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Bocconi University Launches Master in Transformative Sustainability

Bocconi University is launching a new Master in Transformative Sustainability, in partnership with MIP Politecnico di Milano, aiming to train future leaders in sustainable business

Thu May 19 2022

BusinessBecause
Sustainability is more than just a buzzword. Businesses around the world are now committed to doing more to reduce their environmental impact, and business schools must prepare the next generation of sustainable leaders. 

Bocconi University aims to do this with its new Master’s in Transformative Sustainability, created in collaboration with MIP Politecnico di Milano. 

The Specialized Master’s degree launches in August 2022, with an intake of 50 students who will study at both Bocconi and MIP’s campuses in Milan.


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Bocconi MSc in Transformative Sustainability | Curriculum 

The MSc in Transformative Sustainability is a two-year program with courses split across both school campuses. 

In year one, students spend their first semester at Bocconi University and the second semester at MIP. Year two features teaching offered by both Bocconi and MIP, split according to the electives that students choose. 

“Bocconi University and Politecnico di Milano, two of Italy’s most prestigious universities, have each leveraged their own unique areas of expertise to design a joint degree with an integrated and innovative perspective on sustainability,” explains Francesco Perrini (pictured), Bocconi’s director of the program. 

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The MSc is designed with two overarching goals: to provide students with the skills needed to help companies transition to sustainable management, and help them understand the impact of ESG criteria on business decisions. 

The curriculum combines teaching in two fields: technology and social sciences. This dual focus results in a varied list of electives, including Designing Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Finance, Data Analysis for Sustainability, and Environmental Economics. 

The master’s ends with an internship component and written thesis on a topic related to corporate sustainability. 

"The innovative and integrated approach adopted to designing the program is the same that should be adopted to face today’s sustainability challenges,” says Francesco. The focus on innovation also means the curriculum may change over time. 

“The revolution needed for sustainability is different from past transformations because it requires an integrated and holistic approach—that also requires us to adapt core content,” he says. “Constant adaptation will be needed with new knowledge and skills.” 


Bocconi MSc | Careers 

As an ever-expanding area in business, sustainability-focused jobs are now growing in number and influence within companies. 

Francesco identifies three main roles he expects Master in Transformative Sustainability students to land after graduation. They are: sustainability specialist, sustainability analyst, or a career in entrepreneurship. 

Sustainability specialists are those responsible for creating and managing sustainable change within organizations. This might be through improving organizational processes or transforming supply chains.

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They might also be responsible for managing stakeholder relationships—especially with NGOs and other sustainability organizations—and staying up-to-date on sustainability topics. 

A career as an analyst is already a popular route for business school graduates, and sustainability analysts are becoming increasingly necessary. 

“In this case, graduates will contribute to projects that help clients improve their processes or practices toward sustainability, sharing market best practices and designing action plans adapted to the client’s reality,” explains Francesco. 

While careers as sustainability specialists and analysts are most likely, Francesco believes a smaller proportion of graduates from the Master in Transformative Sustainability will use their skills to found their own sustainable companies.  

“[Students] will be able to innovate the market through new business models and new companies integrating sustainability at the core of their activities and purpose,” says Francesco. 


Why a Master in Transformative Sustainability? 

Sustainable practice is no longer optional for businesses. As society deals with a climate emergency, every business must play its part in preventing global warming from exceeding the 1.5C COP26 target

"Being part of our Master in Transformative Sustainability represent an opportunity to contribute to the major challenge of our time,” says Francesco. “Addressing the need for transformative sustainability requires the ability to promote a profound transformation across companies,” he adds. 

In line with growing awareness, companies are now increasingly interested in the ‘triple bottom line,’ which measures their environmental impact as well as their profits. Today, 62% of business executives consider a sustainability strategy to be necessary in order to stay competitive. 

This means there are plenty of opportunities for graduates capable of enacting change within an organization, and it’s the responsibility of business schools to train them. 

“Experts with multidisciplinary expertise are increasingly needed to drive the transformation of organizations toward sustainability,” notes Francesco. “They should be able to innovate or rethink business models and processes in a systemic way, thanks also to the potential of new technologies.”

If you're looking to launch a career in sustainable business, applications to the Bocconi MSc in Transformative Sustainability are open until July 2022, with tuition costing $14,900 (€14340) for year one. 


Next Read:

Master's Survival Kit: 10 Things You Should Know Before Going To Business School

Student Reviews

Bocconi University

Edoardo

Verified

25/01/2022

Blended

Everything was great ( apart from the covid part)

I really enjoyed this experience because I built a really strong relationship with other students and professors. This fact has permitted me to grow as a person and also to improve my academic background by confronting myself with other people. I would encourage Bocconi to create a new method of exams for online courses (I have experienced it during the covid-19 period) because they could not manage to control and to avoid shameless situations such as software breakdowns just before the exams.

