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Online Master Sustainability Management

This programme is offered by Rotterdam School of Management b.v.. For more information about the legal structure of Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, visit this page.

2027 applications now open

Are you looking to start your journey to sustainability management in 2027? We have now opened applications for the March and the September intakes. Apply as early as possible to secure a place in your preferred intake.

Why choose this programme

Flexible & interactive online learning

Designed for busy professionals, our blended learning approach combines live classes, collaborative projects and independent study to maximise both flexibility and learning outcomes.

Advance your sustainability career

Gain a Master of Science and develop in-depth expertise in areas such as sustainability strategy, ESG regulations, impact measurement, managing financial and operational trade-offs, and leading organisational change.

Dutch sustainability expertise, global access

Learn from RSM, a top-ranked business school at the heart of European sustainability regulation, circular economy innovation and sustainable finance, wherever you are in the world.

98% of learners recommend it

Our participants report increased confidence and the ability to apply their learning immediately to their current roles, helping them create impact within their organisations from day one.

Welcome to the Online Master in Sustainability Management. Sustainability starts with a desire to make a positive difference. This programme is designed for professionals who are passionate about addressing environmental, social and economic challenges and want to turn that passion into meaningful action.

Throughout the programme, you'll learn how to transform sustainability ambitions into practical solutions that create impact within organisations and society. Through a hands-on, real-world approach, and insights from leading organisations such as Unilever, Schneider Electric and Siemens, you'll develop the management skills needed to drive sustainable change with confidence.

Watch the video below to discover the programme and meet the faculty.

Online Master in Sustainability Management: Meet the Faculty

Image of the inside architecture of the Polak building, in the Woudestein Campus of Erasmus University

Programme overview

Fees, funding & scholarships

Learn about the programme fees, available scholarships, and funding options to help you plan and finance your studies.

 

The tuition fee for the two-year part-time programme starting in September 2026 is €19,000.

To secure your place in the programme, a €3,000 non-refundable admissions fee is required upon signing the registration agreement. The remaining tuition can be paid in four instalments of €4,000 each.

DatePaymentAmount
When applyingApplication fee€20
5 working days of receiving the offer letterRegistration fee€3,000
31 August 20261st instalment€4,000
30 November 20262nd instalment€4,000
31 August 20273rd instalment€4,000
30 November 20274th instalment€4,000

Is the financial aspect holding you back from applying? We offer financial support through scholarships to help applicants pursue their educational and career goals. The scholarships are available to all applicants and can range from €500 to €2000 off tuition fees. Choose the scholarship that best fits with you and then apply. 

Scholarships available:

  • Academic Excellence Scholarship: Awarded to applicants with academic excellence, entrepreneurial achievements or professional leadership experience.
  • Diversity Scholarship: For candidates from underrepresented regions, industries or backgrounds – including women in STEM and other contributing to a diverse classroom.
  • Inclusive Futures Scholarship: Designed to support applicants who demonstrate financial need that may otherwise limit their access to the programme.
  • Alumni Lifelong Learning Offer: To foster lifelong learning, we are offering graduates from the RSM and EUR Bachelor’s and/or Master's degrees a €500 reduction offered as a tuition fee waiver

How to apply

1. To apply for any of the Online Master scholarships you must first ensure that you have completed your application, and submitted it. The application is completed in the RSM online application portal Embark

2. After submitting your application, please record a short video no longer than three minutes addressing the following points:

  • Your full name, where you are from and the Online Master you are applying for
  • Your motivation to study
  • How would receiving this scholarship support you to be able to study or make a difference in your academic and professional journey?
  • Highlight any challenges you've overcome or unique perspectives you bring
  • What do you hope to give back to the classroom, your community or your field as a result of your studies?

3. Please send the video to us via e-mail to the Online Masters Team: onlinemasters@rsm.nl

With many students getting support from their employer, either in terms of financing or time, approaching your organisation is probably the first place to start when thinking about funding a master as a working professional.

We have sample Business Cases you can use to assist with requesting support from your company or organisation. 

Apart from our Online Master Scholarships there are other additional scholarships you might be eligible to use to fund your master.

