Sustainability Is Not a Topic – It's a Way of Thinking

For decades, the world has followed a simple rule: make, use, dispose. But the next generation of leaders is no longer willing to play by the outdated principles of the linear economy. The Economics and Sustainable Management (ESM) Master's programme equips students with the knowledge and practical tools to turn sustainable thinking into real-world action. Discover what studying ESM is like through the experiences of Sára, Tereza and En Ling.

Sustainability Is About Human Values

When Sára Bráchová enrolled in the programme, she already understood that the world was facing major environmental challenges. What she discovered during her studies, however, was a much broader perspective. She realised that sustainable management is far more than a corporate agenda – it is fundamentally about people, values and responsibility.

"Studying ESM showed me that sustainability isn't just about the environment. It's primarily about people, values and taking responsibility for the world we are creating together."

Sára describes this shift in perspective as the most memorable part of her studies. Once you understand how deeply everything is interconnected, sustainability naturally becomes part of your everyday decisions – in business, in personal life and in the way you build relationships with others.

At NEWTON University, Master's students regularly work with data that can often paint a worrying picture of the future. Rather than leaving her discouraged, Sára found something entirely different: a community of inspiring people and organisations that are genuinely making a positive impact.

"What I enjoyed most was the connection between theory and practice. It wasn't about memorising definitions, but about understanding how things relate to one another in the real world and working on a wide variety of projects. During my studies, I also learned how to evaluate information critically, verify sources and recognise misinformation more effectively. I believe these are among the most important skills anyone can develop today."

This broader perspective has taught her not to settle for quick or superficial answers. Above all, she leaves the programme with the ability to pause, look beneath the surface and balance economic ambitions with respect for nature and the planet's finite resources.

A More Conscious Way of Living

For Tereza Plíšková, sustainability has become the foundation of both her personal and professional identity. The Master's programme was not simply the next step in her education; it became an important pillar in building her own sustainable brand, soulo. Her story demonstrates that the circular economy and a slower, more mindful lifestyle are not idealistic concepts but viable foundations for modern entrepreneurship.

"Studying ESM reinforced my belief that a conscious and slower way of living truly makes sense. It strengthened my determination to seek less consumer-driven approaches and more circular alternatives, both in my personal life and in the soulo brand I'm building. I believe that until we discover our own sense of purpose, we'll continue chasing consumption and trends because nothing else will truly satisfy us. In many ways, that's exactly what this programme is about."

Tereza's experience shows that truly successful strategies are built on purpose, mindful consumption and long-term thinking.

A Global Conversation

Sustainability cannot be addressed within the borders of a single country. It is a global challenge and one that concerns every one of us. That is why the ESM programme is taught entirely in English, bringing an international perspective into every classroom at NEWTON University.

En Ling Hsiung, who joined the university from Taiwan, experienced this first-hand. Spending four months studying in the heart of Europe significantly shaped both her personal growth and professional confidence.

"During these four months, I've become more independent, more confident and more mature. The biggest change is that I understand myself much better and have a clearer idea of what I want to do in the future. I spent a great deal of time on my own here, and those quiet moments helped me reflect on the direction I want my life to take."

What surprised En Ling most was the radically different teaching style. While education systems in Asia are often highly structured and based on the authority of the lecturer, at NEWTON University she encountered a culture of open dialogue and equal partnership.

"Here, students are encouraged to speak up and share their thoughts. There is much more space for discussion and expressing personal opinions. Both teachers and classmates genuinely listen to you. This is very different from Asia, where students usually do not speak much during classes."

A key factor in her transformation was the supportive and human approach of our academic director, lecturer and sustainability ambassador Ludmila Hruban, who helped En Ling overcome her initial hesitation and build confidence in presenting her ideas. Her experience was further enriched by participation in two expert workshops, which gave her exchange stay a deeper sense of purpose.

"I watch with immense pride as our new Master's programme, Economics and Sustainable Management (ESM), flourishes. We have completed our first year, and the students have learned to seek innovative and sustainable solutions for 21st-century business. The thesis topics I have the honour of supervising are clear proof of this. The upcoming work of my students—ranging from sustainable design in gastronomy and sustainable production in international manufacturing to brand building in the wellbeing sector—presents absolutely fascinating projects with huge business potential. At the same time, I can feel that these students have gained far more self-confidence as women."

The programme lasts three semesters, with the entire final semester dedicated to writing the master's thesis and completing an intensive internship that students can spend anywhere in the world.

"By teaching the students myself, I see their immediate progress and connect them directly with real-world projects. A great example was our joint Sustainable Tour. Watching the growth of these young talents is the greatest reward for me!" adds Ludmila.

Shaping the Future Together

The experiences of Sára, Tereza and En Ling all converge on a single point: the Economics and Sustainable Management programme at NEWTON University develops critical thinking, helps students build an international network, and gives them the courage to challenge established ways of thinking.

Discover more about the Economics and Sustainable Management programme or apply today.

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