The ISDJ’s Sustainable Development and Justice program is built for those ready to transform the way the world works.
This fully online program empowers you to lead just transitions across communities, institutions and industries by integrating climate action, social equity, economic innovation and reparative development. Designed for leaders in policy, advocacy, enterprise and education, this program is your platform to drive impact at scale – from the Caribbean to the world.
Why choose Sustainable Development and Justice at the ISDJ?
- Justice is the foundation
Our approach is rooted in empathy, equity and reparation. Sustainability at the ISDJ is holistic, addressing poverty, health, climate, gender and governance through an intersectional lens. - Global thinking, Caribbean leadership
We deliver sustainability education from those who understand the consequences of inaction. From small island resilience to global negotiations, Caribbean expertise drives real-world relevance. - Interdisciplinary and systems-focused
This isn’t siloed learning. You’ll connect environmental science, economics, law, policy and activism to solve complex global challenges. - Designed for impact
Whether you’re shaping policy, building business or mobilising communities, you’ll leave ready to translate the SDGs into bold, actionable strategies.
SDGs for this Programme
1. NO POVERTY
Over 700 million people still live on less than $2.15 a day. SDG 1 calls for universal social protection, access to basic services, and economic inclusion — ensuring no one is left behind regardless of geography, gender, or circumstance.
4. QUALITY EDUCATION
300 million children worldwide cannot read or write. SDG 4 goes beyond access — it demands inclusive, equitable, quality learning at every level, equipping people with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
5. GENDER EQUALITY
Gender-based discrimination costs the global economy trillions annually. SDG 5 targets the elimination of violence, harmful practices, and systemic barriers — championing women's full and equal participation in political, economic, and public life.
10. REDUCED INEQUALITIES
The richest 1% hold more wealth than the bottom 50% combined. SDG 10 targets income inequality, discriminatory laws, and unequal access to opportunity — within countries and between them — building a world where progress is shared by all.
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)
- 2 electives (6 credits)
Total: 21 credits
32 learning weeks full-time, 56 learning weeks part-time
US$7,500
Postgraduate Certificate
- 4 core courses (12 credits)
Total: 12 credits
16 learning weeks full-time, 32 learning weeks part-time
US$3,500
What you'll learn
- Theories and frameworks of sustainable development and justice
- Policy innovation and governance for the SDGs
- Climate change, resource management and environmental law
- Equity, inclusion and intersectionality in sustainable transitions
- Systems thinking, leadership and change management
- Monitoring and evaluation of sustainable development initiatives
- LEARN MORE
Who Should Apply
Policy analysts, advocates and legal professionals
- working on governance, human rights, rule of law or institutional reform who want to deepen their expertise and expand their impact at the national, regional or international level
Conflict resolution and peacebuilding practitioners
- in government, civil society or international organisations who need advanced analytical tools and strategies to address violence, insecurity and social inequity
International development specialists
- focused on governance, accountability and SDG 16 who want a globally competitive qualification grounded in the realities of the Global South
Public sector professionals and community organizers
- in the Caribbean and beyond who are working to build more just, inclusive and peaceful societies and need the knowledge and skills to lead that work more effectively
Careers with purpose
ISDJ graduates lead in roles such as:
- Sustainability policy advisor
- ESG and CSR strategist
- Programme director at NGOs and IGOs
- Environmental justice advocate
- Development consultant or researcher
- Impact evaluation and reporting lead
You won’t just study systems – you’ll learn how to change them.
Admissions Requirements
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 required
