Become a business leader who seeks success through a positive impact on society and the environment.
Online Master's Degree in Sustainability, Circular Economy and ESG
Official degree issued by Universidad Europea de Madrid
| Online with live lessons (online exams and final-year projects) | Start: October 2027 | 9 meses, 60 ECTS | Escuela de Sostenibilidad | Faculty of Economics, Business and Communication Sciences |
The online Master in Sustainability, Circular Economy and ESG is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable management in businesses, addressing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) impacts, as well as the principles of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). It connects you directly with the business world through projects and case studies based on real-world sustainability challenges, preparing you to lead the transition towards responsible business models and to become an expert sustainability auditor or consultant.
What will you learn in the online Master in Sustainability, Circular Economy and ESG?
- Drive sustainable business strategies with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) impacts.
- Master the circular economy and green finance to transform business models.
- Apply ESG metrics and European regulations to ensure transparent and responsible management.
- Integrate sustainability and profitability into strategic decision-making.
- Use key tools such as LCA, GRI, ESRS and corporate governance frameworks.
With a 100% online and flexible approach, you’ll study at your own pace, from anywhere, with live classes that are recorded, online assessments and a final dissertation, complemented by support from a team of specialist teaching staff with professional experience in sustainability and ESG.
Learn from an internationally prestigious, ACBSP-accredited faculty through a teaching approach grounded in academic quality and professional connections, combining theory and practice from day one to boost your professional development.
You decide how to experience the programme: 100% Online or Online & Oncampus where you can take part in on-campus workshops.
Universidad Europea Online means yes
Yes to the highest academic quality
Learn in small groups, where your professors know you by name and classes are brought to life with real-world case studies. Work as you would in the real world, with complete access to industry software and AI tools.
Genuine connection that transforms your online learning.
Yes to an internationally renowned university
We are a university with over 30 years of experience, 12 campuses between Spain and Portugal, and recognition from leading rankings, including QS and THE.
Learn in the #1 university network in Spain.
Yes to genuine professional connections
Our employability team and job hunters help boost your career. Our professors, working professionals at leading companies including Google, Amazon and PWC, open doors across top industries.
We’ll help you adapt successfully to a changing world.
Escuela de Sostenibilidad: Be part of the change
This master’s degree is part of the Escuela de Sostenibilidad, a space where education, industry, and values converge, ensuring top‑level training to lead a greener and more sustainable future.
Innovative training for sustainable solutions
See more
Direct connection with the green industry
See more
Immersive professional experiences
See more
Real impact and sustainable leadership
See more
Syllabus for the online Master in Sustainability, Circular Economy and ESG
Train to become a leader in sustainability and ESG.
In the online Master in Sustainability, Circular Economy and ESG, you will develop a strategic vision focused on sustainability and acquire the competencies you need to translate environmental, social and governance impacts into decisions that drive responsible business growth. Throughout the programme, you’ll learn to apply tools for ESG management, the circular economy, sustainable finance and responsible communication, while working on real-world projects that integrate sustainability into all areas of the business.
This master's degree prepares you to tackle global sustainability challenges, optimise processes and lead teams with a responsible approach, combining practical experience and strategic insight to set yourself apart in a job market where professionals specialising in sustainability and ESG are in increasing demand.
Course programme
Module 1. ESG: Introduction and International Context (6 ECTS)
- Introduction to the ESG framework.
- The 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.
- EU policies on ESG as a subject.
- The European Green Deal.
- The sustainability reporting directives.
- The European sustainability taxonomy.
Module 2. Environmental Issues and Climate Change (6 ECTS)
- Introduction to environmental sciences.
- Climate change: causes and effects.
- Biodiversity loss.
- Pollution and waste.
- Other environmental issues.
- Responsible investment in agriculture and energy.
Module 3. Environmental Impacts of Business (6 ECTS)
- Introduction to environmental economics.
- Economic instruments for environmental protection.
- Business and the environment: double materiality.
- Life cycle assessment (LCA).
- Carbon dioxide emissions trading markets.
- Environmental innovation.
Module 4. Sustainable Finance (6 ECTS)
- Risk management in financial institutions.
- Environmental risk and financial risk (credit, market, operational).
- Sustainable investment.
- Sustainable financial products.
- Regulatory framework and institutional investments.
- Compliance.
Module 5. Sustainable Production and the Circular Economy (6 ECTS)
- Introduction to the circular economy.
- Circular economy II: legal framework, trends and innovation.
- Supply chain management.
- Efficient logistics.
- Digitalisation of the supply chain.
- Sustainable labelling.
Module 6. Social Impacts of Business (6 ECTS)
- Business and society: dual materiality.
