Universities Worldwide Embrace ESG: A Comprehensive Guide to Master's Programs in Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance

发布时间：Date: 2023-11-01 返回新鲜资讯Back to News

As the concept of sustainable development takes root, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) has become a core focus of global investment and corporate strategy. Demand for related talent is exploding, making it another hot career path after the coding boom. Faced with this promising new field, more and more international students are orienting their careers toward ESG, aiming to seize opportunities in green and corporate governance. To help students and parents grasp industry trends accurately, CheersYou（清柚教育） has compiled information on ESG master's programs at popular universities worldwide. This article details the development prospects of ESG and relevant program offerings at top universities, providing comprehensive, professional guidance on school selection and career planning for prospective international students, helping them stand out in the future job market.

The coding trend has barely subsided when another wave—ESG—has surged in...

Not only are top consulting firms and the Big Four diving into ESG, but international students are also beginning to choose majors with ESG career prospects in mind. It's clear that "making money" alone is no longer the secret to corporate success, and "good pay" is no longer enough for international students.

What exactly is ESG?

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. It evaluates a company's operational sustainability and its impact on societal values across these three dimensions. The ESG philosophy emphasizes that businesses should focus on ecological protection, fulfill social responsibilities, and improve governance standards.

As early as 2004, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan invited 20 financial institutions to write the report "Who Cares Wins," in which the ESG concept was first introduced.

Source: "Who Cares Wins"

The report's subtitle, "Connecting Financial Markets to a Changing World," reveals its intent. It clearly states that "in a more globalized, interconnected, and competitive world, managing ESG-related issues will be essential for companies to succeed in the competitive landscape." Simply put, a company's future success will be measured not only by how much money it makes but also by its performance in environmental, social, and governance aspects.

ESG—The next big thing in global investment?

In recent years, with rainstorms, floods, and the added impact of the pandemic, global economic and social uncertainties have intensified. Against this backdrop, the ESG development philosophy has gained even wider attention. McKinsey has been acquiring multiple sustainability consulting firms and launching related advisory services; Deloitte China announced the establishment of a Climate Change and Sustainable Development Research Institute; and Alibaba even published its first-year ESG report after systematically implementing its "ESG Seven-Petal Flower" strategy in 2023.

Source: Alibaba Official Website

According to the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance (GSIA), ESG-related investments already accounted for one-third of total assets under management in 2020. By 2023, more and more companies recognized that environmental, social, and governance performance is key to maintaining brand reputation, attracting investors, and meeting consumer demand.

Source: Green Quadrant

In addition to companies incorporating ESG into their development, the three letters ESG have also become a buzzword among brand marketers. Whether it's Lenovo's strategic partnership with Xining Zoo to empower wildlife protection and breeding with technology, Yili's collaboration with the Palace Museum to help restore the Palace Records Library, Tmall's "Elderly Clothing" charity campaign, or even Apple's soul-searching "Mother Nature" video at the 2023 Fall Product Launch...

Source: Lenovo

Source: Apple

More and more brands are focusing on ESG marketing, amplifying the communication momentum and social impact of public welfare, which has in turn multiplied the demand for ESG talent. A quick look at major recruitment platforms reveals that in 2023, when youth unemployment exceeded 20%, "ESG" professionals were being fiercely competed for and offered high salaries. Some companies' ESG positions already command monthly salaries of 15,000–25,000 RMB, which is extremely attractive. Certain listed companies and industrial manufacturers with ESG transformation needs are even doubling their offers to poach talent.

Source: Liepin

From this, it's clear that from finance to internet, and across entire industries, ESG transformation is underway. Even though some skepticism remains, the phenomenon of "persistently high salary recruitment" alone is enough to prove that ESG's popularity is not without reason.

Universities are targeting ESG and launching new programs

In response to this skill gap, universities around the world have created relevant programs, with many new ESG offerings appearing for the 2024 intake across different regions.

1. University of Manchester – Sustainable Business

The University of Manchester's MSc in Sustainable Business aims to develop sustainability-minded students, equipping them to challenge orthodox thinking and make the world more ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable. The program also helps students apply a business perspective to achieve sustainability goals.

Admission Requirements:

A First or Upper Second Class honours degree (average 60%+) from a UK university or overseas equivalent
IELTS 7.0 overall (6.5); TOEFL 100 (22); PTE 76 (70)

2. Duke University – Climate and Sustainability Engineering

Duke's Master of Engineering in Climate and Sustainability Engineering aims to develop well-rounded leaders. Given the undeniable impact of climate change in recent years, these leaders must be able to comfortably handle uncertainty, assess risks, and propose impactful, iterative solutions that better meet user needs, consider unintended consequences, and anticipate future changes.

Admission Requirements:

Background in engineering or science
GRE optional
Duolingo preferred, but TOEFL and IELTS also accepted; no minimum score set

3. King's College London – ESG Management

KCL's MSc in ESG Management introduces students to cutting-edge theory and applied research in environmental, social, and governance issues management. The curriculum covers multidisciplinary topics, providing research- and problem-based perspectives from fields such as science, economics, accounting, finance, law, and strategy.

Admission Requirements:

High Upper Second Class honours degree (average 65%+) in a social science-related field (e.g., management, economics, finance, or other related disciplines)
Preference for applicants with some quantitative background in finance, accounting, or economics, or a degree with quantitative elements
IELTS 7.0 (6.5); TOEFL 100 (Writing at least 25, other components at least 23)
For Chinese applicants: 985/211 universities with an average of 85%+, other recognized institutions with an average of 88%+

4. The Chinese University of Hong Kong – Sustainable Global Business

This program aims to equip students from diverse backgrounds with the skills to become ESG/sustainability management professionals from a strategic management perspective. It provides practical learning opportunities and engagement with sustainability practitioners across industries and countries. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to manage climate change, carbon neutrality, human psychology, biotechnology, environment, ESG, sustainable finance, and ESG reporting's impact on business decisions.

Admission Requirements:

Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours or B grade or above
GRE/GMAT mandatory
TOEFL 79+ or IELTS 6.5+

If you're competing in the business track and aim to work in sustainability after graduation, entering a booming industry, consider shifting your focus from hyper-competitive programs to ESG or energy finance-related programs at top universities!

Of course, every trade has its masters. The most important thing is to find a career direction that suits you.

Precise positioning, conquer top schools! Scan the QR code below now to start a one-on-one study abroad consultation~