Student

Verified

8/11/2021

On Campus

Amazing course

The workload is really heavy, but that’s the only way to prepare students for the job market. Bocconi offers also many services to help students kick off their careers. Overall, Bocconi University Masters Degree is the best option for ambitious students and the best choice among Italian and maybe European universities.

Student

Verified

24/07/2020

A great experience

A fundamental experience to understand what I want to do in life. In the three years I attended Bocconi University, I laid the foundations for my business education. I will always be grateful to it. I absolutely recommend it.

Alessandra

Verified

26/06/2020

Bocconi: Italian Quality

The great thing about this University is that it is one of the few Italian universities offering such international programs. My course is unique and doesn't exist anywhere else, so if you like arts and economics, Bocconi is the best place. The course provides both subjects concerning arts/philosophy, and ones more related to economics. Personally, I have decided to follow a different path because I am not so interested in working in this specific field, but this course is totally worth it if you want to work in a creative industry. Indeed, it gives people with a passion for luxury, arts and so on with a complete knowledge concerning management. The best part has been the great support offered by the University in every aspect, going from on-campus facilities to monthly job fairs to better understand the kind of career we want to pursue. This is often taken for granted in Italian universities.

Student

Verified

25/05/2020

Professional and amazing

Very well organized university. I have studied Financial management and I graduated with 108/110. The teachers are really good and professional. The university has all the facilities and the services are professional. I really enjoyed studying in a professional and international environment. Bocconi has played an important role in finding my actual job!

Student

Verified

28/10/2019

Great university which gives wonderful placement opportunities.

I really like Bocconi. What I appreciated the most was the high level of teaching and the opportunities given in terms of placement and networking connections. I strongly recommend this university if you want to pursue a great working career.

Student

Verified

27/10/2019

Beautiful environment

Beautiful community of students with lots of opportunities for in-campus activities. The university offers 8 residences near the campus, perfect for freshmen at the first year in Milan. Professors are very prepared and always ready to help students

Student

Verified

24/03/2018

An outstanding university

The great efficiency and organization, the high quality of teaching, and the possibility to take part in many interesting and useful experiences make Bocconi University stand out. It distinguishes itself from the Italian academic background. Many people say Bocconi is too stressful, but to me, it’s worth it.

Student

Verified

20/03/2018

Excellent

Bocconi is outstanding university. Among the best in Italy. The international franework helps students to get involved in projects/associations that enrich the campus. I study law and i’ m happy about my 4 years and experiences that i had the opportunity to

Edoardo

Verified

25/01/2022

Blended

Everything was great ( apart from the covid part)

I really enjoyed this experience because I built a really strong relationship with other students and professors. This fact has permitted me to grow as a person and also to improve my academic background by confronting myself with other people. I would encourage Bocconi to create a new method of exams for online courses (I have experienced it during the covid-19 period) because they could not manage to control and to avoid shameless situations such as software breakdowns just before the exams.

Student

Verified

8/11/2021

On Campus

Amazing course

The workload is really heavy, but that’s the only way to prepare students for the job market. Bocconi offers also many services to help students kick off their careers. Overall, Bocconi University Masters Degree is the best option for ambitious students and the best choice among Italian and maybe European universities.

Student

Verified

24/07/2020

A great experience

A fundamental experience to understand what I want to do in life. In the three years I attended Bocconi University, I laid the foundations for my business education. I will always be grateful to it. I absolutely recommend it.

Alessandra

Verified

26/06/2020

Bocconi: Italian Quality

The great thing about this University is that it is one of the few Italian universities offering such international programs. My course is unique and doesn't exist anywhere else, so if you like arts and economics, Bocconi is the best place. The course provides both subjects concerning arts/philosophy, and ones more related to economics. Personally, I have decided to follow a different path because I am not so interested in working in this specific field, but this course is totally worth it if you want to work in a creative industry. Indeed, it gives people with a passion for luxury, arts and so on with a complete knowledge concerning management. The best part has been the great support offered by the University in every aspect, going from on-campus facilities to monthly job fairs to better understand the kind of career we want to pursue. This is often taken for granted in Italian universities.

Student

Verified

25/05/2020

Professional and amazing

Very well organized university. I have studied Financial management and I graduated with 108/110. The teachers are really good and professional. The university has all the facilities and the services are professional. I really enjoyed studying in a professional and international environment. Bocconi has played an important role in finding my actual job!

Student

Verified

28/10/2019

Great university which gives wonderful placement opportunities.

I really like Bocconi. What I appreciated the most was the high level of teaching and the opportunities given in terms of placement and networking connections. I strongly recommend this university if you want to pursue a great working career.

Student

Verified

27/10/2019

Beautiful environment

Beautiful community of students with lots of opportunities for in-campus activities. The university offers 8 residences near the campus, perfect for freshmen at the first year in Milan. Professors are very prepared and always ready to help students

Student

Verified

24/03/2018

An outstanding university

The great efficiency and organization, the high quality of teaching, and the possibility to take part in many interesting and useful experiences make Bocconi University stand out. It distinguishes itself from the Italian academic background. Many people say Bocconi is too stressful, but to me, it’s worth it.

