Sustainability Management & Leadership, Master of Science

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 Content in Detail

The Master's programme in Sustainability Management & Leadership (M.Sc.) at Hochschule Fresenius imparts solid business administration skills with a clear focus on sustainable corporate management. You will engage with sustainable markets and transformation processes, positive leadership and sustainable corporate culture, as well as current topics such as climate and post-growth economics. Key content includes:

• Sustainable Markets & Strategy: Analysis of sustainable market developments and the 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 for sustainable value chains
• Empirical methods in applied research and digitalisation: 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 as well as business development with a sustainability focus
• Elective 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 will develop competencies to analyse entrepreneurial and societal challenges in a holistic, critical and self-reflective way and to design innovative sustainability solutions.

Course Structure

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

• Start anytime: You can begin on the 1st of any month
• Self-directed learning, complemented by online seminars and study coaching
• Extensive options for specialisations
• Empirical research project and completion of the Master's thesis in the final semester
• Optional international certificates and masterclasses via the cooperation partner Arizona State University®

The course is fully location- and time-independent and enables compatibility with work and other commitments.

Career Opportunities & Professional Prospects

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

• Sustainability manager in companies and organisations
• Consulting in corporate social responsibility and sustainable transformation
• Business development manager with a focus on sustainable business models
• Management of 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 sectors 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 Organisation

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

The online format eliminates the need to attend a physical campus – you are not bound to any location and can seamlessly combine your studies with professional work, family or other commitments.

Costs and Financing

For the Master's in Sustainability Management & Leadership, the monthly fee for the standard study period of 48 months is 315 euros, totalling 12,600 euros. Various financing options are available:

• Alternative payment models: Study periods of 24 or 36 months are also possible, with monthly costs accordingly higher (24 months: €525, 36 months: €395)
• Discounts: Temporary discount campaigns such as with the code "START11" reduce the monthly fees
• Funding: KfW study loan, BAföG for distance learners, education bonus or educational leave
• Scholarships: Hochschule Fresenius and external organisations award merit- or needs-based scholarships
• Support from employers is possible if the course contributes to professional qualification

The fees include access to the digital learning platform, learning materials, examination costs, online library and personal support by lecturers and study coaches. Additionally, optional travel costs for exams (in the case of some on-site appointments) may incur, though these are minimised.