Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Management MSc
UCAS code: N/A
Key information
More than ever ESG is essential for businesses and organisations. Climate concerns, sustainability & corporate responsibility are at the forefront of the way organisations do business, and it is pivotal for businesses to adapt to these new challenges. ESG Managers need to understand the nuances of these areas, and strategise accordingly to help organisations navigate these risks & opportunities. Our ESG Management MSc will introduce you to cutting-edge theoretical and applied research on the management of environmental, social, and governance matters. The topic areas covered are multi-disciplinary, and the programme will offer you research and problem-based perspectives from fields as diverse as science, economics, accounting, finance, law, and strategy.
Key benefits
- Located in the heart of London, giving you unparalleled access to research facilities.
- You will be taught by staff who are recognised leaders in their fields, and study innovative modules in a range of disciplines.
- You will develop skills in the appropriate use and application of quantitative and qualitative methods.
- You will experience excellent tutorial support, extensive teaching and regular discussions.
- King’s Business School has forged close links with external industry organisations and regular speakers who will provide you with insights, and up-to-the-minute knowledge of the subject area.
- Apply for King's Business School scholarships of up to 50% tuition fees or £10,000 for our full-time postgraduate courses.
The course brings together research and teaching from different functional areas and disciplines to equip you with the knowledge and skills to address complex environmental, social, and governance opportunities and challenges. This multi-disciplinary approach allows the course to draw on expertise from across King’s and offers multi-disciplinary perspectives on ESG issues and solutions. You will acquire an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of the theories, tools and methodologies that are relevant for addressing environmental, social and governance issues and will learn to identify, develop and incorporate theories, frameworks and ideas to create solutions to environmental, social and governance developments.
Base campuses
Strand Campus
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Waterloo Campus
Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum high 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Undergraduate degree with high 2:1 honours (i.e. overall average of at least 65% across all years of study) required in a social science related area (e.g. management, economics, finance or other relevant subject) or equivalent overseas qualification. Our programme is most suitable if you have some quantitative background in either finance, accounting and/or economics or have a degree with some quantitative elements. e.g. a Science degree
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum high 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 65% or above in the UK marking scheme.
Please note: Meeting the minimum requirements for your application to be considered does not guarantee an offer as applications for this programme are very competitive.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions portal, and a non-refundable application fee of £130 applies.
Due to the large volume of applications, this programme operates a partial “gathered-field” approach to decision making for applicants who meet our advertised academic entry requirements. This means that for some of these applicants, a decision may not be reached until after February and where possible, will be made by May. You will be informed via King's Apply if your application is being held.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
Personal Statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). |
---|---|---|
Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you. |
Other | Optional |
Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application. We do not require a GMAT or GRE score to be provided as part of your application, but a well-balanced score may strengthen your application. For the GMAT Exam (10th Edition) we look for a score of 670+. For the GMAT Exam (Focus Edition) we look for 78% or 615. For the GRE, we look for a score of 324 with 70-75% in verbal reasoning. Please fill in the “Professional and Other Relevant Qualifications” section within the application form, and share your score with King’s College London on the verification site and upload a scan of your results or screenshot of the email confirming your results. |
Teaching methods - what to expect
We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.
Module |
Lectures, seminars and feedback |
Self-study |
|
Per 15-credit taught module |
The total contact time for each 15-credit taught module is 20-30 hours. These sessions will include lectures, teacher-led and student-led group discussions based on the main areas of study. |
Each 15-credit taught module has 120-130 hours of self-guided learning time. |
|
Dissertation module |
You will receive 2 dissertation workshops plus 4 additional hours of one-to-one dissertation supervision and group consultations. |
592 hours. |
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
Assessment
- Exams
- Coursework
- Individual or Group Projects
- Presentations
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include written examinations, coursework, individual or group projects, presentations, case studies and multiple-choice tests.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits.
Required modules
You are required to take:
Optional modules
There are no optional modules on this course.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
As a Business School student you not only have full access to all the award winning events and resources from our central team King’s Careers and Employability service but a bespoke service curated especially for you by our dedicated careers team.
-
Develop greater self-awareness of strengths, interests and values. Increase confidence in presenting yours authentic self to employers and making career decisions that work for you.
-
Gain insight, make connections and uncover opportunities through our campus events and connections with world- leading organisations, alumni, thought leaders and investors.
-
Sharpen your application skills for internships, placements, graduate schemes and jobs using cutting edge technology combined with personalised expert feedback and specialised workshops.
-
Build an impressive portfolio of work relevant domain knowledge, leadership, workplace digital or technical skills through employer and professional programmes and micro-certifications.
-
Apply and hone your skills in a real world context. Access a world-class range of internships, placements, start-up incubators, leadership initiatives and focused diversity and inclusion opportunities.
