Last Update : December 1, 2024
Introduction: A Comprehensive Academic Framework for Sustainable Development
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has developed a comprehensive portfolio of dedicated courses, degree programs, and specialized certifications that enable students to pursue sustainability and Sustainable Development Goals as their primary academic pathway or as meaningful electives within their chosen discipline. This multi-tiered approach ensures that sustainability education is available to students at all levels—from undergraduate students exploring sustainability as an elective option, to master’s and doctoral candidates pursuing specialized expertise in sustainable development, renewable energy, environmental management, and related fields.
Doctoral Degrees: Full-Time PhD Programs in Sustainable Development
The flagship doctoral program at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is the E4Life PhD in Sustainable Development, offered by the Amrita School for Sustainable Futures. This fully funded doctoral program represents one of the most significant institutional commitments to sustainability education globally. The program offers over 100 fully funded fellowships annually through the E4Life International Fellowship, with an annual endowment of $5.1 million that covers complete tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and research grants for all doctoral scholars.
The E4Life PhD is designed for candidates from diverse disciplinary backgrounds who wish to pursue research addressing pressing global sustainability challenges. The program integrates a comprehensive yet flexible “Experiential Learning Curriculum” that enables doctoral researchers to translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions implemented in rural communities. Candidates are encouraged to modify and improve their research ideas in collaboration with their allocated guides, resulting in the implementation of working and sustainable technological solutions that address real problems identified in villages.
The program structure encompasses two complementary modules: an academic module requiring relevant coursework completed as suggested by the doctoral committee, and an essential experiential learning module in which candidates spend a minimum of one year living and conducting research in a village in India. This innovative approach ensures that doctoral research is grounded in real-world context and contributes to genuine sustainable development outcomes.
The E4Life PhD program offers doctoral research opportunities across multiple thematic areas aligned with specific Sustainable Development Goals. These research areas include Climate Change and Resilience, Water Sustainability, Energy Sustainability, Sustainable Agriculture and Livelihood, Waste Management and Waste-to-Wealth initiatives, Artificial Intelligence for Social Good, Education pedagogy and technology, Healthcare Access, Information and Communication Technology Solutions for Communities, Marine Ecosystem and Blue Economy, and Living Culture and Heritage preservation.
The first cohort of E4Life PhD graduates successfully completed their doctorates in critical and socially relevant areas including climate resilience, tribal welfare, public health, food security, gender equity, and sustainable agriculture. This inaugural class included 23 scholars from nine countries—India, Zambia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Ghana, Iran, Tanzania, and the United Kingdom—many representing disadvantaged or underrepresented communities. The first batch of graduates produced 210 research papers, demonstrating the exceptional research productivity of the program.
The program is integrated under the framework of the Amrita School for Sustainable Futures and the UNESCO Chair on Experiential Learning for Sustainable Innovation and Development, ensuring alignment with international best practices and recognition by global organizations committed to sustainable development education and research.
The E4Life PhD program welcomes applications from international and Indian candidates. One of the core eligibility criteria requires candidates to hold a Master’s degree or be in the final semester of a Master’s program. The program particularly values professional experience, especially involvement with NGOs or demonstrated strong domain knowledge in sustainability-related fields. All admitted candidates receive full E4Life fellowship support, eliminating financial barriers to pursuing advanced research in sustainable development.
Master’s Degrees: Specialized Graduate Programs in Sustainability
Amrita offers a specialized two-year Master of Technology degree in Power and Energy Engineering with focus on Smart Grids and Electric Vehicles, directly addressing SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy). This program, offered by the Amrita School of Engineering, prepares engineers to design and implement sustainable energy systems that are critical for global energy transition.
The curriculum emphasizes various specializations including Smart Power Grids, Sustainable and Renewable Energy, Electric Vehicle technology, and Energy Storage systems. Through laboratory-oriented courses, students gain insight into real-time energy systems and develop thorough understanding of how renewable energy sources, smart technologies, and energy storage solutions integrate into intelligent power grids of the future.
Core courses in the program include Software-Based Numerical Computation Methods, Smart Power Grids, Sustainable and Renewable Energy Technology, Power Electronic Converters for Smart Grids and Electric Vehicles, Electric Vehicle Technology, and Digital Signal Controllers. This comprehensive curriculum prepares graduates for employment in power and energy sectors, communication infrastructure, smart grid development, electric transport, petroleum industry, and energy management and conservation.
