Sustainable Management, Master of Business Administration

Who is the MBA programme in Sustainable Management suitable for?

The part-time MBA programme "Sustainable Management" at the University of Labour is aimed at professionals who take on managerial roles or wish to purposely further develop their existing leadership skills. The programme is especially designed for people in middle or senior management, works council or staff council members, specialists in trade unions, NGOs, as well as executives in companies and organisations from all sectors who want to implement sustainable and future-oriented strategies. It addresses both graduates with a first degree and applicants without a university degree, provided they have relevant professional experience and pass an aptitude test. The focus is on participants who want to shape changes in their organisations holistically and integrate innovative, sustainable management approaches into practice.

Admission requirements at a glance

• Employment: Proof of current employment is mandatory.
• Professional experience: At least one year of relevant professional experience after completing the first degree.
• First degree or aptitude test:
  • Completed first degree (any subject) or
  • Alternatively: Successful completion of an aptitude test according to Hessian higher education law.
• Application documents:
  • University entrance qualification and certificate of the first degree (or proof of aptitude test)
  • Employer’s certificate confirming current employment
  • Detailed motivation letter (at least 3,000 characters)
  • Curriculum vitae in tabular form
• Applicant day or aptitude test:
  • With a first degree: Participation in an applicant day with a short admission test
  • Without a first degree: Participation in a comprehensive aptitude test (course in academic work, exams, technical interview; duration approx. 4 months)

All prospective students should note that the application for the aptitude test must already be submitted by 1 September of the previous year. The complete application for the degree programme must be submitted by 15 February 2026. Early registration allows one to save the enrolment fee.

Personal requirements and expectations

• Motivation for sustainable management: Interest in actively shaping organisational change towards sustainability.
• Willingness to learn alongside work: Ability to meaningfully combine study and work and to incorporate practical examples from one’s own workplace.
• Reflective and change readiness: Openness to new perspectives, variety of methods, and critical engagement with economic, social and ecological issues.
• Team and communication skills: Enjoyment of participative collaboration and exchange with other students and lecturers.
• Self-organisation: Ability to independently structure learning phases and organise self-study phases with digital events.

The programme requires willingness to learn, interest in strategic management tasks, as well as enjoyment in working on practical cases. A basic affinity for sustainable development and the management of people and organisations is advantageous.

What to Expect in the MBA Sustainable Management

The part-time MBA Sustainable Management at the University of Labour in Frankfurt am Main is aimed at professionals who want to lead organisations and companies holistically and with a future-oriented approach. The course specifically prepares you for leadership roles in management, consulting, or participation. The focus is on sustainable strategies, participatory transformation, and a practice-oriented approach.

Overview of Course Content

• General Management: In-depth fundamentals for leading organisations. Here you learn to understand economic contexts, make decisions, and responsibly manage teams.
• Strategic Management: Development and control of strategies as well as aligning personnel policies. The focus also includes the application of social, ecological, and economic key figures.
• Participatory Transformation: Shaping change processes by involving all stakeholders. You engage with the key drivers of organisational transformation.
• Specialisation Area: Individual deepening, for example on topics such as CSRD & fair supply chains, digitalisation, knowledge management, or trade union management.
• Practical Lab and Final Thesis: Here you apply your acquired knowledge together with experts from practice and complete the course with a scientific thesis.

How Is the Study Programme Structured?

• The course is organised integratively with professional work and runs over four semesters (2 years).
• Each module starts with a three-day on-site phase in Frankfurt am Main (Thursday to Saturday), approximately every six weeks.
• Following the on-site sessions is a roughly six-week self-study phase with digital events and a final module examination.
• The entire course consists of twelve modules, including a longer specialisation module with two on-site phases.
• With the practical lab you gain application experience under real conditions.

You can continue working during your studies and immediately apply what you have learned in your professional daily routine. Practical examples from your work are specifically addressed.

What Career Prospects Do You Have?

Graduates are qualified for roles in various management positions after completion:

• Leadership roles in companies, trade unions, non-profit organisations, or associations
• Roles in works councils or staff councils, for example in developing sustainable strategies
• Consulting, change management, or organisational development
• Specialisation depending on the chosen focus topic, e.g. digitalisation, sustainability reporting, personnel management.

The course is particularly aimed at people who already have managerial responsibility or want to take it on – for instance in the context of co-determination at the workplace or in strategic management.

Where Is the Course Conducted?

The on-site dates take place in Frankfurt am Main – the central location favours good accessibility. The on-site phases are supplemented by virtual events, allowing you to efficiently combine study and work.

Costs and Funding Options

• Tuition Fees: Up to 19,800 euros for the entire course (depending on employer contribution).
• Enrolment Fee: 540 euros (waived if registered by 31.12.2025).
• Funding:
  • Partial or full financing by the employer possible
  • Possibility of partial release according to § 37 para. 6 BetrVG for works council members
  • Application for public funding possible
  • Application for study funding for those active in trade unions or within the company
  • Personal costs are tax-deductible

The exact costs depend on the extent to which your employer participates. Additional release options exist for works council members.