Sustainability Management & Leadership, Master of Science

Distance learning program @ Fresenius University of Applied Sciences 

👉 The distance learning programme Sustainability Management & Leadership (M.Sc.) is aimed at working professionals and graduates with a first university degree or relevant professional experience who wish to deepen their knowledge of sustainable corporate management. The master’s degree imparts competencies in ecological, economic, and social responsibility, sustainable leadership, marketing strategies, and digital sustainability management. Elective modules such as CSR, neuromarketing, or conflict management allow for an individual focus. Advantages include flexible time management, the international orientation through cooperation with Arizona State University, and official accreditation. The Master of Science qualification prepares graduates for leadership roles in sustainable business areas and corporate social responsibility.

At a Glance

🏫 University Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, UAS based in Idstein (Germany)
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is one of Germany's largest private universities with campuses in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Idstein, Cologne, Munich and Wiesbaden. It offers practice-oriented bachelor's and master's degree programs in the fields of chemistry & biology, business & media, health & social affairs and design, as well as training and continuing education. Studies are possible on a full-time, part-time and distance learning basis.
🎓 Field of Study EconomicsSustainable Management
📜 Degree Master of Science (M.Sc.)
⏳ Duration 6 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 120 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Field of Work, Research Perspectives and Fundamentals Sustainable Markets & Strategy, Positive Leadership & Sustainable Corporate Culture, Global Markets, Competition and Business Model, Stakeholder Management, Empirical Methods in Applied Research, Resource Management, Climate and Post-Growth Economics, Applied Innovation Management, Business Development, Change Management, Sustainable Marketing and Brand Strategies, Leadership and Management, Integrated Sustainability Management and Sustainability Communication, Empirical Research Project, Corporate Governance & Compliance, Consumer Protection and Law, Digital Sustainability Management, Digital Applications & Data Management, Analytical and Exploratory Research in the Field of Sustainable Markets & Strategy, Elective Module I (Neuromarketing and Nudging; Corporate Social Responsibility; Behavioural Decision Making), Elective Module II (Conflict Management & Mediation; Civil Society Engagement; European Integration), Master Colloquium, Master’s Thesis
📚 Electives Neuromarketing and Nudging, CSR, Behavioural Decision Making, Conflict Management and Mediation, Civil Society Engagement, European Integration
📍 Location online
📅 Enrollment Anytime
💶 Fees
from 329 € monthly
from 13176 € total
🔗 More Info https://www.hs-fresenius.de

Requirements and Target Group

The distance learning programme Sustainability Management & Leadership (M.Sc.) is aimed at individuals who want to design entrepreneurial processes from a holistic perspective and specifically establish sustainable leadership approaches. The target group includes graduates of business-related or related undergraduate programmes who are interested in integrating sustainable, ecological, economic and social aspects at the company or organisational level. It addresses future executives, sustainability managers, as well as specialists and project coordinators who want to help shape change processes, digitalisation, corporate social responsibility or innovation management in the context of sustainable development. Career changers who are socially and economically engaged and wish to take on professional responsibility will also find a suitable qualification in the programme.

What admission requirements apply to the master’s programme?

The formal admission criteria for the distance learning programme Sustainability Management & Leadership (M.Sc.) at Hochschule Fresenius are as follows:

  • Completed first degree (Bachelor’s, Diploma or Magister) with at least 180 ECTS in a relevant subject area (e.g. business, management, social sciences, environmental sciences or related fields).
  • Alternatively: university entrance qualification (e.g. Abitur or Fachhochschulreife), a completed qualified vocational training, at least 2 years relevant professional experience in a suitable field and successful participation in an aptitude test (e.g. term paper).
  • Depending on the individual profile: proof of study programme-relevant credit points, e.g. in business, psychology or engineering, may be required.
  • English skills at a minimum B2 level must be demonstrated.
  • Proof of vocational training, professional experience and a letter of motivation are additionally required for special admission routes.

The requirements are complemented by a possible admission interview and an individual assessment of prior knowledge. Recognition of prior learning is possible if it corresponds in content, scope and level to the modules of the study programme.

You should bring self-initiative and an interest in social and economic transformation processes. Important personal prerequisites include teamwork and communication skills, willingness for critical self-reflection, personal responsibility and independent working. An affinity for sustainable economic and leadership issues, enjoyment of analytical and project-oriented work as well as openness to interdisciplinary solution strategies are also advantageous. For the distance learning programme you need good time management, the ability to study in a structured way and the desire to develop yourself scientifically and practically in sustainable corporate management.