Amrita also offers a dedicated two-year Master of Technology program in Renewable Energy Technologies, specifically designed for engineers and scientists seeking advanced expertise in solar, wind, biomass, and emerging renewable energy systems. The program, offered by the Amrita School of Engineering at Coimbatore, provides comprehensive training in renewable energy assessment, system design, and implementation.
The program accepts candidates with B.Tech or M.Sc degrees in various engineering and science disciplines, ensuring interdisciplinary participation. With a total intake of 18 students per batch, the program maintains a balance between rigorous academics and personalized mentorship.
Amrita offers a master’s degree in Energy Science, designed to provide comprehensive training in energy systems, renewable energy technologies, and sustainable energy management. This program addresses the urgent need for professionals who understand both traditional and renewable energy systems and can design solutions for the global energy challenge.
The M.Sc. program in Nanoelectronics and Nanoengineering, with specialization in energy science, is offered by the Amrita School of Nanosciences and Molecular Medicine (ASNSMM)—a research school recognized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India. This two-year program focuses on emerging nanotechnologies applied to energy challenges including photovoltaics, batteries, supercapacitors, and related energy storage systems.
The program curriculum includes specialized electives such as Emerging Nano-manufacturing Technologies, Nano-carbon and Nanocomposites, and Hydrogen Energy: Production, Storage, and Applications. Each student completes approximately one year of hands-on independent research leading to a thesis, providing substantial practical experience in cutting-edge energy nanotechnology research.
Recognizing the critical importance of business leadership in driving sustainability transition, Amrita offers an innovative two-year Online MBA in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), developed in collaboration with Grant Thornton. This AICTE-approved program equips working professionals with expertise in sustainable business transformation, impactful investment strategies, ethical governance, and corporate sustainability leadership.
The Online MBA in ESG curriculum spans four semesters with flexible completion options ranging from 2 to 4 years, accommodating working professionals. The program structure combines traditional business fundamentals with specialized ESG expertise. Semester 1 covers management fundamentals, human resources, marketing, and ESG foundations. Semester 2 focuses on business finance, operations, data-driven decision-making, and corporate governance. Semester 3 includes international business, business analytics, ESG in business sustainability, and ESG in investment strategies. Semester 4, the capstone, covers advanced ESG specialization including sustainability governance, ESG applications in key industries, ESG analytics, and risk management compliance.
Specialized ESG electives include Business Sustainability and ESG Foundations, Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility and Ethics, ESG in Business Sustainability (with focus on Indian and global contexts), ESG in Investments and Digital Transformation, ESG in Key Industries, ESG Analytics, and ESG Risk Management and Compliance. The program is backed by Amrita’s NAAC A++ accreditation and recognition as India’s 7th-ranked university, with access to international study abroad opportunities and comprehensive placement assistance.
PG Diploma in Waste Management and Environmental Hygiene
Amrita offers a one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Waste Management and Environmental Hygiene, designed to develop specialized expertise in waste management strategies and environmental hygiene practices critical for achieving SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being).
The curriculum provides knowledge on waste management logistics, waste segregation, municipal solid waste management, hotel waste management, construction and demolition waste, and waste recycling and reuse technologies. The program specifically targets developing skills in recycling technologies and waste-to-wealth initiatives, equipping graduates to work in environmental management, waste governance, and circular economy development.
The diploma is open to candidates who have completed undergraduate programs in any subject from recognized Indian or foreign universities with a minimum of 50% marks. The program maintains strong placement support from leading organizations and develops practitioners capable of addressing one of the most critical sustainability challenges in developing economies.
Certificate Course on Building Disaster Resilience and Social Responsibility through Experiential Learning
Recognizing the urgent need to build community capacity for disaster risk reduction and climate resilience, the Amrita School for Sustainable Futures launched an innovative four-day certificate course on Building Disaster Resilience and Social Responsibility through Experiential Learning, conducted in collaboration with the UNESCO Chair on Experiential Learning for Sustainable Innovation and Development.
The course provides comprehensive awareness on climate change, natural disasters, and disaster prevention through practical learning experiences. Participants gain training in cutting-edge disaster prevention methods utilizing state-of-the-art tools and equipment, learn disaster monitoring systems, and receive first aid training preparing them for real-world emergency scenarios. The curriculum is designed based on the Sustainable Development Index and disaster management guidelines set by central and state governments.
