Corporate Sustainability

Program description: Corporate Sustainability at Radboud University is a comprehensive master's degree that prepares students to become effective change-makers in the field of sustainable business practices. This interdisciplinary program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, empowering students to develop innovative solutions for environmental, social, and economic challenges faced by corporations today. Throughout the program, students explore core topics such as sustainable management, corporate responsibility, environmental policy, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable innovation. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and strategic planning, enabling graduates to drive sustainability initiatives within diverse organizational contexts. Students have opportunities for hands-on learning through projects, case studies, and collaborations with industry partners, fostering an understanding of real-world applications. The program also offers specializations in areas like circular economy, sustainable finance, and corporate governance, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals. With a faculty composed of leading experts in sustainability, business, and environmental sciences, students receive high-quality mentorship and guidance. Graduates of the program are equipped to work in consulting firms, international organizations, corporate sustainability departments, and NGOs, contributing to the development of sustainable business models that balance economic growth with social responsibility and environmental stewardship. Radboud University’s strong emphasis on ethical considerations and societal impact ensures that students graduate with a profound understanding of their role in shaping a sustainable future. The program is designed to foster an inclusive and collaborative learning environment, encouraging students to think globally while acting locally. Upon completion, students earn a Master of Science degree in Corporate Sustainability, opening doors to diverse career opportunities and leadership roles dedicated to advancing sustainability in the corporate world and beyond.

The Master's programme in Corporate Sustainability at Radboud University is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to address the complex challenges of sustainability within corporate environments. This interdisciplinary programme combines theory and practice, emphasizing the integration of economic, social, and environmental perspectives to foster responsible business practices. Throughout the programme, students will explore key topics such as sustainable development, corporate social responsibility (CSR), ethical decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable business innovation.

The curriculum offers a comprehensive overview of sustainability theories and frameworks, enabling students to critically analyze sustainability issues in different sectors and organizational contexts. Students will learn how to assess and measure sustainability performance using various tools and indicators, interpret sustainability reports, and develop strategic initiatives that promote long-term value creation for both companies and society. Practical skills are honed through case studies, project-based assignments, and real-world consultancy projects with industry partners, giving students hands-on experience in designing and implementing sustainable strategies.

In addition, the programme addresses emerging topics such as circular economy, sustainable supply chain management, and climate change mitigation, ensuring graduates are prepared to lead transformative change in the corporate world. The programme also emphasizes ethical leadership and the importance of integrating sustainability into corporate governance and decision-making processes. Interdisciplinary teamwork and collaboration with external stakeholders such as governments, NGOs, and local communities are integral parts of the learning experience, fostering a holistic understanding of sustainability challenges and solutions.

The faculty members involved in the programme are experts in sustainability research, corporate responsibility, and sustainable development, providing students with valuable insights and networking opportunities. Upon completion of this Master's programme, graduates will be equipped to work in sustainability consultancy firms, corporate sustainability departments, non-governmental organizations, or start their own initiatives dedicated to sustainable development. They will be capable of leading sustainability projects, influencing corporate policies, and contributing to the transition towards more sustainable and responsible business practices worldwide.

A completed academic Bachelor's degree

In order to get admission to this Master's you will need a completed Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Spatial Planning, Human Geography, or another related discipline.

Proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers* of English without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or need one of the following certificates:

• A TOEFL minimum overall score of 90, with subscores no lower than 18
• An IELTS of minimum overall score of 6.5, with subscores no lower than 6.0
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

A background in research methodology

Because of the academic nature of this programme, we require all our students to have basic training in research processes, e.g. research design and data analysis.

* Applicants are considered to be a native speaker of English if they are from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa.

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,006 in 2017/2018). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,006 in 2017/2018). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.

The MSc in Corporate Sustainability at Radboud University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead sustainable change within organizations. The program focuses on integrating sustainability principles into business strategies and operations, addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality. Students will explore core topics including corporate social responsibility, sustainable business models, environmental management, and ethical decision-making. The curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, enabling students to analyze real-world sustainability issues and develop innovative solutions. The program also emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches, drawing from economics, management, environmental sciences, and ethics, to provide a comprehensive understanding of sustainability in the corporate context.

Throughout their studies, students engage in case studies, projects, and collaborations with industry partners to gain hands-on experience in implementing sustainability initiatives. The program prepares graduates for careers as sustainability managers, consultants, or policy advisors in various sectors such as finance, manufacturing, consulting, and non-profit organizations. Radboud University’s strong emphasis on ethical considerations and societal impact encourages students to become responsible leaders committed to fostering sustainable development. The university’s research facilities, expert faculty, and global network offer students valuable opportunities for academic and professional growth. Overall, the MSc in Corporate Sustainability aims to produce competent professionals who can effectively integrate environmental and social considerations into business practices, contributing to a more sustainable future for organizations and society at large.