These can include merit‑based awards, need‑based funding, diversity scholarships, or grants offered by educational foundations and partner organisations. Each scholarship has its own criteria, deadlines and application requirements, giving learners multiple pathways to secure support.

More detailed programme information

This digital brochure includes detailed information about:

  • The curriculum, programme structure & methodology
  • How the programme fosters positive change
  • Why choose to study at RSM
  • Admissions process

Testimonials

From our learners based around the world.

Lucia Ariel Hotti

Environmental Management Associate, SAP, based in Germany

The programme’s flexibility enables me to integrate studying into daily life and has strengthened my purpose-driven work in sustainability. The master is a real launchpad for personal and professional growth!

Portrait of an Executive Master’s student in Sustainability Management.

Sena Mawuyra

HSEQ Environmental and Projects Engineer, Eni Ghana Exploration and Production Ltd. Based in Ghana

The practicality of the modules and the sessions with real-world industry practitioners are just a few unique offerings of this online Master.

Portrait of an Executive Master’s student in Sustainability Management.

Francois Collard

Senior R&D Project Manager, based in Belgium

This experience has transformed my mindset and strengthened my confidence to step into sustainability strategy, consulting, or advisory roles.

Portrait of an Executive Master’s student in Sustainability Management.

Ayshwarya Rajagopalan

Senior Associate Impact, Climate Collective Foundation, based in India

The course has already helped me apply sustainability concepts directly to my work. It is taking me closer to the future growth I envisioned for myself.

Portrait of an Executive Master’s student in Sustainability Management.

Batian Nolte

Belgium Company, Environmental & Project Coordinator, lndrani, based in Belgium

The programme’s integration of environmental insight, policy analysis, strategic business thinking and transition theory has broadened the way I understand sustainable transformation.

Portrait of an Executive Master’s student in Sustainability Management.

Melina Gkiolma

Sustainability Consultant, Koan, based in The Netherlands

The academic research and insights I have been exposed to so far have helped me conceptualise the complex sustainability topics that companies face, directly linking theory to the real-world issues I come across when working in sustainability reporting.

Portrait of an Executive Master’s student in Sustainability Management.

Angelo De Jong

Process Engineer Sustainability, Shin-Etsu PVC B.V, based in The Netherlands

This master's program equips me with the necessary tools to more effectively convince decision-makers to implement new ideas. A significant benefit of this program is the immediate applicability of knowledge to my daily work.

Portrait of an Executive Master’s student in Sustainability Management.

Career paths

The scope of the roles in the field of sustainability management is growing. Today, sustainability leadership spans multiple specialisations across industries, from climate strategy to ESG reporting and sustainable supply chains.

From day one of the master you can start to implement the learnings into your current role. It will also prepare you to be able to advance your career in sustainability management. 

Career advantages

This master supports you to:

 

  • Start a career in sustainability management
  • Move more easily within the fast-growing sustainability field
  • Progress into senior and leadership roles
  • Immediately apply learnings to your current role
  • Know how to meet ESG requirements and reach sustainability goals
  • Gain practical tools and frameworks to implement sustainable strategies across industries
  • Integrate sustainability into core business strategy
  • Advise organisations on compliance and sustainable development
  • Strengthen your expertise in sustainable management practices
  • Position yourself as a thought leader in sustainability
Common career paths

Graduates can move into roles such as:

 

  • Sustainability Manager / Specialist
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager
  • Sustainability Project Manager
  • Climate Change Analyst
  • Sustainable Supply Chain Manager
  • ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Analyst / Specialist
  • Sustainability Consultant
  • Environmental Policy Analyst
  • Sustainability Reporting Analyst
  • Urban Sustainability Planner
  • Green Building Consultant
  • Climate Consultant

Application & admissions

Learn how to apply, explore upcoming application deadlines and discover what to expect during the admissions process.

Applying to the Online Master in Sustainability Management is straightforward and can be completed entirely online. Follow the steps below to start your study journey:

  1. Create an account in the Embark application portal.
  2. Select your preferred intake (February or September 2027).
  3. Complete the application form and upload the required supporting documents.
  4. Submit your application and pay the non-refundable application fee of €20.

