No single discipline can solve sustainable development, so why train in only one?
The ISDJ's Integrated Sustainable Development programme gives you a shared foundation in sustainability, climate, and governance and ethics — then opens the door to the ISDJ's full course portfolio. Choose electives freely, or concentrate four of them in one area — from Climate and Sustainable Development to Gender Justice to Sustainable Entrepreneurship — and graduate with a named specialisation on your transcript. This fully online programme is built for professionals whose work already crosses sectors and doesn't fit inside one theme.
Why choose Integrated Sustainable Development at the ISDJ?
- A foundation that spans the whole field
Build core competencies in sustainability science, climate change, and policy, governance and ethics before you specialise in anything. - Choose your own specialisation or don't
Concentrate four electives in one ISDJ theme to earn a named specialisation, or mix and match across all ten to stay a generalist. You don't have to decide on day one, and you can change course as you go. - Ten pathways, one qualification
From Climate and Sustainable Development to Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Gender Justice, your electives can draw on the ISDJ's entire course catalogue - Built for professionals who move across sectors
If your work already touches climate, governance, health, gender and economic development, this programme reflects the way you actually operate.
SDGs for this Programme
13. CLIMATE ACTION
Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. With global emissions at record highs, SDG 13 focuses on strengthening resilience to climate-related hazards, integrating climate measures into policies, and improving education to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
16. PEACE, JUSTICE, AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS
Conflict, corruption, and weak governance trap millions in cycles of poverty and injustice. SDG 16 builds the foundations of peaceful, inclusive societies — transparent institutions, access to justice, and accountable leadership at every level.
17. PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS
The 2030 Agenda cannot be achieved by any nation alone. SDG 17 calls for strengthened global partnerships, technology transfer, debt relief for developing nations, and a fair multilateral system that gives every country a real seat at the table.
Programme Levels
Master's
- 6 core courses (18 credits)
- 4 electives (12 credits)
- 1 project (6 credits)
Total: 36 credits
56 learning weeks full-time, 96 learning weeks part-time
US$10,000
Postgraduate Diploma
- 5 core courses (15 credits, inclusive of PgCert courses)
- 2 elective courses (6 credits)
Total: 21 credits
US$7,500
Postgraduate Certificate
- 4 core courses
Total: 12 credits
US$3,500
What you'll learn
- Evaluate the drivers, dynamics and contested frameworks of sustainable development across environmental, social, economic and governance dimensions
- Apply climate change science, impacts and adaptation strategies to real policy and planning contexts, with a focus on the Caribbean and SIDS
- Critically assess governance structures, policy processes and the ethics of sustainability transitions
- Design and advocate for context-sensitive development solutions aligned with the UN SDGs
- Conduct and communicate independent applied research for academic, policy and professional audiences
- Build advanced competencies in at least one specialised area of your choosing climate, data, health, gender, sport, leadership or entrepreneurship
- Lead sustainability initiatives with reflective, ethical practice across institutions and communities
- LEARN MORE
Who Should Apply
Government and public sector officials
- responsible for national sustainable development planning, SDG reporting and climate policy, particularly in Caribbean and SIDS contexts
NGO and civil society professionals
- working across multiple sustainability themes — climate justice, gender equity, health and economic development — who need a flexible, multi-disciplinary qualification
Private sector sustainability professionals
- looking to deepen foundational competencies across environmental, governance and social dimensions
Educators, trainers and curriculum developers
- who need cross-cutting sustainability knowledge for formal and non-formal settings
Careers with purpose
Graduates are equipped to lead across:
- Sustainability policy and SDG reporting
- Multi-sector sustainability consulting
- Development and civil society programme leadership
- Sustainability research, training and curriculum development
- Government and international development agencies
You won't graduate as a specialist looking in from one angle — you'll graduate ready to work across all of them.
Option A: Degreed - Honours Applicants
- At least a bachelor's degree or equivalent from a university acceptable to The UWI
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Some programme options may require specific degrees for matriculation
Option B: Degreed - Pass Applicants
- Pass degree with at least two (2) years of post-degree work experience, particularly in a related field
- Some programme options may require specific degrees for matriculation
Option C: Technical/Professional Qualification
- Technical and/or professional qualification(s) from an approved body recognised by The UWI
- Minimum of two (2) years' experience
Option D: Non-Degreed or Certified Applicants
- Relevant work experience with at least five (5) years of management-level experience
- May be subject to interview
- Successful completion of pre-programme qualifying course (ISDJ6000 Foundations for Sustainability) required
