate organisational context on which they can write their individual assignments. For the majority of applicants this will be their own employer. For applicants where this is a client organisation or other party, it is the applicants responsibility to ensure they have appropriate access to data and insights during the programme.
In addition to the formal requirements, we are particularly looking for applicants who can demonstrate academic or professional excellence and who will use their learning from the programme to lead or influence change.
Find out more about the application
Which format is appropriate for me?
PCSB is available in two formats – as a blended programme and a fully online programme. The blended programme requires attendance at two 4-day residential workshops in Cambridge, while the other elements of the programme can be studied remotely. The fully online programme does not require travel to Cambridge, as all elements are delivered online. Which format would be suitable for you depends primarily on your preferences for learning format, and your circumstances.
Completing either of the formats (blended or online) successfully will lead to the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business, accredited by the University of Cambridge.
Which stream is appropriate for me?
Blended format
The blended format provides you with the opportunity to select between three streams – Organisational, Value Chains and Finance.
You can choose your preferred stream on the application form, or the Course Directors will help you explore which of the streams is most suitable for you at the interview stage. The decision on the stream will be determined by considering your business function, sector, role, preference, and the focus of your assignments.
All streams address how business can catalyse wider system-level change. The Organisational stream does so by addressing sustainability within the context of an organisation, the Value Chains stream does so by looking at the whole value chain and life cycle of a product, whereas the Finance stream does so by focusing on financial institutions and products.
Online format
Students have the opportunity to tailor their learning relative to their role, their area of interest, and the area where they see most opportunity for impact. This can be done by the choice of subject for Part 1 of the Online format and through the focus for the assignments completed for assessment during Part 2.
Applicants based throughout the world are welcome
This part-time programme has been designed to be accessible for students based throughout the world.
The content is internationally relevant, however it should be noted that the programme is developed and delivered by a predominantly UK team.
Why apply?
CISL’s postgraduate courses are widely regarded as some of the best in the world. Our students explain how the unique opportunities provided by the programmes have helped them to collaborate, learn from industry and academic experts, and bring about change in their organisations. Their sustainability studies will be applied to real challenges and opportunities in the private, public and NGO sectors.