National University of Singapore pioneers Master’s programme in healthcare sustainability

Healthcare has become a global priority, shaped by emerging challenges like climate change, pollution, and an ageing population. The demand for medical services is rising at an unsustainable pace, driven by expanded access to care and the growing burden of chronic diseases. According to the World Economic Forum¹, climate change alone could contribute to 14.5 million additional deaths and $12.5 trillion in economic losses by 2050. There is an urgent need for sustainable healthcare solutions that can reshape the industry and ensure long-term resilience. More than eight in 10 (82%) of clinicians surveyed said they support action to tackle climate change in Singapore’s healthcare system, while nine in 10 want Singapore to be a champion of net zero healthcare. With 85 out of 120 of the world’s top publicly listed companies in biotech, health, and pharma sectors having climate pledges or strategies in place, healthcare-sustainable jobs are expected to be on the rise.
Understanding the importance of sustainable healthcare, the National University of Singapore has launched a first-of-its-kind by the Centre for Sustainable Medicine at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUSMed). This Master's programme offers a deep understanding of how global environmental systems affect human health, along with a strong foundation in sustainable healthcare practices. Candidates will also develop analytical skills, including carbon accounting in healthcare systems. The programme features a range of specialised, interdisciplinary modules while allowing candidates the flexibility to customise their learning experience to align with their personal and professional goals. Its core modules cover practical skills such as conducting life cycle assessments, strategies to manage the low carbon transition in healthcare and the application of ISO14040 standards.
Professor Nick Watts, Director of CoSM at NUS Medicine, said, “The future of healthcare and medicine lies in the fine balance between two critical factors. First, we have to ensure patients are protected from the devastating impacts of climate change. At the same time, health systems need to be transformed to deliver care in a more sustainable way, from the surgeon’s reprocessed scalpel to the general practitioner’s online clinic. With the healthcare sector responsible for over 10% of the international economy, changes made at home have far-reaching impacts that scale to make a global difference. Our education programmes will nurture a generation of sustainability leaders in healthcare who are equipped and ready to pioneer this transition into a low-carbon future.”
Why take up NUS Master of Science in Sustainable Healthcare (MSc-SH)?
Since Singapore has eased the path to permanent residency for international students², the country is one of the most preferred destinations for Indian students who want to settle down for a prosperous life. Thus, for education, the National University of Singapore is an ideal choice.
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is ranked among the best universities in the world, with Quacquarelli Symonds rating 19 of its programmes in the world’s top 10³ The University has attracted S$956.1 million in research funding and published 12,707 research papers in a year⁴. Reuters named it one of the Asia Pacific’s Most Innovative Universities⁵.
With this programme, candidates would get an opportunity to learn from and network with global experts from the World Health Organization, The Lancet, and national Governments in the United Kingdom, Singapore, and across the world.
The programme prepares students for a career in sustainability — the second fastest-growing job market in the world (Future of Jobs Report, World Economic Forum).
The programme also includes capstone projects designed for students to apply the knowledge they have gained in real-world situations, aligning with their career goals.
What new job roles will NUS Master of Science in Sustainable Healthcare (MSc-SH) programme open?
The study opens new job avenues and gives you a competitive edge in fields like clinical leadership, hospital management, research, public policy, and supply chains in medical and pharmaceutical industries.
Dr Amanda Zain, Deputy Director of CoSM at NUS Medicine emphasises that “to truly accelerate the shift to sustainable healthcare, professionals need to be fluent in designing new workflows in their spheres of influence, with data-backed strategies. Our vision is for the programmes to act as a springboard in their careers, preparing and positioning them as catalysts to drive measurable change.”
This programme will set you up for a successful pathway in key roles such as: Chief Sustainability Officer, Director of Public Health, Senior Health Policy Officer, Clinical Director of Sustainability, Sustainable Innovation Manager, Healthcare Procurement Lead, Research Fellow in Sustainable Healthcare, Senior Energy and Carbon Analyst.
What is the programme structure?
The MSc-SH programme is a 40-Unit coursework-based Master’s Degree programme comprising core/essential courses (24 Units), and elective courses (16 Units). Core courses include subjects such as Principles of Sustainable Healthcare Practices, Foundations of Net Zero Analytics, Climate, Environment & Health, Delivering and Implementing Net Zero Healthcare, Sustainable Healthcare Implementation Project I and Sustainable Healthcare Implementation Project II.
The electives consist subjects such as Well & Green Built Environment, Evidence-informed Practice and Policies in Healthcare, Programme Evaluation in Health, Clinical Decision Support System, Advanced Value-Based Healthcare, Advanced Scientific Research Methods, Climate Change: The Science & the Policy, Sustainability & Climate Change, Energy and Sustainability: A Systems Approach, Design and Planning of Epidemiological Studies, Qualitative Methods in Public Health, Healthcare Operations and Management and Health Policy: A Systems Approach.
What is the programme eligibility?
Note: TOEFL / IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date and should not have expired at the point of application. Expired scores will not be considered for the application.
What are the fees and dates for the course?
Tuition fees: S$54,000.00 (excluding GST) / S$58,860.00 (including 9% GST)
Application fees: S$50.00 (including 9% GST) (Non-refundable and non-transferable)
Applications close on 7 March 2025.
Acceptance
S$5,000.00 (excluding GST)
Payable upon acceptance of offer
Non-refundable and non-transferable
Will be credited towards tuition fees
1.http://www.weforum.org/press/2024/01/wef24-climate-crisis-health/#:~:text=New%20World%20Economic%20Forum%20analysis,life%20years%20lost%20by%202050.
2.http://economictimes.jeetbetwin.com/nri/migrate/singapore-eases-path-to-permanent-residency-for-international-students/articleshow/112514697.cms?from=mdr
3.http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/nus-and-ntu-top-asian-universities-in-subject-rankings-again
4. http://nus.edu.sg/docs/default-source/annual-report/nus-annual-report-2024.pdf
5. http://www.reuters.com/graphics/ASIA-UNIVERSITY-INNOVATION/0100B02G03Z/
Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of the National University of Singapore by Times Internet’s Spotlight team.