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £20,350 (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £35,800 (2025/26)
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before January, payment is due within two months of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 1 January and 31 March, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 1 April and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies
- Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
- Library fees and fines
- Personal photocopies
- Printing course handouts
- Society membership fees
- Stationery
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses graduation costs
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
The course brings together research and teaching from different functional areas and disciplines to equip you with the knowledge and skills to address complex environmental, social, and governance opportunities and challenges. This multi-disciplinary approach allows the course to draw on expertise from across King’s and offers multi-disciplinary perspectives on ESG issues and solutions. You will acquire an in-depth knowledge and critical understanding of the theories, tools and methodologies that are relevant for addressing environmental, social and governance issues and will learn to identify, develop and incorporate theories, frameworks and ideas to create solutions to environmental, social and governance developments.
Base campuses
Strand Campus
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Waterloo Campus
Waterloo campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum high 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
Undergraduate degree with high 2:1 honours (i.e. overall average of at least 65% across all years of study) required in a social science related area (e.g. management, economics, finance or other relevant subject) or equivalent overseas qualification. Our programme is most suitable if you have some quantitative background in either finance, accounting and/or economics or have a degree with some quantitative elements. e.g. a Science degree
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum high 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 65% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 65% or above in the UK marking scheme.
Please note: Meeting the minimum requirements for your application to be considered does not guarantee an offer as applications for this programme are very competitive.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions portal, and a non-refundable application fee of £130 applies.
Due to the large volume of applications, this programme operates a partial “gathered-field” approach to decision making for applicants who meet our advertised academic entry requirements. This means that for some of these applicants, a decision may not be reached until after February and where possible, will be made by May. You will be informed via King's Apply if your application is being held.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
Personal Statement | Yes |
A personal statement is required. This can be entered directly into the online application form (maximum 4,000 characters) or uploaded as an attachment to the online application form (maximum 2 pages). |
---|---|---|
Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you. |
Other | Optional |
Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application. We do not require a GMAT or GRE score to be provided as part of your application, but a well-balanced score may strengthen your application. For the GMAT Exam (10th Edition) we look for a score of 670+. For the GMAT Exam (Focus Edition) we look for 78% or 615. For the GRE, we look for a score of 324 with 70-75% in verbal reasoning. Please fill in the “Professional and Other Relevant Qualifications” section within the application form, and share your score with King’s College London on the verification site and upload a scan of your results or screenshot of the email confirming your results. |
Teaching methods - what to expect
We use lectures, seminars and group tutorials to deliver most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.
Module |
Lectures, seminars and feedback |
Self-study |
|
Per 15-credit taught module |
The total contact time for each 15-credit taught module is 20-30 hours. These sessions will include lectures, teacher-led and student-led group discussions based on the main areas of study. |
Each 15-credit taught module has 120-130 hours of self-guided learning time. |
|
Dissertation module |
You will receive 2 dissertation workshops plus 4 additional hours of one-to-one dissertation supervision and group consultations. |
592 hours. |
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
Assessment
- Exams
- Coursework
- Individual or Group Projects
- Presentations
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include written examinations, coursework, individual or group projects, presentations, case studies and multiple-choice tests.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits.
Required modules
You are required to take:
Optional modules
There are no optional modules on this course.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
As a Business School student you not only have full access to all the award winning events and resources from our central team King’s Careers and Employability service but a bespoke service curated especially for you by our dedicated careers team.
-
Develop greater self-awareness of strengths, interests and values. Increase confidence in presenting yours authentic self to employers and making career decisions that work for you.
-
Gain insight, make connections and uncover opportunities through our campus events and connections with world- leading organisations, alumni, thought leaders and investors.
-
Sharpen your application skills for internships, placements, graduate schemes and jobs using cutting edge technology combined with personalised expert feedback and specialised workshops.
-
Build an impressive portfolio of work relevant domain knowledge, leadership, workplace digital or technical skills through employer and professional programmes and micro-certifications.
-
Apply and hone your skills in a real world context. Access a world-class range of internships, placements, start-up incubators, leadership initiatives and focused diversity and inclusion opportunities.
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £20,350 (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £35,800 (2025/26)
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before January, payment is due within two months of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 1 January and 31 March, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 1 April and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- Books if you choose to buy your own copies
- Clothing for optional course related events and competitions
- Library fees and fines
- Personal photocopies
- Printing course handouts
- Society membership fees
- Stationery
- Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses graduation costs
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Application closing date guidance
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed. We may need to request further information from you during the application process.
King's College London is committed to the recruitment of students with the greatest academic ability and to maintain a diverse student population. In order to ensure a balanced international student population for our most competitive programmes, we have implemented the following deadlines:
For applicants who are currently residing in mainland China, the first application deadline is 10 January 2025 (23:59 UK time).
- We highly encourage you to apply by this deadline due to high demand, but applications will continue to be reviewed thereafter until the final application deadline on 9 March 2025 (23:59 UK time).
- If you reside in mainland China and apply for this programme after the above final deadline, your application may be automatically withdrawn and you will not be eligible for an application fee refund.
For all other applicants, our first application deadline is on 9 March 2025 (23:59 UK time). The final application deadlines for this programme are:
- Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
- Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)
After the first application deadline in March:
- if the programme is not yet full, we will continue to accept applications until all available places are filled up to the final application deadlines above
- if the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications
Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if you apply after the first application deadline, and we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.
Key information
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