Sustainable human resources management, Master of Arts

Who is the Master's in Sustainable Human Resource Management suitable for?

The Master's programme in Sustainable Human Resource Management is aimed at professionals who are already working in human resources, business administration, or sustainability management and wish to deliberately expand their expertise with sustainability-oriented and digital skills. It is especially targeted at employees in personnel departments, managers, consultants, as well as HR generalists who want to responsibly develop HR processes and implement future-oriented strategies, for example in the context of New Work, digitalisation, or corporate health.

Admission: What formal requirements apply?

You meet the admission requirements for the Master's in Sustainable Human Resource Management if one of the following conditions applies to you:

• A first professionally qualifying university degree (e.g. Bachelor, Diploma, Magister) with at least 240 credit points, of which at least 25 credit points are in the area of human resource management. In addition, you need at least 1 year of relevant professional experience after the first degree.
• If you have a university degree with fewer than 240 credit points, you can compensate for missing credits through qualifications, relevant professional experience, further training, or preparatory courses (subject to individual examination by the university).
• Alternatively, access is also possible without a first university degree: for this, you need a recognised vocational training, at least two years of relevant professional experience in the relevant field, and passing an aptitude test (usually a written assignment). A motivation letter is required.

Proof of professional experience, where applicable a training certificate, and in the case of special prior education, a counselling interview may be part of the application process.

Practical experience in human resources or related management disciplines as well as interest in topics such as sustainable leadership, digital transformation, and employee health are helpful for study success. Personally, you should be able to think analytically, be willing to actively shape change processes, and be prepared for independent, structured work in distance learning. Strong communication skills, openness to new HR methods, and commitment to implementing ethical and sustainable principles in HR work will support your learning success.

Study Content in Detail: What Do You Learn in the Master’s Programme in Sustainable Human Resource Management?

In the Master’s programme in Sustainable Human Resource Management at Hochschule Fresenius, you engage intensively with economic, social and ecological aspects of modern personnel work. You learn how to develop and implement sustainable HR strategies – with a special focus on the challenges of digitalisation, New Work and corporate health. The most important study contents are:

• Sustainable Human Resource Management: Analysis and development of sustainable personnel structures, focus on value-oriented corporate governance.
• Personnel Risk Management and Controlling: Identification and management of risks in the personnel area, key performance indicator systems for sustainable management.
• Sustainable Leadership in the Age of Digitalisation and New Work: Designing leadership processes against the backdrop of the changing world of work.
• Digital Learning & Development: Use of digital tools for personnel development, creation of digital learning environments.
• Corporate Health: Building healthy corporate cultures and initiatives for employee health.
• Academic Work: Methodological competence for the qualified handling of personnel-related issues.
• Digital Methods & Tools: Application of digital tools for sustainable personnel work, including HR software and digital communication.
• Elective Module: Focus areas such as designing change processes, labour law for management and leadership, talent management & leadership development as well as personnel selection.
• Master’s Thesis: Handling a personnel-related issue with an independent research approach.

After completing your studies, you will be able to conceptualise, implement and evaluate sustainable personnel processes. You combine management know-how, legal and strategic competencies with current topics of digitalisation and sustainability.

Course Organisation: How Is the Part-Time Distance Learning Organised?

The Master’s programme in Sustainable Human Resource Management (M.A.) at Hochschule Fresenius is designed as a flexible distance learning course with a standard period of study of 24 months (optional study duration: 12, 18 or 24 months). You learn independently of location via a digital learning platform with scripts, videos, tasks and multimedia content. You can mostly take assessments online or at examination centres and schedule them individually. The programme is divided into compulsory modules and an elective module, so you can specifically set priorities according to your interests. You can start your studies every month. In the final phase, you work on a master’s thesis on a current HR topic. Study coaches and lecturers support you online throughout the entire period of study.

Career Opportunities & Professional Prospects: What Are Your Prospects with the Master’s Degree?

With the Master’s degree in Sustainable Human Resource Management, a wide range of career prospects open up for you in business and organisations. Typical fields of employment after graduation are:

• Leadership role in Human Resources and sustainable personnel management
• Consultant for sustainable organisational and personnel development
• Specialist in recruiting, talent management or personnel development
• Responsible position in Corporate Health & Wellbeing
• Change manager with a sustainability focus
• Self-employed consultant for sustainable HR processes
• Expert in digitalisation and New Work in HR departments

The continuing education degree qualifies you for tasks in the international environment, in large companies, in medium-sized enterprises, in non-profit organisations or in the public sector. The option to pursue a doctorate is also available.

Study Location: How and Where Do You Complete the Distance Learning Programme?

The programme is conducted entirely online via the onlineplus faculty of Hochschule Fresenius. You are not bound to a specific location and can study from any place with internet access. Examinations and teaching events take place online; additionally, there is extensive support from study coaches, digital learning groups and optional networking opportunities. You benefit from the connection to the nationwide locations of Hochschule Fresenius if you wish for on-site advice.

Costs and Financing: What Does the Master’s in Sustainable Human Resource Management Cost and What Options Do You Have?

The tuition fees for the distance learning course amount to €455 per month for the standard duration of 24 months (total costs: €8,340). Alternatively, there are shorter models with higher monthly rates and discounts for certain promotions (e.g. discount with code START11).

• All learning materials, e-learning, personal support and examination fees are included.
• Costs for optional attendance events or travel to examination centres are not included.
• Possible financing options: KfW student loan, BAföG (under certain conditions), scholarship programmes, education loan, instalment payment, support from employer.

A free extension of the study period is possible. The university offers advice on funding options and individual payment models.