The course follows a Train-the-Trainer model, equipping participants—including disaster management team members, teachers, youth leaders, and students—to become champions of disaster resilience in their communities. The first cohort consisted of 25 participants from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Classes are led by experts from the Amrita School for Sustainable Futures, Amrita Centre for Wireless Networks and Applications, and Amrita Hospital, Kochi, ensuring multidisciplinary expertise and practical applicability.
Certificate Course on Energy, Climate Change, and Resilient Futures
Through the UNESCO Chair on Experiential Learning for Sustainable Innovation and Development, Amrita offers executive education certificate courses on Resilient Futures addressing climate change impacts, energy sustainability, and climate resilience. These programs, developed in collaboration with leading academic and industry experts, provide professionals with practical tools for understanding climate risks and implementing resilient solutions across diverse sectors.
Sustainability Minor Program
The Board of Studies at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham approved establishment of a formal Minor program in Sustainability for undergraduate students. This program, with enrollment beginning in 2026, will enable students from any discipline to pursue sustainability as a focused track within their undergraduate degree. The sustainability minor will provide structured coursework in foundational sustainable development concepts, SDG literacy, applied sustainability solutions, and specialized topics aligned with students’ primary disciplines.
The sustainability minor represents a significant institutional commitment to ensuring that all undergraduate students, regardless of their major, have the opportunity to develop deep expertise in sustainability concepts and practices. This program particularly benefits engineering students, business students, social sciences students, biotechnology students, and medical students who wish to integrate sustainability into their professional expertise.
Discipline-Specific Sustainability Electives
Beyond the formal minor program, Amrita offers numerous sustainability-focused electives embedded within disciplinary programs across the university. These electives provide students the flexibility to explore sustainability topics relevant to their specific field of study.
Engineering Sustainability Electives
Students in engineering programs can select electives in Sustainable and Renewable Energy Technology, which covers solar radiation measurements, photovoltaic cell modeling, grid-connected solar systems, advanced solar technologies, wind energy systems, and national renewable energy missions. Additional engineering electives address Environmental Science and Sustainability, covering ecosystem services, sustainable communities, sustainable cities, green buildings, and conservation strategies.
Business and Management Sustainability Electives
Business students have access to specialized electives in corporate sustainability, business ethics, environmental management, and stakeholder engagement. The courses emphasize business case studies demonstrating how organizations successfully integrate sustainability into strategy, operations, and governance.
Medicine and Healthcare Sustainability Electives
Medical and healthcare students can pursue electives addressing health impacts of climate change, environmental health, sustainable healthcare systems, and community health interventions addressing SDG-related challenges.
Science and Mathematics Sustainability Electives
Science students have opportunities to explore sustainability through electives in environmental science, climate science, ecology, water resources management, and sustainable agriculture. These courses ground sustainability concepts in rigorous scientific frameworks.
Live-in-Labs® Curriculum Integration
While discussed elsewhere in Amrita’s sustainability documentation, it is important to note that Live-in-Labs® serves as a comprehensive experiential learning pathway through which students from any discipline can structure their engagement with sustainability. Available for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD students, the Live-in-Labs® program operates as four multidisciplinary courses (Live-in-Labs® I through IV) that can be pursued as electives or integrated into degree requirements.
In the current academic year, over 450 undergraduate students from diverse disciplines—including engineering, social sciences, business, biotechnology, and medicine—are participating in Live-in-Labs® courses. Additionally, more than 50 master’s and 40 PhD students are actively engaged in the program. This multidisciplinary approach has resulted in numerous impactful community solutions that contribute significantly to localized SDG progress.
Energy Sustainability Thrust Area Group (TAG)
The Energy Sustainability Thrust Area Group (TAG) within Amrita’s research infrastructure drives cutting-edge research and capacity building in renewable energy systems, energy storage, biofuels, waste-to-energy conversion, carbon capture, and green hydrogen technologies. The TAG maintains a robust portfolio of internally and externally funded projects totaling INR 3.8 crore (~$165,000 USD) and has produced high-quality publications, patents, and international partnerships.
Future expansion plans include research into smart grids, hybrid renewable systems, and the water-energy nexus, alongside establishment of specialized laboratories for hydrogen production, battery storage, and carbon utilization. Through energy-related courses, student projects, and research internships, the TAG provides students with opportunities to engage with cutting-edge energy sustainability challenges.
Climate Change and Resilience Research Programs
Amrita’s research infrastructure includes robust capacity in climate change adaptation, resilience building, and climate risk assessment. Faculty and graduate students engage in research addressing climate impacts on water resources, agricultural productivity, community vulnerability, and infrastructure resilience. Research conducted at Amrita has examined the impact of climate change on regional water availability and demand for agricultural production, using advanced water footprint and hydrological modeling approaches.
National Workshops on Water Sustainability Education
Recognizing that education for sustainable development must extend beyond campus boundaries, Amrita conducted national workshops on water sustainability education that reached 500 participants from 15 states. These workshops, held during World Water Day celebrations, included specialized training for school and college teachers on incorporating water sustainability into their curricula, practical water audit projects, and development of conservation models and awareness campaigns.
The university developed and distributed a comprehensive “Water Sustainability Toolkit” containing educational materials, guidelines for implementing water conservation projects, and resources for measuring the impact of sustainability initiatives. These capacity-building initiatives extend sustainability education to educators and communities well beyond the university campus.
UNESCO Chair Training and Certification Programs
Through the UNESCO Chair on Experiential Learning for Sustainable Innovation and Development, Amrita delivers specialized training and certification programs in areas including Sustainable Development, Disaster Resilience, and Energy Literacy. Over 1,200 community leaders, educators, government officials, and development practitioners have participated in these programs.
Research Areas within the School for Sustainable Futures
The Amrita School for Sustainable Futures operates research initiatives across nine primary thematic areas directly aligned with Sustainable Development Goals:
Climate Change & Resilience addresses climate adaptation strategies, community vulnerability assessment, and resilience-building interventions aligned with SDG 13 (Climate Action). Water Sustainability encompasses water resource management, water-energy nexus research, and community water security initiatives supporting SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). Energy Sustainability encompasses renewable energy systems, energy efficiency, and energy access in rural communities, advancing SDG 7. Sustainable Agriculture & Livelihood programs support agricultural productivity, food security, and community income generation aligned with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 1 (No Poverty).
Waste Management and Waste-to-Wealth initiatives develop technologies and processes that transform waste materials into valuable resources, supporting SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Artificial Intelligence for Social Good applies machine learning and data science to solve sustainability and development challenges. Education, Pedagogy, and Technology programs examine how to transform education systems to develop sustainability competencies and agency among learners. Healthcare Access research and programs address health system strengthening, community health promotion, and health equity aligned with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being). ICT Solutions for Communities develop information and communication technologies tailored to community needs for sustainable development.
Additional research areas include Marine Ecosystem and Blue Economy initiatives supporting ocean health and sustainable fisheries (SDG 14), and Living Culture and Heritage preservation maintaining cultural diversity and community identities while supporting sustainable development.
Support for Faculty and Academic Development
Recognizing that dedicated courses and programs require capable educators, Amrita has invested in faculty development programs focused on green technology, sustainability engineering, and education for sustainable development. AICTE-sponsored Faculty Development Programmes on “Green Technology and Sustainability Engineering” have been conducted to enhance educator capacity in these critical areas.
A Comprehensive Portfolio for Sustainability Education
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has developed an exceptionally comprehensive portfolio of dedicated courses, degree programs, and specialized certifications enabling students to pursue sustainability and the SDGs as their primary academic pathway or as meaningful components of their chosen discipline. From the fully-funded E4Life PhD in Sustainable Development offering 100+ fellowships annually, to specialized master’s programs in renewable energy and ESG management, to undergraduate sustainability minors and electives, to short-term certificate programs for community capacity building, the university provides multiple entry points and pathways for students to develop deep expertise in sustainable development.
This comprehensive academic framework reflects Amrita’s institutional understanding that addressing the Sustainable Development Goals requires not only individual courses on sustainability, but rather systematic integration of sustainability throughout the academy combined with dedicated pathways for students seeking specialized expertise in sustainability fields. The combination of rigorous academic training, experiential learning through Live-in-Labs®, research engagement through Thrust Area Groups and thematic centers, and community-focused capacity building programs positions Amrita graduates as leaders prepared to drive global sustainability transition.