Study Contents in Detail

The Master's programme Sustainability Management & Leadership (M.Sc.) at Hochschule Fresenius provides you with solid business management skills with a clear focus on sustainable corporate management. You will deal with sustainable markets and transformation processes, positive leadership and sustainable corporate culture, as well as current topics such as climate and post-growth economics. Important contents include:

  • Sustainable Markets & Strategy: Analysis of sustainable market developments and development of ecologically, economically, and socially sound strategies
  • Positive Leadership & sustainable corporate culture: Methods for creating responsible leadership and corporate cultures
  • Stakeholder management and resource management: Inclusive approaches to sustainable value chains
  • Empirical methods in applied research and digitization: Use of data analysis and digital tools for sustainable management
  • Corporate Governance, Compliance and Consumer Protection Law in the context of sustainability
  • Sustainable marketing and brand strategies and innovation: Development and marketing of green products and business models
  • Change management and business development with a focus on sustainability
  • Optional modules on topics such as neuromarketing, corporate social responsibility, behavioural decision making, conflict management, mediation, or European integration
  • Independent empirical research project and master's thesis in the field of sustainable management

You develop skills to analyze entrepreneurial and societal issues holistically, critically, and self-reflectively, and to design innovative sustainability solutions.

Study Process

The distance learning programme comprises a workload of 120 ECTS and lasts for 4 to 8 semesters depending on your individual schedule. You can flexibly decide whether you want to complete the programme in 24, 36, or 48 months. The learning content is provided via a digital learning platform. This includes recorded lectures, interactive modules, self-learning materials, and regular online exams that can be taken around the clock.

  • Start anytime: You can start on the 1st of any month
  • Self-directed learning, supplemented by online seminars and study coaching
  • Extensive choices for specializations
  • Empirical research project and completion of the master's thesis in the final semester
  • Optional international certificates and masterclasses through the cooperation partner Arizona State University®

The programme is designed to be completely independent of location and time, allowing compatibility with work and other commitments.

Career Opportunities & Job Prospects

With a Master's in Sustainability Management & Leadership, you are prepared to take on leadership roles in the field of sustainable corporate management. Typical career fields include:

  • Sustainability manager in companies and organizations
  • Consulting in the field of corporate social responsibility and sustainable transformation
  • Business development manager focusing on sustainable business models
  • Leading innovation and change management projects with a sustainability focus
  • Expert in sustainable marketing and resource management
  • Positions in stakeholder management, compliance, or consumer protection
  • Self-employment as a sustainability consultant
  • Research and teaching in the field of sustainability management

Graduates are able to strategically plan and implement sustainability initiatives across all industries as well as in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The degree also qualifies for an academic career, such as pursuing a doctorate.

Flexible Online Study: Study Location and Organization

The study programme is exclusively offered online through the learning platform of Hochschule Fresenius. You can learn completely location-independently and take exams online at any time. Personal contacts and exchanges are possible through digital study groups, online seminars, and study coaches. You can bring in international perspectives through optional digital masterclasses and certificates from Arizona State University®.

Due to the online format, there is no need to visit a physical campus—you are not bound to any location and can seamlessly combine your studies with work, family, or other commitments.

Costs and Financing

Tuition fees for the distance learning programme in Sustainability Management & Leadership at Hochschule Fresenius start from 329 euros per month. The university offers several flexible time models to choose from – shorter study durations come with higher monthly instalments, while longer durations reduce them accordingly.

The tuition fees include:

  • All digital study materials, e-books and scripts
  • Access to the online library and learning platform
  • Personal support from study coaches and lecturers
  • Examination fees for online exams
  • International certificates and masterclasses from Arizona State University (ASU®)

Various financing options are available to support your studies:

  • BAföG – available for distance learning under certain conditions
  • KfW student loan or the German government's education loan
  • Scholarships, e.g. the Deutschlandstipendium or university-internal programmes
  • Employer sponsorship as part of professional development
  • Tax deductibility – tuition fees may be claimed as income-related expenses or special expenses under certain conditions

Hochschule Fresenius regularly offers promotional discounts that can further reduce the monthly fees. The student advisory service is happy to inform you about current offers and individual financing options.

Advisory Service

Have questions about Academic Programs Sustainability Management & Leadership? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution Fresenius University of Applied Sciences or the editorial team will answer you.

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