Once your application has been submitted, our Admissions Team will review your profile. If you meet the programme requirements, you will be invited to a short online admissions interview.

Admissions interview

Selected applicants are invited to a short online interview (15-30 minutes) as part of the admissions process.

The interview gives you the opportunity to discuss your academic and professional background, learn more about the programme, ask questions, and explore whether it aligns with your goals.

Interview format and duration are determined by the admissions team on a case-by-case basis.

Application deadlines

We operate multiple application rounds for each intake. Places are allocated throughout the admissions cycle and cohorts may reach capacity before the final application round. For this reason, we strongly encourage candidates to apply as early as possible. Applying early gives you the best chance of securing a place in your preferred intake and allows more time to prepare for the programme.

March 2027 intake

  • Round 1: 27 November 2026
  • Round 2: 29 January 2027

September 2027 intake

  • Round 1: 16 April 2027
  • Round 2: 16 July 2027
  • A minimum of three years of work experience is required. However, work experience in the field of sustainability is not necessary. 

  • A bachelor's degree or higher or an undergraduate degree that is comparable in level with an academic bachelor's degree obtained at a Dutch research university (WO). 

  • A strong command of the English language (read, write, speak). If you are a non-native English-speaking student, you may be required to provide proof of your proficiency in the English language. 

In your online application you will need to attach the following documents: 

1. Motivation letter. 

Your motivation letter is a key part of your application. It is your opportunity to showcase your background, passion for sustainability and career aspirations while demonstrating your alignment with the programme's objectives. We would love to hear about what inspires you, your reasons for choosing this programme, and how you envision your future in this field. 

The motivation letter should include a paragraph about: 

  • your individual motivations for studying the course 

  • your suitability to study at the master level 

  • how you feel you can add value to your cohort and contribute as a student 

2. Your CV. 

Which shows information about your professional work experience. 

3. Education degree (i.e. university).  

Any relevant transcripts, in both the local language and an English translation can be uploaded during your application or shared at a later stage after you have submitted your application. 

If you are unsure of your eligibility, or whether the Online Master Sustainability Management aligns with your career goals, we invite you to take advantage of our complimentary pre-admission assessment. Simply share your LinkedIn profile with us, and we will provide guidance on your Online Master study options.

More information

Check your eligibility

Take the pre-admission assessment and find out if the Online Master in Sustainability Management is the best fit for you.

The Online Masters Team

We're a diverse and dedicated group of professionals committed to supporting students throughout their learning journey.

Why choose to study at RSM?

RSM is one of Europe’s leading business schools and offers a dynamic learning environment for professionals.

RSM, sustainability & positive change

At RSM, our mission is to be a force for positive change in the world. Want to know more about what this means in practice?

FAQs Online Master Sustainability Management

This programme is a great fit for you if you are looking to:

  • Lead sustainability initiatives and strategy within an organisation
  • Build a career in ESG, corporate sustainability or sustainable innovation
  • Gain an internationally recognised Master of Science degree while working
  • Expand your global network of sustainability-focused professionals
  • Apply sustainability theory directly to real-world business challenges
  • Learn with flexibility online but also have human support and connection 

You do not need prior experience in sustainability to apply. However, applicants are required to have a minimum of three years of overall professional work experience.

We operate multiple application rounds for each intake. Places are allocated throughout the admissions cycle and cohorts may reach capacity before the final application round. For this reason, we strongly encourage candidates to apply as early as possible. Applying early gives you the best chance of securing a place in your preferred intake and allows more time to prepare for the programme.

September 2026

  • Applications are now closed

February 2027 intake

  • Round 1: 27 November 2026
  • Round 2: 29 January 2027

September 2027 intake

  • Round 1: 16 April 2027
  • Round 2: 16 July 2027

Click here to start your application.

From day one of the master you can start to implement the learnings into your current role. It will also prepare you to be able to advance your career in sustainability management. 

