In a world where sustainability, ethics, and accountability increasingly define competitive advantage, organisations need leaders who can navigate complexity with confidence. At Regent European University San Marino, we've designed a programme for exactly that kind of leader.
Our Doctoral Programme in Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) is a six-month, fully online, doctoral-level pathway built for experienced professionals ready to shape the future of responsible business.
If you're driven to influence corporate strategy, champion sustainability, and lead meaningful transformation, this programme is your next step.
Why ESG Leadership Matters Now More Than Ever
Businesses across the globe are under pressure to demonstrate transparency, resilience, and responsibility. ESG is no longer a "nice to have" — it's a strategic imperative.
As the programme overview states, this pathway equips learners to "translate sustainability imperatives into measurable business value" and lead organisations toward "responsible and resilient business practices."
This is your opportunity to become the kind of leader who not only understands ESG frameworks but can embed them into the DNA of an organisation.
A Doctoral-Level Experience Designed for Impact
This specialist pathway is academically rigorous, professionally relevant, and intentionally crafted for senior leaders. Over 30 ECTS (60 UK credits), you will:
Develop Deep Expertise In:
- ESG frameworks, reporting standards, and regulatory environments
- Climate risk assessment, carbon accounting, and transition planning
- Corporate governance models and sustainability-driven organisational behaviour
Build Advanced Leadership Capabilities To:
- Lead ESG transformation initiatives
- Navigate complex stakeholder expectations
- Inspire organisational change and long-term value creation
Strengthen Your Research Excellence Through:
- Embedded doctoral research across three specialist modules
- A supervised research portfolio
- A final defence before expert examiners
The programme's intended learning outcomes highlight the depth of development, from "strategic analysis and critical evaluation" to "original problem-solving and innovation."
A Modern, Flexible, Fully Online Learning Experience
Our hybrid online model blends flexibility with academic rigour. You'll engage with:
- Short microlectures
- Peer-led discussions
- Applied practice labs
- Case studies and problem-based learning
- Expert tutor guidance and feedback
Teaching is designed to "advance doctoral-level analytical perspectives" while supporting "student-centred, autonomous learning."
Whether you're balancing a demanding career or global travel, this programme adapts to your schedule without compromising depth or quality.
Programme Structure at a Glance
You'll progress through:
1. Foundations of Doctoral Research
A four-week module that sets the stage for advanced inquiry.
2. Three Specialist ESG Modules
Each six weeks long, covering:
- Models and theories of corporate governance
- Cultures and structures of sustainability
- Internal and external organisational behaviours
3. Doctoral Research Portfolio Integration
An eight-week supervised module where your learning culminates in a coherent, defendable research portfolio.
Who Should Apply?
This programme is ideal for:
- Senior managers and executives
- Sustainability and ESG professionals
- Consultants and policy advisors
- Leaders responsible for governance, risk, or corporate strategy
Entry requirements include an MBA or equivalent master's degree and at least five years of professional leadership experience.
If you're committed to advancing your practice and contributing original insights to the field, you'll thrive here.
A Global, Accredited Qualification
Accredited by the State Congress of the Republic of San Marino, this programme is delivered entirely in English and welcomes learners from around the world. With a competitive fee of €4,000 and no additional charges, it offers exceptional value for a doctoral-level qualification.
Become the ESG Leader Organisations Need
This is more than a degree — it's a launchpad for leaders who want to shape a sustainable, ethical, and prosperous future. If you're ready to elevate your expertise and influence real change, we invite you to join us in June 2026.
Your journey toward advanced ESG leadership starts here.