Brunel University has opened applications for a new interdisciplinary MSc which aims to instill a commitment to sustainability in the business leaders and entrepreneurs of the future.
The programme, an MSc in Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, takes an environmental approach to business to ensure that issues of sustainability are at the heart of all new enterprises.
Building on the expertise of the world-leading Institute for the Environment, alongside Brunel Business School and the School of Engineering and Design, the programme offers core modules in strategic sustainable development, sustainable design, business planning and entrepreneurship and professional design skills. Students can then study a range of related subjects including clean technology, sustainable supply chain management, and international business strategy.
The programme will also involve other industrial and academic partners from around the world including the Blekinge Institute of Technology, Sweden - world-leaders in sustainability research and training.
Uniquely, students will be required to produce a business plan, develop a product design or write a research proposal to suit their chosen career path as a major part of their assessment.
The Brunel team are currently planning an additional six month professional development programme designed to further develop practical skills that will launch students into their chosen career. This six month postgraduate certificate will include mentoring by entrepreneurs, business leaders, designers and researchers as well as intensive corporate exposure and access to business start-up opportunities. Students successfully completing the 12 month MSc will be given the opportunity to enrol on the PGCERT as soon as it is online.
Dr Edwin Routledge, programme director for MSc in Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Design, said: "Businesses all over the world are now recognising that environmental credibility is a big part of their branding so it doesn't make business sense to ignore it. We want to make sure that the business leaders and entrepreneurs of the future have the skills and knowledge to include sustainability at the heart of a business right from the outset.
"Having a strong interdisciplinary approach bringing together expertise in business, design and the environment means that sustainability is not just an add on thought, it is integrated into business processes and product design.
"We are not necessarily looking for people who want to work in the environmental industry. Instead we want people with passion for innovation and entrepreneurship who want to take a new approach to business - an approach that is sustainable in terms both of finance and of resources."
Applications are now open to join the MSc in September 2013. Visit the web course page for more information and full entry requirements.