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Deutsch Who is the Master's programme "Economics – Responsibility – Institutional Design" suitable for?
The Master's programme addresses individuals who want to rethink economics and actively shape institutions for societal change. Target groups are professionals and graduates who wish to work at the intersection of organisational development, sustainable entrepreneurship, and socio-ecological transformation. The programme is particularly suitable for people with a creative ambition, for example from the fields of non-profit organisations, purpose-driven companies, NGOs, social enterprises, or classical business, who want to take responsibility and support change processes.
What formal requirements apply for admission?
To gain admission, you need a first professional higher education degree, usually a bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification. The subject area of your first degree is open – graduates from economics, social sciences, environmental sciences, education or related disciplines are especially welcome. A formal minimum grade as well as the recognition of a foreign degree may be checked during the application process. Practical or voluntary experience in the field of societal, ecological, or organisational change is advantageous but not mandatory.
You should have an interest in sustainable, future-proof organisational forms and be prepared to actively participate in innovation projects. Communication skills, team spirit, and openness to interdisciplinary exchange are important, as many teaching formats are project-based and participatory. Initiative, a sense of responsibility, and the willingness to critically question existing structures are central qualities. Prior knowledge in sustainable economics, change management, or facilitation is helpful but not compulsory – more important is the willingness to actively help shape transformative practice.
What study contents await you in the Master's programme Economics – Responsibility – Institutional Design?
In the Master's programme Economics – Responsibility – Institutional Design at the Hochschule für Gesellschaftsgestaltung, the focus is on sustainable economy, social responsibility and the transformation of organisations. The programme prepares you to creatively change existing institutions and to develop new forms of communal economy. You will deepen the following areas of focus:
- Plural Economics: You will learn about various economic approaches beyond classical business administration and economics and analyse the challenges of sustainable development.
- Responsible Entrepreneurship: Practice-oriented know-how on purpose-driven companies, social & sustainable entrepreneurship and new business models with social added value.
- Institutional Design & Change Management: Training in facilitation, organisational development and change management – you actively participate in change processes and learn how sustainable transformation succeeds.
- Process Design & Innovation Practice: Concrete implementation of innovation projects in NGOs or companies. Here you will acquire practical methods for institutional hacking.
- Purpose and Personality Development: You reflect on your motives, enhance your communicative skills and strengthen your ability to take responsibility.
- Cross-Contextual Topics: In Master Classes, you deepen current issues such as New Work, digital transformation and sustainable economy in small groups.
The modular structure with a focus on practice, theory, personality development and innovative working methods enables you to independently and reflectively manage change processes.
How is the course schedule and organisation structured?
The Master's programme extends over 4 semesters full-time and comprises 120 ECTS credits. The content is shaped by the following organisational structure:
- Block courses: On-site teaching in fixed blocks enables focused work and intensive exchange in small groups.
- Practical elements: From the first semester, you will implement your own or group projects with partner organisations – both in non-profit and economic institutions.
- Blended learning: Selected modules combine on-campus phases with digital learning offers, for example in the Master Classes on current transformation topics.
- Accompanying personality development: You go through reflection units and coaching elements to specifically strengthen yourself for the challenges of societal transformation processes.
- Final thesis: At the end of the programme, you write a Master's thesis in which you work on an independent innovation or research project in practice and theory.
The structure promotes initiative, teamwork and intensive application of what has been learned in real contexts.
What career paths does the Master's programme Economics – Responsibility – Institutional Design open up for you?
With your Master's degree, you open up a wide range of career opportunities in the transformation of economy and society. Typical fields of activity are:
- Organisational development and change management in companies, associations or NGOs – you design, accompany and supervise change processes.
- Consulting and facilitation – you moderate workshops, lead transformation projects and act as an interface between practice, science and civil society.
- Social and sustainable entrepreneurship – you found social or ecologically oriented companies yourself or support start-ups in developing responsible business models.
- Project management for innovation and sustainability in companies, public institutions or foundations.
- Leadership of initiatives for sustainable and participatory development of organisations, for example in fields such as the economy for the common good or democratic corporate culture.
- Science and teaching at universities or research institutions, especially in the field of plural economics and societal transformation.
Alumni of the programme show that founding your own projects and companies, e.g. as social entrepreneurs or as transformative process facilitators, also represent realistic career options.
How is the study location Koblenz integrated into the programme?
Your studies take place on the Transformationscampus Koblenz of the Hochschule für Gesellschaftsgestaltung. The following features characterise the study location and spatial organisation:
- On-site teaching in block courses: Seminars and workshops are organised in compact units on the Koblenz campus.
- Intensive support: Small groups enable close exchange with lecturers and individual supervision.
- Project work on site and with partner institutions: Your innovation and practical projects are realised partly in Koblenz and partly at external organisations.
- Engagement in the university environment: Besides courses, you have access to the active student community, student initiatives and cooperation networks in the Koblenz area.
The central location on the Rhine and a civil society-engaged campus atmosphere promote the development of your own projects and exchange with practice partners from society and economy.
What costs should you expect and how can you finance your studies?
The Master's programme costs tuition fees of €2,698.80 per semester. The total costs for the four semesters amount to €10,795.20. The fees include the Germany semester ticket and a solidarity contribution for the student house.
- Scholarship programmes: The university offers its own funding options such as the Studies4Future Scholarship, which honours special commitment and social responsibility.
- Flexible payment models: There are options for instalment payments as well as assistance with study financing.
- Individual advice: The university supports you in finding additional external scholarships and funding programmes.
Motivated students who need financial support can use various funding options to combine studies and social engagement.
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