Student

Verified

20/03/2018

Excellent

Bocconi is outstanding university. Among the best in Italy. The international franework helps students to get involved in projects/associations that enrich the campus. I study law and i’ m happy about my 4 years and experiences that i had the opportunity to

Yangxin

Verified

27/03/2024

On Campus

Excellent university full of opportunities

I had almost zero experience in business before coming to Bocconi. However, this did not hinder my career prospects here. I was fortunate to receive valuable opportunities such as in-company training and internships. Through these experiences, I gained invaluable practical insights into various business scenarios, becoming more acquainted with the real business world. Before arriving here, I had not learned Italian, which initially made me concerned about possible cultural or language barriers. Bocconi offers Italian language courses that proved indispensable in helping me adapt to Milan during my days here. Additionally, my Italian classmates have been incredibly welcoming, assisting me with cultural adjustments and willingly serving as language partners to help with my Italian language learning journey. My two-year life here has become both manageable and enjoyable. In conclusion, I would recommend this university to those people who are eager to embrace a future brimming with opportunities.

Alex

Verified

28/03/2024

On Campus

So many opportunities

Bocconi has been an amazing journey for me, filled with growth and opportunities, both on a professional and personal level. The professors teaching the International Management Master's are of really high quality and they were able to transfer some much "knowledge that matters", thanks also to the many teamworking experiences during the course. Bocconi also allowed me to experience a double degree program with ESADE, which taught me a lot both in terms of professional development, as well as allowing me to expand my network of international students even further. Overall, Bocconi unleashed plenty of opportunities I could not foresee before joining the university and that I'm really grateful for and excited to dive into.

Marina

Verified

30/03/2024

On Campus

Invest in your knowledge

Bocconi offers plenty of opportunities to grow as a person and as a professional. I was able to both broaden my interests and deepen existent knowledge during my Master's degree in Finance. It's very challenging, but the result is totally worth it. Bocconi has a very impressive reputation across the world, which allowed me to have an internship at my dream company.

Tara

Verified

1/04/2024

On Campus

A University Ripe with Opportunity

As a first year Masters in International Management student, the global perspective, abundant learning opportunities and networking opportunities were the main aspects that drew me towards pursing my studies at Bocconi. And Bocconi has delivered in full on these promises. In my classes I have really valued the more application based approach which centres around collaboration with peers from around the world. There are also so many opportunities for learning outside the classroom through supplementary activities, societies, guest lectures and other events hosted by the university! The networking opportunities and career services are world class. The university regularly hosts events like Bocconi

Martina

Verified

1/04/2024

On Campus

Environment and experiences

Entering Bocconi, I was shy and uncertain. I was surprised to discover a supportive community that not only challenged me academically but also encouraged me to come out of my shell. I found myself surrounded by lifelong friends who turned out to be an invaluable support for me. Despite my initial indecision, my chosen course (Economics and Management for Arts and Culture) proved to be the perfect fit, seamlessly blending rigorous economic principles with insights into the cultural landscape. I found myself immersed in a dynamic environment that fostered healthy competition, pushing me to excel while simultaneously supporting my personal growth. Reflecting on my period at Bocconi, I can confidently say it was the best time of my life. Through unforgettable experiences in students associations, internships and study-abroad periods, Bocconi accompanied me from adolescence into adulthood. It provided me with the confidence and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the real world, offering me an environment where I could flourish both academically and personally.

Erik

Verified

2/04/2024

On Campus

Great programme in MSc Finance

I have done the MSc in Finance, and I am extremely happy with it. The quality of the education is really good, and has more than prepared me for my job in Asset Management after my studies. There are also a lot of group projects and labs in the classes which lets you try things in practice. In addition to this, there are a lot of good student associations for finance which allows you to connect with a lot of really brilliant people.

Student

Verified

2/04/2024

On Campus

My Experience at Bocconi University

Bocconi University offers a great deal of programs. The small classes make it easy for students to interact with professors, all very experienced in their field, and not only care for the students' life inside the classroom but also for their lives outside, providing many amazing extracurricular activities, from sports, and associations to theater and singing. Overall, a great experience!

Student

Verified

4/04/2024

On Campus

Excellent university providing a great preparation

I have chosen Bocconi University for both my bachelor's and master's degree and I am extremely satisfied with my experience and the preparation the institution has given me, both academically and to be equipped to enter the job market. The programs are very international, which has allowed me to make friends from all over the world, and the university offers a wide range of interesting courses, both in Italian and in English, which often combine a theoretical strong preparation together with practical applied projects. Bocconi also has a great and efficient career service that organizes useful events to get ready for the job market, meet employers and network with companies. I have also appreciated the presence of over a hundred student associations, which has allowed me to pursue some interests of mine while meeting students from several different courses and gainining more practical experience through additional projects.