Graduates can move into roles such as:

  • Sustainability Manager / Specialist
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager
  • Sustainability Project Manager
  • Climate Change Analyst
  • Sustainable Supply Chain Manager
  • ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Analyst / Specialist
  • Sustainability Consultant
  • Environmental Policy Analyst
  • Sustainability Reporting Analyst
  • Urban Sustainability Planner
  • Green Building Consultant
  • Climate Consultant

As a learner, you are expected to commit to around 19 hours of studying a week during the lecture periods.

Yes, we offer different ways to finance your master, such as payment plans.

There is also a wide range of scholarships and incentives now available for applicants (which can range from €500-€2000 off your tuition fees).

Please click here to read more about financing your online master.

Are online master’s graduates eligible for the Orientation (search) year permit in the Netherlands after graduation? 

Yes, Online Master’s learners may be eligible for the orientation (search) year permit in the Netherlands. This permit allows you to stay in the Netherlands for up to one year after graduation to look for employment. 

Please note that applications for the orientation (search) year permit are submitted directly to the IND. As a result, the university is unfortunately unable to support graduates with this application process. 

For further details and official requirements, please visit: Residence permit for orientation year | IND 

Check all the FAQs and have all your questions answered.

Looking for a short course in sustainability instead?

Gain sustainability expertise in one of our 10-week courses.

Explore our 10-week standalone courses from the Online Master Sustainability Management and find the topic that best matches your professional goals. Once you've selected your preferred course, simply contact us to register and secure your place.

If you decide to later apply and successfully enrol for the full Online Master in Sustainability Management programme, you will be able to skip the completed course and have a tuition fee reduction.

 

Business and systems change

10 weeks | part-time | Course from Online MSc Sustainability Management

Gain expertise in navigating complex sustainability challenges.

100% online

Corporate Governance for Sustainability

10 weeks | part-time | Course from Online MSc Sustainability Management

Understand what drives corporate sustainability performance

100% online

Business Ethics & Responsible Leadership

10 weeks | part-time | Course from Online MSc Sustainability Management

Examine responsibility and ethics as pillars of sustainability. 

100% online

Do you have more questions? Get in touch.

Whether you’re exploring learning options, preparing an application, or simply have a question you can contact the Online Masters Team us via email, WhatsApp or via an online call. We aim to reply to your enquiry within three working days.

See the different options of how you can contact the Online Masters team.

Upcoming events & webinars

Sustainability Management YouTube playlist

We regularly host webinars packed with fresh insights, real-world ideas and special guest speakers.

Think of them as a sneak peek into what you’ll dive into in the master programme. You can catch all the full recordings on YouTube!

Mastering Corporate Sustainability with Dr. Emilio Marti

Explore the forces reshaping sustainability in business. Learn more about the Online MSc Sustainability Management and how it supports professionals looking to grow or transition into sustainability roles.

Full webinar

Thriving in Sustainability: Career Paths & Key Challenges

Thinking about moving to a career in sustainability? Discover what it takes to thrive as a sustainability manager and tackle the challenges shaping our future. Industry expert Thaddeus Anim-Somuah shares his career journey and discusses the key challenges and trends shaping the field today.

Online session

Sustainability Management: How young professionals can make an impact

Professor Emilio Marti is joined by Mark van Baal, from the shareholder advocacy group Follow This, to explore how shareholder engagement can influence companies, particularly in light of the current ESG backlash. 

Full webinar

Online MSc Sustainability Management: Curriculum, faculty, Admissions

Learn more about the Online MSc Sustainability Management the curriculum with Dr Emilio Marti, Academic Co-Director, and Kiran de Hart, International Student Recruitment Manager.

Full Information Session

Emilio Marti on Corporate Social Responsibility

Professor Emilio Marti, Academic Co-Director, of the Sustainability Management online master, discusses the differences between successful corporate social responsibility and less successful attempts.

Clip

Setting corporate targets for climate action

In this webinar Piero Morseletto, Academic Co-Director, of the Sustainability Management online master, joins academic experts with industry experts for a panel discussion on how organisations can achieve impact at scale through science-based targets.

Full webinar