PCSB Online

The Postgraduate Certificate in Sustainable Business (PCSB) is a Masters-level accredited programme from the University of Cambridge, designed to support those who want to contribute to building a better future for society through their organisation.  

To tackle the challenges and instability of today and to harness future opportunities, business leaders need to develop bold and pragmatic solutions which meet the competitive demands of today and which build towards a better future and thriving markets.  

By combining Cambridge quality education, expertise from global industry leaders, and focused streams of work together in this accredited postgraduate programme, the PCSB offers an exceptional foundation for those looking to complete their studies over 9-months or those looking to take a more flexible route towards a full Master’s. This Online PCSB has been developed to extend the learning from the PCSB to those who are unable to travel to Cambridge. 

Applications for Part 2 starting in 2026 are now closed. Applications for 2027 entry will open in September 2026.

Programme overview 

PCSB Online is part of CISL’s mission to empower individuals and organisations to take leadership to tackle critical global challenges. More specifically, through combining academic foundations with leading business insights via a collaborative and applied approach, students will:  

• Understand global social, environmental, and economic trends, and how business can catalyse wider system-level change   
• Gain critical skills and confidence to embed sustainability into business action    
• Adopt new approaches, tools, and techniques for leading change   
• Acquire skills to influence and engage key stakeholders and embed sustainability in a specific context.  
• Obtain a Master’s-level qualification from the University of Cambridge. 

The programme is delivered in two parts. 

Part 1: Sustainable Business Concepts and Principles

Part 1 provides foundational knowledge for students new to sustainability and business, as well as advanced content to drive change and impact.

Students can select a subject most relevant to their personal context from the following options:

• Business Sustainability Management
• Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions
• Sustainable Supply Chain Management
• Governance for a Sustainable Future
• Sustainable Finance
• Communicating for Influence and Impact

Part 1 comprises:

• 1 week of orientation followed by 8 weeks of active study time.
• Modules released at regular intervals, allowing flexibility (between 5-10 hours/week depending on subject).
• 8 bite-sized modules covering core sustainability and leadership topics, delivered through:  
  • tutor-supported, self-directed online learning.
  • peer-to-peer learning, with weekly discussion forums around timely topics.
• Weekly graded discussions and regular formative assessments in a variety of formats.
• Creation of a personal action plan.

Part 2: Sustainable Business Leadership in Practice

This part provides students with the opportunity to strengthen leadership skills, and apply sustainability knowledge to achieve positive, transformative change for businesses and wider society.

Part 2 modules:

• Sustainable Business Practices
• Enablers of System Change 
• Leadership of Sustainable Business 
• Academic Writing and Research

Part 2 comprises:

• 10 months of active study, typically requiring 8 hours/week on average.
• Four interdisciplinary modules on cross-cutting sustainability themes and on academic writing and research skills, delivered via:  
  • Virtual teaching sessions delivered live (i.e. synchronously) by leading experts and practitioners from academia and business. 
  • Virtual masterclasses delivered live and providing case studies and real-world examples from business leaders. 
  • Self-directed online learning, peer-to-peer discussions and resources on a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). 
  • Regular individual and group supervision. 
• Three assessed assignments: a collaborative group research project, and two individual assignments undertaken sequentially.

Throughout the programme, you will be encouraged and supported to collaborate and network with your fellow students as well as with the expert contributors, through online discussion forums, interactive workshops, supervision sessions and self-organised group project meetings. You will also have access to a multitude of academic and research resources at the University of Cambridge.

Start date, duration and format

The online programme has multiple start dates throughout the year depending on candidate’s preference for a Part 1 subject. Please follow the link above for details of upcoming start dates.

The next intake for Part 2 is in May 2026. Candidates can apply to Part 2 having already completed Part 1, during their Part 1 studies or before registering for a Part 1 module.

Part 1 comprises 1 week of orientation followed by 8 weeks of active study time. Part 2 requires an additional 10 months of study. The full duration of the programme will depend on the Part 1 subject chosen as there may be a gap between Part 1 and Part 2. 

Students complete their studies part-time alongside employment. The programme is delivered fully online to enable access for a global community of learners.

Virtual live participation 

During Part 2 students will be expected to participate in live virtual sessions for 4-5 hours/month on average, including:

• 2 hours/month on average of virtual live teaching sessions (webinars, masterclasses, discussions) 
• 2 hours/month on average of group meetings with supervisor, plus up to 2 hours of group project meetings without a supervisor.  
• 0.5 hours/month on average for individual meetings with supervisor and other miscellaneous meetings. 

All live learning sessions will be on Tuesdays, usually at midday GMT (12:00 UTC; 13:00 BST) depending on student time zones. Dates will be published in the course handbook and/or VLE, and diligent participation is expected.

Bursaries and other sources of funding

Fees are charged in two parts. The fee for Part 1 starting in 2026 is up to £2,350. Please see Part 1 subject links above for further details. The fee for Part 2 starting in May 2026 is £5,996. Partial financial support for Part 2 fees is available via CISL's access bursary. Consideration is given to social, economic or educational disadvantage experienced by applicants, enabling applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds to access the opportunity to study.

For more information on bursary criteria and how to apply for support see here.

University of Cambridge award and progression

• Award: Postgraduate Certificate, equivalent to 1/3 of a Master’s degree. 60 CATS points at level M. (In Frequently Asked Questions we answer: “What is a postgraduate certificate and how does it differ from other types of ‘certificate’?”)
• Progression: Possibility to apply to continue to the Postgraduate Diploma or Master’s in Sustainability Leadership, which require some residential attendance.

In an interview with Eco-Business, CISL Director of Postgraduate Education shares his thoughts regarding how PCSB Online can help to close the global ‘green’ skills gap by making high-quality education more accessible.