Discover how successful management of sustainability and business have the potential to transform organisations and society alike.
This course provides an interdisciplinary perspective on sustainability and the factors necessary to effectively and responsibly shape business strategy and practice to benefit today’s globally connected organisations, and society.
You will gain a profound understanding of the opportunities, challenges and the latest thinking in how integrating sustainability into discussions of business and management can create new market opportunities, more positive social outcomes, and transition business practices toward a more positive perspective on possible future achievement and contribution.
By graduating from this course, you will be equipped to positively impact global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality from within business and policy organisations.
This course is open to graduates from any discipline, or those with extensive professional experience, seeking to develop their understanding of the opportunities and challenges presented by sustainable business both as an engaging area of study and to improve their employment prospects.
• Enterprise, Corporate Governance, and Sustainability
• Environmental and Sustainability Policy
• Responsible Marketing
• Measuring and Disclosing Sustainability
• Sustainable Supply Chain Management
• Responsible Leadership
The University of Liverpool Management School (ULMS) is one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.’
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
In the first semester, you will gain a strong foundation in the key concepts, theories, and debates surrounding sustainability and business. Modules are designed to allow you to understand the broader landscape of global sustainability challenges and the role of businesses in addressing these issues.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ENTERPRISE, CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY (ULMS623) | 20 |
| ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY POLICY (ULMS624) | 20 |
| RESPONSIBLE MARKETING (ULMS888) | 20 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The second semester shifts the focus to the individual, allowing you to develop your personal approach to sustainable business and responsible leadership. Modules in this semester are designed to enhance applied skills and personal competencies, encouraging you to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MEASURING AND DISCLOSING SUSTAINABILITY (ULMS625) | 20 |
| RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP (ULMS627) | 20 |
| SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT NETWORKS (EBUS712) | 20 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
In the third semester, you enter the “capstone” phase of your studies, and have three options:
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| MSC PROJECT (EBUS621) | 60 |
| BUSINESS SIMULATION AND ANALYSIS (EBUS635) | 60 |
| DISSERTATION (ULMS790) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
This course is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, case studies, tutorials, and project work.
Lectures serve as the primary method of imparting core subject knowledge, complemented by substantial case study and practical work to demonstrate real-world application of theoretical principles. The programme’s practical aspects include both team-based and individual exercises.
Designed to accommodate students with diverse industrial and business experiences, and to accommodate prior learning backgrounds from any subject, this interdisciplinary programme is built around six 20-credit modules, and one final 60-credit module.
Three modules are taught in each of the first two semesters, punctuated by four, week-long enhancement weeks delivered in weeks one and six of each semester. The enhancement weeks integrate industry exposure, alumni and networking events, employability skills development opportunities, and programme-specific events (guest talks, hackathons, consultancy challenges).
At the end of semester two, students can select from three 60-credit modules and undertake an applied project or research dissertation.
Teaching time will account for an average of 10 hours per week, and you should anticipate an additional 20 hours of self-directed study and group work.
In semesters one and two, you will take modules totalling 120 credits. The Business Simulation and Analysis module, MSc Project or Dissertation option completed during the summer period is worth 60 credits and students will be supported by their academic supervisor.
Students are required to complete 180 credits to achieve a full MSc.
Subject to meeting specific criteria outlined by the University, students will graduate with a Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Assessment tasks are varied, and some may be designed specifically to meet the learning outcomes of a particular programme of study, including through presentations, digital business analyses and traditional timed exams. The weighting of individual components will vary from one module to another.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
This programme is delivered by the triple-accredited University of Liverpool Management School. The School has a thriving international master’s community with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary programme of social and extra-curricular events and dedicated careers and employability support.
Learn more about the MSc Sustainable Business programme at the University of Liverpool Management School.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
The MSc in Sustainable Business will provide you with a competitive edge in the job market by demonstrating a commitment to sustainability, the ability to align strategies with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and be equipped to positively impact global challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and social inequality from within business and policy organisations.
From the moment you start your master’s programme, you’ll have access to a specialist, in-house careers team and one-to-one careers guidance, workshops, seminars and employability initiatives as such as our wide-ranging and rewarding Enhancement Week events and benefit from the School’s close ties with local, national and international organisations.
As well as developing a range of subject-specific and technical skills in sustainability and business, students will also gain more general skills to enhance their employability. These include:
• Knowledge and awareness of business organisations
• Numerical and quantitative skills
• Problem-solving and analytical skills
• Oral and written communication skills
• The ability to construct an argument as a basis for building a commercial case and for developing negotiation skills
• Knowledge of global business issues and business language skills.
Graduates from this course will be equipped to meet the growing demand from diverse industries for professionals who can integrate sustainable practices into business operations.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £15,000
Full-time place, per year - £30,000
Tuition fees are for the academic year 2026/27.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,858 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
Are you a UK or Republic of Ireland student who completed your undergraduate degree at the University of Liverpool? You could receive a £1,500 tuition fee discount, subject to the full eligibility criteria. This scholarship will be awarded to all eligible students.
If you've graduated with an undergraduate degree in Chemistry, and you've accepted a place on a master's course, you could be entitled to a £10,000 contribution towards your tuition fees. Please note your master's can be in a range of subject areas, and is not restricted to Chemistry. This award is available to one student per academic year who's considered to be from a widening participation background.
The scholarship will be open to two UK students in the 2026/27 academic year and is worth £5,000. Students must be studying a postgraduate course at the University of Liverpool. Those on data science or coding courses may be given priority.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
If you’re a British Muslim, active within a Muslim community and dedicated to bringing positive change to society, you could apply to potentially have the full cost of your master’s tuition fees covered by an Aziz Foundation Scholarship.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree can be in any subject discipline. Non-graduates with very extensive professional experience and/or other prior qualifications may also be considered. |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| Hong Kong use of English AS level | C |
| Cambridge Proficiency | C |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 105. |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with writing at 6.0 and no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with writing at 5.5 and no component below 5.0 | 10 weeks | On campus or online |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0 | 12 weeks | Online |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component at 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience, living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 5 February 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions