On-campus program Economy - Sustainability - Transformation (B.A.) – University for Social Design

Who benefits from the Bachelor’s degree in Economics – Sustainability – Transformation?

The Bachelor's degree programme “Economics – Sustainability – Transformation” is aimed at prospective students who wish to actively shape the social, ecological and economic challenges of our time. The programme is particularly suitable for individuals who not only want to understand economic contexts but also further develop the economy in terms of a socio-ecological transformation and take responsibility for sustainable development. It addresses high school graduates with general or subject-specific university entrance qualifications as well as committed lateral entrants who want to critically engage with economics, politics, environment and society and seek an academic foundation for career fields in NGOs, politics, administration, consultancy or sustainable businesses.

What are the formal admission requirements for the course?

To enrol in the Bachelor's degree programme at the University of Social Design Koblenz, you need one of the following qualifications:

• General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
• Subject-specific higher education entrance qualification
• Advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife)
• As a professionally qualified applicant, you can be admitted if you have a recognised advanced training examination (e.g. master craftsman’s certificate) or an equivalent qualification. Details on special admissions routes and aptitude tests can be requested from the student advisory service.

The intake is possible at the start of the winter semester. No prior knowledge of economics is required; however, you should be able to provide the formal educational qualifications that entitle you to study at a university.

You should have an interest in economic, social and ecological issues and be willing to question existing economic models. Important are the ability for critical reflection, openness to new perspectives and enjoyment of interdisciplinary work. Communication skills, a willingness to actively participate in group and community processes as well as initiative – for example for projects, internships or student engagement – are helpful. Commitment to sustainability, eagerness for innovation and the motivation to drive change as part of a team are among the personal qualities that will make you successful in your studies.

What content shapes the Bachelor’s degree programme „Economics – Sustainability – Transformation“?

The focus of the Bachelor's degree programme at the Hochschule für Gesellschaftsgestaltung is an interdisciplinary approach that consistently intertwines economic thinking with sustainability and social-ecological transformation. You engage with plural economic approaches such as feminist, Marxist, institutionalist, (post-)Keynesian and economic sociology theory – complemented by the economic mainstream from economics and business administration. The programme opens up a 360-degree view of economy and society to you.

• In-depth study of Modern Monetary Theory, donut economics, the common good economy, care concepts, post-growth/degrowth, commons and social-ecological transformation
• Critical engagement with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and different forms of sustainable economic activity
• Discussion of societal challenges such as the climate crisis, inequality, crisis of democracy and global responsibility
• Development of transformative competence and your own positions at the intersection of science – practice – engagement
• Personal development: reflection on individual roles, fostering creative and social skills, strengthening conflict resolution skills and public presence

From the third semester onwards, you choose one of two specialisations:

• New economic thinking: Interdisciplinary reflection on economy and society, analysis of potentials for change at the societal level
• Transforming the economy: Practice-oriented focus on transformative processes in organisations, companies and NGOs

A strong practical orientation – e.g. through integrative seminars, projects or internships in politics, administration or NGOs – is central. Equally important is the exchange with pioneers of social change and actively shaping developments already during your studies.