Course description
The role of a sustainability professional is evolving from a specialist to a sustainability-literate change agent with a key role in setting and delivering organisational strategy that supports long-term organisational resilience and success.
The Sustainability Business Specialist Apprenticeship brings together academics from our School of Water, Energy and Environment and School of Management to create a holistic, multidisciplinary learning experience. The course is designed in consultation with industry to equip sustainability professionals and leaders in organisations of all sizes with this critical mix of technical and management skills. It will deepen your knowledge of the theory and practice of organisational sustainability, and help you build the personal competencies you need to lead and manage change towards improved sustainability performance.
Our Sustainability MSc, which is incorporated into the programme, meets the requirements of the Level 7Sustainability Business Specialist Apprenticeship Standard, enabling graduates to perform effectively as sustainability professionals in a competitive and fast changing environment.
On completion of the programme you will acquire a Sustainability Business Specialist Apprenticeship, a master’s degree and professional recognition as a Registered Environmental Practitioner (REnvP) and Practitioner Member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) or Chartered Environmentalist (Full Member of the IEMA) depending on your level of experience prior to the course.
Upcoming start dates
Outcome / Qualification etc.
Purpose
The course will equip leaders with the technical knowledge and management capabilities to drive positive change in their organisations and share their knowledge and experiences with their colleagues and peers.
The course aims:
- to develop sustainability leaders who will deliver real change in their organisations and play an integral role in a growing and evolving community of sustainability professionals,
- to provide students with a mix of technical and leadership (management/business) skills that will enhance their knowledge of sustainability practice and facilitate the improvement of the environmental, social and governance performance of organisations,
- to engender in students a sustainability mindset, capable of articulating the symbiotic relationship between business, society and the biosphere,
- to help students understand the market drivers for sustainability, so they can build a business case for integrating sustainability into practice, recognising the importance of creating long-term value for all stakeholders,
- to equip students to lead towards sustainability and model ethical and sustainable behaviours, and enable them to do the same in others, so collectively we can respond to the complex sustainability challenges we face with the changes required,
- to empower students and enhance their competencies, self-awareness and confidence to operate effectively as 'change leaders' and 'visionaries' in a team and to effectively communicate the sustainability agenda to internal and external stakeholders,
- to build a supportive network of sustainability professionals who share their learning and experience for the common good.
Training Course Content
Learner journey
The course comprises of 14 taught modules and a work-based project underpinned by a portfolio of evidence to guide reflective practice.
The course is primarily delivered online to minimise the carbon footprint of the course and enable wide and diverse participation in sustainability education. Modules are delivered live on alternative Fridays over a six-week period with students completing self-directed learning in between these sessions.
Additional elements of experiential learning, including activities such as site tours, games and coaching that take place at the annual three-day Residential at Cranfield, which provide the opportunity for cohorts to get to know each other, network with academics and industry representatives and create enduring supportive alumni groups.
Following completion on the taught modules (2 years), you will plan, execute and evaluate an individual work-based project that addresses a sustainability challenge for your organisation. You will be expected to demonstrate how you have applied the learning from the course to improve your professional practice.
The learning objectives of the course are based on the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the Sustainability Business Specialist Apprenticeship Standard and are delivered through interactive lectures, case study discussions, simulations and role play across the taught modules. You will evidence that you have developed and applied these in your work-based project and in your wider role in the organisation.
Course delivery details
Informed by industry
The Sustainability MSc’ has been designed in consultation with industry representatives from across sectors (including retail, banking, consumers goods, utilities, non-profit), academic experts and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) to ensure its relevance to sustainability roles across management levels and sectors.
The course faculty combines expertise from Cranfield’s School of Management and the School of Water, Energy and Environment, supported by a team of external industry speakers, who will bring the latest thinking and practice to the course and support work-integrated learning through the mentorship and coaching of apprentices.
Request info
Cranfield University
Cranfield is a specialist postgraduate university that is a global leader for education and transformational research in technology and management. We have many world-class, large-scale facilities, including our own global research airport, which offers a unique environment for transformational education...