Course overview
Why study business in the Tees Valley?
Explore the world of business in our unique, dynamic region. With landmark developments, ongoing regeneration, and opportunities for students and graduates, the Tees Valley is your gateway to a thriving career.
Understanding the complexities of environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues is key to navigating the risks, challenges and opportunities they present.
Aligned with our commitment to driving a greener, more innovative industrial economy, the Applied Sustainability Professional Certificate in Higher Education introduces apprentices to forward-thinking concepts, theories, strategies and tools to manage ESG responsibilities effectively. This multidisciplinary programme draws on research and problem-based learning across climate change, economics, accounting, finance, strategy, policy and law – offering a well-rounded, practical perspective.
Who is this apprenticeship for?
This apprenticeship is ideal for professionals looking to enhance their expertise in sustainability and ESG practices. Learners could include professionals seeking to upskill, managers in charge of corporate responsibility, or those eager to build a career in sustainability, gaining the knowledge and skills to lead change in the organisation.
Top reasons your business needs an Applied Sustainability Professional Apprentice
Industry-led insight: developed in collaboration with leading business and financial adviser Grant Thornton UK LLP, this programme is grounded in real-world expertise and designed to equip professionals with future-focused skills in sustainability leadership.- Workforce-ready skills: apprentices can empower teams to drive your organisation’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies with confidence.
- Immediate impact: apprentices develop practical skills in environmental and social impact analysis that can be applied from day one – delivering direct value to your organisation.
United Nations’ PRME initiative: we’re a proud signatory of the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative, which aims to globally raise the profile of sustainability and responsible leadership to equip current and future leaders with the skills to deliver positive change for business and society.
Please note, we can only respond to enquiries from employers, or individuals with agreement from their employer to undertake an apprenticeship.
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
Communication and Data Informed Sustainability
Focus on your role in promoting sustainability initiatives and raising awareness of the importance of transparent information, both within your organisation and to external stakeholders.
This is a 30-credit module.
Principles for Developing Sustainability Strategy
Gain the tools, techniques and models you need to create, develop and integrate effective sustainability action plans within your organisation. You also receive support as you work on your Professional Project.
This is a 30-credit module.
Sustainability Compliance and Risk Management
Develop your understanding of compliance responsibilities, learn how to monitor budgets effectively, and ensure quality in the planning and delivery of sustainability initiatives.
This is a 30-credit module.
Sustainable Engagement and Commercial Opportunities
Explore how to identify and engage both internal and external partners in your organisation’s sustainability agenda, locally and globally. Develop practical skills to negotiate effectively around corporate responsibility and gain a clear understanding of what it means to be a truly sustainable organisation, including examples of best practice.
This is a 30-credit module.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
This course is delivered using a ‘carousel’ model, meaning apprentices can join at the beginning of any module – there’s no fixed starting point. Once you begin, you’ll move through the remaining modules in sequence until all are completed. For example, if you start with module 3, you’ll then progress to module 4, followed by module 1, and finish with module 2.
Learning is 100% online through our interactive virtual learning environment. Sessions are engaging and interactive, helping apprentices get the most from the course. They benefit from key presentations, lectures, seminars, group work, interactive presentations and online learning tools.
Apprentices apply their learning to the workplace, gaining theoretical and practical experience in a live work-based context. Before starting the modules, they must complete the induction.
How you are assessed
Throughout their studies, apprentices are assessed in various ways tailored to their individual learning styles. Assessment methods may include writing reports for their organisation, producing a reflective essay, giving presentations, participating in role-play simulations, developing a portfolio, writing a blog, analysing case studies, and working on practical projects.
Our Disability Services team provide an inclusive and empowering learning environment and have specialist staff to support disabled students access any additional tailored resources needed. If you have a specific learning difficulty, mental health condition, autism, sensory impairment, chronic health condition or any other disability please contact a Disability Services as early as possible.
Find out more about our disability services
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
To be accepted on to a degree apprenticeship course you must have support from your employer and meet the course entry requirements.
The apprentice must be employed in a relevant job role with agreement from you as the employer. This includes committing to a minimum of 6 hours off-the-job training a week.
You as the employer sets the general internal selection criteria but the apprentice is also required to meet the entry requirements specified by the University. A typical learner would have 96 tariff points from at least two A-levels (or equivalent).
Before starting their apprenticeship, learners must hold Level 2 qualifications in English and maths. Find out more.
However, we would also welcome mature learners without conventional entry requirements, and can take into account alternative qualifications and experience.
We cannot accept applications from international students requiring a student visa.
Eligibility for apprenticeship funding in England
To qualify for apprenticeship funding in England, an apprentice must meet all the criteria outlined by the Department for Education in the Apprenticeship Funding Rules. These requirements apply to programmes starting between 1 August 2025 and 31 July 2026.
1. Right to work
The apprentice must have the legal right to work in England.
2. Residency eligibility
The apprentice must meet the residency requirements detailed in Annex A of the Funding Rules. This includes (but is not limited to):
- being ordinarily resident in the UK (or specified territories) for at least three years immediately before the apprenticeship begins, unless a specific exemption applies
- exemptions may apply to individuals with:
- refugee status or humanitarian protection
- permission under the Ukraine or Afghan schemes
- stateless status
- certain family member rights
- pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
3. Visa duration and completion viability
For apprentices with time-limited immigration permission (such as visas), the permission must cover the entire duration of the apprenticeship, including the end-point assessment. If the visa expires before completion, the apprentice is not eligible for funding.
Full details can be found in the official guidance: Apprenticeship Funding Rules 2025 to 2026
You can gain considerable knowledge from work, volunteering and life. Under recognition of prior learning (RPL) you may be awarded credit for this which can be credited towards the course you want to study.
Find out more about RPL
Employability
Career opportunities
Apprentices strengthen their ESG credentials, evolving as business leaders while refining sustainability innovation strategy for their organisation.
