Program Overview

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Sustainability Business Specialist Apprenticeship (integrated MSc Sustainability Leadership) MSc

Overview

This apprenticeship empowers the next generation of leaders to embed sustainable practices across business operations. With a digital-first approach, the programme combines practical experience with expertise in environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic sustainability. Apprentices learn how to tackle challenges like climate change and resource efficiency while driving impactful ESG strategies, stakeholder engagement and regulatory compliance.

Why your business needs a Sustainability Business Specialist Apprentice

Co-designed with Grant Thornton LLP, this apprenticeship equips businesses with the skills and expertise to navigate ESG challenges, improve sustainability strategies, and meet evolving regulatory demands.

Sustainability is essential for long-term resilience and competitiveness. This programme equips apprentices with practical skills in sustainability assessment, stakeholder engagement and project management. Participants develop and implement strategies that align with their organisation’s goals, addressing real-world sustainability challenges to drive impactful change and contribute to the global marketplace.

Top five reasons to hire a Sustainability Business Specialist apprentice

• Expert insight: we have partnered with leading business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP to launch this apprenticeship. The programme is rooted in real-world business experience and offers participants the opportunity to develop future-proof skills in sustainability leadership.
• Comprehensive learning: grow skills in your workforce to execute your environmental, social and governance (ESG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals.
• IEMA-accredited: this course is accredited by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), opening the door for you to apply for membership.
• Leadership focus: develop your future sustainability leaders. Apprentices learn essential management and communication skills to drive organisational change, lead initiatives, and effectively engage with stakeholders on sustainability issues.
• Day-one contribution: develop practical skills in environmental and social impact analysis that your apprentice applies immediately within your organisation.

How it works

Delivered through a combination of interactive workshops, case studies, and project-based learning, this apprenticeship provides hands-on experience with sustainability challenges. Apprentices work on real-world scenarios and benefit from direct application of their skills in their organisations, ensuring an impactful and relevant learning experience.

Who this apprenticeship is for

This programme is ideal for employees new to sustainability roles, as well as experienced staff involved in developing sustainability strategies or whose responsibilities increasingly involve sustainable business practices. It suits organisations across diverse sectors—including manufacturing, construction, retail, professional services, public sector, and finance—aiming to reduce environmental impact, optimise resources, and respond to evolving laws and industry standards.

Business impact and learning outcomes

Graduates of this programme will be able to:

• Identify future trends, technologies, and innovations in sustainable practices
• Lead and manage sustainable business projects
• Deliver solutions to reduce environmental footprint
• Implement and enhance ESG strategies through stakeholder engagement and training
• Manage environmental data, monitor sustainability performance, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Course details

Course structure

Core modules

• Driving Sustainable Change Strategies
• Evaluating Sustainable Global Operations
• Sustainability and Regulatory Frameworks
• Sustainability Principles and Data Reporting
• Sustainable Finance and Legislation

How you learn

Earn your master's online combining flexibility with expert teaching and support. Study from home or work, with all lectures, tutorials and assessments delivered online.

Access digital learning materials at your own pace and apply your knowledge to real-world marketing challenges through online discussions and debates. Our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) connects you with organisations globally, expanding your professional network.

Through action learning sets, collaborate with peers to solve strategic challenges, gaining practical experience and critical thinking skills to apply in your workplace.

How you are assessed

Assessments are innovative and engaging, allowing the apprentice to develop their skills and qualities. They are assessed through business reports, case study analysis, presentations, self-diagnostic assessments, reflective reports, research proposal and dissertation.

Apprentices also complete an end-point assessment (EPA) to assess them against the apprenticeship standards requirement of skills, knowledge and behaviours. The EPA has two assessment methods:

• Work-based project, consisting of a report, presentation and questioning
• Technical interview, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.

Entry requirements

To be accepted on to an apprenticeship course you must have support from your employer and meet the course entry requirements.

You must:

• Meet the standard entry requirements for master's level study, which are normally one of the following:
  • A good honours degree (at least a 2:2) in a subject related to the field of study
  • A post-experience or professional qualifications
  • Equivalent qualifications (including internal qualifications).
• Be employed and working at least 50% of contracted hours in England, in a senior role that supports you in achieving the apprenticeship duties
• Have approval from your employer and commitment that they can support you to carry out your job role and the apprenticeship.

Applicants without an honours degree who have significant management experience are also encouraged to apply. This is managed on a case by case basis following the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning process.

Employability

Career opportunities

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, graduates have the skills and knowledge to play a crucial role in driving sustainable practices within organisations, preparing them for a successful career in sustainability management, corporate social responsibility, environmental consulting and other related fields.

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), with industry at the centre of development and delivery.

Professional apprenticeship

An apprenticeship combines vocational work-based learning with study for a university degree. Designed in partnership with employers, apprenticeships offer it all - a higher education qualification, a salary, and invaluable practical experience and employment skills.

Part-time

• Entry: January, May or September
• Fee for UK applicants: £11,000
• Length: 18 months (+6 months EPA)
• Attendance: Online

Student and graduate profiles

• Zoe Constantinou
• Jamie Seymour
• Chris Smith

News

• Teesside University and Grant Thornton launch new sustainability business apprenticeship
• Teesside University has partnered with leading business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP to launch a new apprenticeship to build sustainability business skills.

Get in touch

• UK students: Email: [insert email] Telephone: [insert telephone number]
• Online chat (general enquiries)