- The social impact of business in the global context.
- Sustainable human resources management.
- Social indicators on the subject of social issues.
- Stakeholder management.
- Social entrepreneurship and new business models.
Module 7. Corporate Governance and Transparency (6 ECTS)
- Legal framework for corporate governance.
- Management of NPOs.
- Risks and opportunities in the subject of governance.
- Governance indicators on the subject of governance.
- Transparency in ESG reporting: disclosure requirements.
- The ESRS, ISSB and GRI standards.
Module 8. Marketing for Sustainable Organisations (6 ECTS)
- Marketing strategy for sustainable organisations.
- Market analysis and segmentation.
- Market entry and growth strategies.
- Responsible communication.
- International sustainability and ESG rankings.
- Omnichannel reputation management.
Module 9. Academic Externships (6 ECTS)
Module 10. Master's Dissertation (6 ECTS)
What you’ll learn, semester by semester
1
First term
In your first term, you will acquire the core competencies to understand corporate sustainability and ESG criteria, as well as to analyse the social and environmental impacts on the organisation.
- ESG: Introduction and International Context
You will learn about the key concepts of ESG and their relevance in the global business environment. - Environmental Issues and Climate Change
You will analyse the main environmental challenges and their implications for businesses. - A company’s environmental impacts
You will learn to identify and manage the effects of business operations on the environment. - Social Impacts of Business
You will understand how to measure and improve an organisation’s social impact.
2
Second term
In the second term, you’ll apply strategic and practical tools to integrate sustainability and governance into decision-making. This term also includes applied projects and your Master's Dissertation.
- Sustainable Finance
You will master sustainable financial instruments and their application within a business. - Sustainable Production and the Circular Economy
You will learn to design efficient and sustainable production processes. - Corporate Governance and Transparency
You will learn how to implement best practices in corporate governance and ESG reporting. - Marketing for Sustainable Organisations
You will apply communication and marketing strategies aligned with sustainability. - Academic Externships
You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge in real-world work environments. - Master's Dissertation
You will integrate all the competencies you have acquired into a practical, assessable project.
Green impact - Placements in Sustainability, the Circular Economy and ESG
Gain practical, real-world experience by applying sustainability, circular economy and ESG criteria in companies, consultancies or organisations. Develop the competencies in greatest demand in the job market and build a professional portfolio with a tangible impact.
Be part of the sustainable future of business
With demand for professionals with expertise in sustainability and ESG on the rise, our master's degree gives you a competitive edge in the job market, both now and in the future.
Job market
The circular economy employs over half a million people in Spain, accounting for 2.5% of total employment. This figure is expected to double over the next 10 years.
Global focus and international relevance
Apply your knowledge anywhere in the world, particularly in the European Union, where legislation is setting the course towards corporate sustainability.
Average annual salary
In senior roles or positions responsible for ESG or sustainability, salaries can exceed €60,000 per year. These figures reflect the growing demand for sustainability professionals, driven by organisations’ need to comply with environmental regulations.
Make your impact visible
Build a career path that’s committed to society and the planet, thanks to our Social CV. This tool compiles all the activities you take part in during your training that contribute to a more sustainable future.
Through your participation in sustainability-related activities, you’ll gradually enrich your Social CV. Upon completing your training, you’ll receive a certificate that will complement your professional profile, giving shape and visibility to your commitment.
Leave your mark for a more sustainable future: show employers your commitment to sustainability.
Beyond the Classroom
We boost your employability and entrepreneurial spirit from day one. Discover all the resources available to help you grow, both inside and outside the classroom.
Receive personalized career guidance from a professional who will support you throughout your career journey. Define your goals, strengthen your profile, and prepare to stand out in your selection process.
Take part in Digital Business Week and Communication and Marketing Week, featuring talks by leading professionals from across the industry, including speakers from PwC, one of the world’s most influential consulting firms.
With the podcast “Ideas that Make an Impact,” we promote entrepreneurship within our student community, connecting their ideas with experts from the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Access workshops on practical topics such as “Excel for Business”, “Effective Negotiation”, and much more through LinkedIn Learning, as well as a range of online workshops and courses.
Go beyond
Our online methodology offers flexible, self-paced learning, allowing you to study without giving up your professional or personal life. You’ll gain practical experience through real-world cases, stay in direct contact with instructors and peers, and receive continuous support from tutors and Faculty.
Our educational model
Experiential learning
Our students learn by doing, because without action, there is no learning. You will apply the knowledge you have acquired through our virtual campus and the online tools we provide.
Meaningful learning
Our professors connect knowledge, skills, and competencies to students’ prior knowledge, interests, expectations, and cognitive characteristics.
