About the Programme

The Master of Arts in Environmental and Social Sustainability of Business (online and hybrid formats) is a graduate programme that offers students an understanding of the role business play in environmental and social sustainability. The programme emphasizes economic and management perspectives of peace while focusing on the concepts of environmental, social, and economic sustainability, based on the belief that in order to contribute to the promotion of sustainable peace, it is imperative to explore what role the economy plays in the world today and its impact on our environment and societies’ wellbeing. Issues of rural and urban poverty, growing inequalities and disparities, environmental degradation, financial crises, and globalization are challenging political economic stability and social cohesion in all societies. Modern society faces the growing challenge of sustainability, which urges holistic solutions that consider the different dimensions of development. From complying with environmental and social regulations to developing policies to allow organizations to prosper in an increasingly diverse world, understanding sustainability and management is a requirement. Students from the ESSB programme will be able to work in the corporate sector, the public sector, and social sector, both in industrialized and developing countries.

This master’s degree offered by two UN entities (University for Peace and United Nations Institute for Training and Research) combines the best of academic and executive-style education. Students will also gain first-hand experience of the work of the United Nations (UN) as they will have the opportunity to participate in an optional field trip to Geneva or The Hague where the UN maintains a significant presence.

Who is it for?

The programme is designed for graduate students, private sector specialists, diplomats, government officers, NGO representatives, international civil servants, etc. willing to strengthen their knowledge in organizational environmental and social sustainability.

This programme is a unique programme, as:

  • It is delivered by the UN (UPEACE and UNITAR);
  • It is taught by practitioners, UN staff, diplomats and academics, and combines study delivered by UPEACE and UNITAR, including an optional study field trip to Geneva or The Hague and skills-based sessions for a successful international career;
  • It promotes peer-learning from a diverse group of students; and
  • It accommodates students’ need for flexibility by offering possibilities to take modules in online, onsite, or hybrid modalities.

Careers in this field can be very broad. Prospective employers include private sector in all its fields, governments, international and regional organizations, academia, and the non-governmental sector. 

Students can also pursue a shorter programme, i.e.: Certificate in Environmental and Social Sustainability of Business (online). Students can also sign up for individual online courses within the framework of the Master of Arts in Environmental and Social Sustainability of Business (online or hybrid).

M.A. in Environmental and Social Sustainability of Business: HYBRID FORMAT

Students must complete the Master of Arts in c in two semesters.

Note: UN Staff Members and Costa Rican citizens will be eligible for a 50% waiver (tuition balance: 9,750 USD). All other applicants may apply for a 20% waiver (tuition balance: 15,600 USD), which may be granted in limited numbers by mutual decision of UPEACE and UNITAR to ensure equitable gender and regional representation.

See admissions requirements for the hybrid M.A. in Environmental and Social Sustainability of Business here.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: The application deadline for the 2023-2024 academic year is 30 April 2023. If you are interested in this programme, please email admissions@upeace.org.

M.A. in Environmental and Social Sustainability of Business: ONLINE FORMAT

Students can complete the Master of Arts in Environmental and Social Sustainability of Business (online) in a maximum of 4 semesters.

See admissions requirements for the online M.A. in Environmental and Social Sustainability of Business here.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: The application deadline for the 2023-2024 academic year is 10 August 2023. If you are interested in this programme, please email admissions@elearning.upeace.org.

Optional Field Visits to Geneva and The Hague

Each year, UNITAR will organize two optional 5-day field trips to Geneva (Switzerland) and The Hague (Netherlands) for the students enrolled in the joint UPEACE - UNITAR Master's Programmes and Certificates.

Students can sign up for one field visit or for both (Geneva and The Hague) if they wish to do so.

During this activity, students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the very heart of diplomacy and international law, visit different international organizations and network with other diplomats, personnel of permanent missions accredited to the UN, civil servants of international organizations and civil society representatives. 

The fee of each five-day field trip is USD 1,500. The fee does not include travel, accommodation, food or visa expenses. The optional field visit will take place every Summer. 

Apply Now

APPLICATION DEADLINE: The application deadline for the 2023-2024 academic year is 10 August 2023 (online).

Click here to apply now for the hybrid M.A. in Environmental and Social Sustainability of Business.