Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues are among the most sharply debated questions, significantly influencing investment decisions, corporate practices, and government policies. Companies are turning to new approaches such as data science to manage environmental challenges, especially with a surge of EU regulations related to ESG sustainability reporting requirements. This push for business to run more sustainably is rapidly expanding the ESG job market. In the last year, 668,839 active job postings were reported for “Environment-related” roles, with 52.11% of openings for mid to senior-level positions (GlobalData Plc, 2024).
Modul University Vienna’s pioneering MSc programme
As a pioneer, Modul University Vienna proudly introduces its innovative Master of Science (MSc) programme in Data Science for Sustainability, commencing in Fall 2025 (pending accreditation) to address emerging environmental concerns by equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage complex sustainability challenges through data-driven solutions. By supporting sustainability applications with data analysis, the programme teaches making decisions that guide measurable and responsible business practices.
Comprehensive curriculum
The MSc in Data Science for Sustainability is a comprehensive two-year programme that combines academic coursework with practical experience. The curriculum is structured to provide a solid foundation in data science while emphasising its application in sustainability impact of business activities and circular economy principles.
Students will engage in a variety of core and elective courses, internships, and a master thesis project, all conducted in English. The programme also has a strong focus on communication skills so that graduates can present the results in a clear, concise, and actionable manner. With its comprehensive curriculum and interdisciplinary approach (data mining, machine learning, computational statistical methods, IT, economics, and natural science), the programme is structured to produce graduates who are ready to make a significant impact in the field of sustainability.
Students learn to interpret the results from empirical data to strategise, operate, and implement solutions related to ESG in various industries. The core courses are designed to build a strong foundation in data science and sustainability, and include:
- Foundations of Data Science: An introduction to the fundamental concepts and techniques in data science.
- Information Visualisation: Techniques for visualising complex data to make it understandable and actionable.
- Computational Modelling of Social Systems: Methods for modelling and analysing social systems using computational tools.
- Machine Learning I & II: Comprehensive coverage of machine learning algorithms and their applications.
- Principles of Sustainability and Economic Development: An exploration of the principles underlying sustainable development and their economic implications.
- Sustainability Analytics Project: A hands-on project where students apply data science techniques to real-world sustainability problems.
A significant part of the programme is the master thesis, where students conduct independent research on a topic related to data science and sustainability. The thesis project is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to apply scientific methods and tools to solve complex problems.
Students can further tailor their education to their interests by choosing from three specialisations:
- Sustainable Management and Policy
- Digital Marketing
- Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Leadership
Graduates of the MSc in Data Science for Sustainability programme will be well-prepared for careers in various sectors, including environmental consulting, government agencies, non-profit organisations, and various industries. They will be ready to carry out large-scale empirical analysis of data collected from real systems. The programme also provides a solid base for those wishing to pursue further studies at PhD level.
The programme includes an optional internship component, allowing students to gain practical experience in a professional setting. Internships are designed to complement the academic curriculum and provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Additionally, Modul University Vienna offers an Industry Excellence Programme for its high-performing MSc students. Through this programme, students are assigned a professional in a higher managerial position within a company from the industry. The professional mentors the student and works alongside them for a semester.
Career opportunities
Circular economy and ESG reporting require a completely different mindset in boardrooms, and our MSc in Data Science for Sustainability programme graduates will be able to contribute to the sustainable data-driven culture, transitioning to a sustainable economy. As the market in this sector is growing due to increasing reporting and compliance requirements combined with environmental factors involved in investment decisions, the new study programme warrants work-readiness. The potential job opportunities include:
- Data Scientist at a Sustainability Consultancy
- Sustainability Analytics Manager
- Quantitative ESG Analyst
- Quantitative ESG Expert
- Sustainability Analyst/Expert
- Data Analytics Expert
- Procurement Manager Sustainability
- Regulatory Sustainability Reporting Specialist
- Global Sustainability Reporting Manager
- Sustainability Specialist for Impact
- Sustainability Data Analyst
For more information and to apply, please visit Modul University Vienna’s website.
