About the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) brings together business, government and academia to find solutions to critical sustainability challenges.
Capitalising on the world-class, multidisciplinary strengths of the University of Cambridge, CISL deepens leaders’ insight and understanding through its master's level programmes, executive programmes, builds deep, strategic engagement with leadership companies, and creates opportunities for collaborative enquiry and action through its business platforms.
Over 25 years, we have developed a leadership network with more than 16,000 alumni from leading global organisations and an expert team of Fellows, Senior Associates and staff.
HRH The Prince of Wales is the patron of CISL and has inspired and supported many of our initiatives.
4 courses offered in the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Sustainability Leadership - MSt - Closed
The Master of Studies (MSt) in Sustainability Leadership is a full Master’s degree, delivered part time over two years for working professionals.
It is fully accredited by the University of Cambridge, and is delivered as an interdisciplinary programme by CISL, drawing on academic expertise from, among others Departments of Engineering, Geography, Land Economy and the Cambridge Judge Business School.
Both academic excellence and practical application in a business context are prioritised in the competitive selection process, and in the design and delivery of the programme. Assessment is through short practical assignments and an extended research dissertation.
The programme has been running since 2010, and attracts an exceptional calibre of senior and mid-career leaders from all across the world, and a range of business sectors. Applicants may wish to formalise their credentials as sustainability professionals, or gain a better understanding of how sustainability risks and opportunities apply to mainstream business functions. We likewise appeal to leaders from the not-for-profit or public sectors who wish to work together with the private sector to address sustainability challenges.
Sustainability Leadership Flexible - MSt - Closed
The Master of Studies (MSt) in Sustainability Leadership Flexible is the third stage in a 3-stage flexible route to a full Master’s degree. This final stage is delivered part time over two years and is aimed at working professionals. It is part of the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership's (CISL) mission to empower individuals and organisations to take leadership to tackle critical global challenges.
It is fully accredited by the University of Cambridge, and is delivered as an interdisciplinary programme by CISL, drawing on academic expertise from, among others, Departments of Engineering, Geography, Land Economy and the Cambridge Judge Business School.
Both academic excellence and practical application in a business context are prioritised in the competitive selection process, and in the design and delivery of the programme. Assessment is through a Research Essay.
The programme is intended for students who have already completed stages 1 and 2 of the flexible route, i.e CISL's Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma in Sustainable Business. Applicants may wish to further develop their academic writing, research and presentation skills, develop a more in depth understanding of key sustainability topics of relevance to their organisation, and extend their learning, leveraging further input from workshops, peers, and supervisors.
Sustainable Business - PGCert
Sustainable Business - PGDip
2 courses also advertised in the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment - MSt
From the Faculty of Architecture and History of Art
The Master of Studies (MSt) in Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment (IDBE) is a transformative part-time master’s programme at the University of Cambridge for global practitioners working in the built environment. The master's was created by a powerful partnership between the University of Cambridge’s world-leading Architecture and Engineering Departments. It is designed for professionals working in the built environment who want to deliver the kind of sustainable and resilient places and spaces which are crucial to our common future. Interdisciplinary awareness and related management skills are seldom part of standard architecture, engineering and other built environment qualifications. IDBE helps ambitious built environment professionals meet the increasing demands of their market, their sector and invigorate their personal development.
The learning approach is highly interactive and designed to encourage reflection and debate. Students are supported by a team of expert tutors and supervisors. The speakers, lecturers and facilitators are leading experts and practitioners from both academia and industry. A key feature of the programme is the collaborative learning experience. The programme facilitates shared learning between peers, and networking with the extensive range of contributors, together providing a rich learning environment.
Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment - PGCert
From the Department of Architecture
The Postgraduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment is a ten month, part-time programme that addresses many of the key challenges experienced in the design of the built environment, such as:
- Global climate change
- Environmental, social and economic sustainability
- Human health and well-being
The course will explore the context within which projects within the built environment are procured and designed with a key focus on:
- The relationship between the design team and the client
- The responsibility of the design team to the end user/society
The Certificate will introduce students to methods through which design teams can address these challenges through the projects they are involved in, such as:
- Sustainable and resilient design
- Innovation and Technology
- Interdisciplinary practice and team-working skills
- Design thinking
- Research skills