Collaborative learning
Our students learn together, which supports their motivation to achieve their own goals while contributing to others' success, creating an academic and social learning experience.
Professional Learning
Our faculty act as guides and mentors, directing learning toward professional application.
Constructive and discovery learning
Our learning methodology involves investigating and exploring relevant concepts, allowing students to build understanding through comparison, relation, and reorganisation of both new and prior knowledge.
Autonomous Learning
We encourage our students to learn independently, developing self-directed learning capacities. The student plays an active and cooperative role in constructing their own learning.
Access
Entry requirements
To gain admission to the online Master in Sustainability, Circular Economy and ESG, students must meet the legal requirements set out in Royal Decree 822/2021:
- Possession of an official Spanish Bachelor's Degree or its equivalent is a prerequisite for admission to a master's degree programme; alternatively, applicants may hold another master's degree or qualifications of the same level as a Spanish Bachelor's Degree, issued by universities or higher education institutions in an EHEA country, provided that such qualifications grant access to Master's-level studies in that country.
- Similarly, individuals holding qualifications from education systems outside the EHEA that are equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree may gain entry to a master’s degree programme within the Spanish university system without the need for accreditation of the qualification, provided that the university verifies the level of education they represent, and provided that the country in which the qualification was awarded permits access to postgraduate university studies. Under no circumstances shall admission via this route imply the accreditation of the applicant’s previous Degree or its recognition for any purpose other than that of undertaking the master's degree programme.
- Non-English-speaking students undertaking the master’s degree in English must demonstrate a B2 level of proficiency in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Recommended profile
- The online Master in Sustainability, Circular Economy and ESG is aimed at professionals and graduates interested in leading the transition towards more responsible and sustainable models in public or private organisations.
- This master's degree is aimed at students from the following entry profiles:
- Graduates in Business Administration and Management.
- Graduates in Economics.
- Graduates in International Business.
- Graduates in Business Analytics.
- Graduates in Environmental Sciences.*
- Law graduates.*
- Engineers (Civil, Organisational, Industrial and similar).*
- Bachelor’s Degree graduates with proven work or professional experience in the field of sustainability management. Demonstrable experience must be of at least one year, having carried out the same tasks within the same field of expertise.
- In addition, other qualifications awarded by a higher education institution that, in the country of issue, qualify the holder for entry to postgraduate study and are related to the field of study of this master’s degree will be considered acceptable.
- The ideal student is someone who is sensitive to global challenges such as climate change, inequality or efficient resource management, with an analytical mindset, a results-oriented approach and a commitment to making a positive impact on society and organisations.
*Students with a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences, Law or Engineering may be admitted to the programme, but will be required to complete 6 ECTS of supplementary modules.
Admissions process
The admissions process to pursue an online undergraduate or postgraduate certificate at Universidad Europea can be completed throughout the year, although enrolment in any of our programmes is subject to availability. In order to complete the process, follow these simple steps:
1
Documentation
You will need to send the following documentation to your personal advisor:
- Admissions form.
- Legal document required for accessing the programme (see “Admissions requirements” above).
- Photocopy of your valid ID.
- Curriculum vitae.
2
Admissions test
Once your documentation has been reviewed, your personal advisor will contact you to conduct the next steps:
- Competency assessment test.
- Personal interview.
- Language assessment test (B2 level).
3
Reserving a place
Once accepted, you must formalise your place reservation. We accept the following payment methods:
- Direct debit.
- Credit card.
- Online payment.
Excellence endorsed by the best
QS Stars
International recognition for excellence in teaching, online learning, employability, social impact, diversity, governance and contribution to economic development.
THE (Times Higher Education)
Universidad Europea ranks third among private universities in Spain according to the prestigious Times Higher Education rankings.
Ranking CYD
Third place in the CYD Ranking, standing out particularly for its international outlook and results well above the average.
THE Impact Rankings
Among the world's top 300 universities for social impact and sustainability, ranking in the Top 5 in Spain and Top 2 among Spanish private universities.
Liderazgo en los ODS
Among the world's Top 100 universities for Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Climate Action (SDG 13), Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Quality Education (SDG 4), holding leading positions in Spain.
Certificaciones ISO 14001 e ISO 45001
Recognition of the institution's commitment to sustainability, environmental management, and occupational health and safety.
IELA
Award for excellence in teacher training to integrate competencies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Premio Sustainability Actions 2025
Recognition for establishing Spain's first University School of Sustainability, a benchmark in education and ecological transition.
Premios Excelentes
Award recognising the School of Sustainability for its contribution and impact in the field of corporate and social sustainability.