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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Sustainability Management under the number 1156623c. Who is the Master’s Degree in Sustainability Management (M.A.) Suitable For?
The continuing education Master’s degree programme in Sustainability Management (M.A.) is aimed at professionals who aspire to take on a responsible position in companies or organisations with a focus on sustainable development. It addresses graduates from a wide range of disciplines who want to further qualify professionally in the field of sustainability – for example, for specialist or management roles in companies, in political, social or civil society organisations, or for start-up projects in the area of sustainable business. The course is especially suitable if you want to support change processes, align corporate strategies sustainably, or actively shape societal transformation.
What Admission Requirements Apply?
To be admitted to the master’s programme, you need a completed first degree (at least a bachelor’s) – the field of study does not matter, as sustainability is relevant across industries. Additionally, relevant professional experience is required. The university sets a specific minimum duration for professional practice on a case-by-case basis. If you do not have a first degree, access may also be possible under certain conditions through the Master’s introductory programme. English language skills are necessary, as part of the specialist literature and, if applicable, individual modules must be completed in English. There is no numerus clausus.
You should have an interdisciplinary interest in social, ecological and economic interrelationships. Analytical thinking skills, initiative and the willingness to take responsibility are essential for tasks in sustainability management. Experience in project work, communication skills and the ability to constructively support change processes are helpful. Self-organisation and motivation are also important for a part-time distance learning course with a strong practical focus.
What content can you expect in the Master's in Sustainability Management?
In the Master's programme Sustainability Management at the European Distance and Independent Studies University Hamburg (Euro-FH), you will develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles of sustainable development and their economic, social and political frameworks. You will engage with global, European and local aspects of sustainability, analyse the historical development of the concept of sustainability, and become familiar with key actors and drivers of sustainable development. The focus is on:
- Concepts and standards of sustainable action in organisations
- Analysis of social, economic and political contexts related to sustainability
- Corporate responsibility and change processes for sustainable development
- Methodological competence – from empirical research approaches to sustainability management
During your studies, you choose one of four specialisations to sharpen your profile:
- Sustainable Entrepreneurship: founding and building sustainable companies
- Leading sustainable companies: management and development of sustainably operating organisations
- Changing companies sustainably: initiating and implementing sustainability strategies in the corporate context
- Transforming society sustainably: stimulating and managing change at the social and political level
Additionally, modules on leadership psychology, change management, project management, communication and negotiation techniques, as well as sustainability marketing are available. Through the course, you acquire analytical, communicative and practical skills to manage and evaluate sustainable projects in companies and institutions.
What does the course structure of the distance learning programme at Euro-FH look like?
The Master's in Sustainability Management is designed as a part-time distance learning programme. You use multimedia learning materials (study booklets, digital learning modules, audio versions, videos) and the online campus “Mein Campus” as your central learning platform. Key features of the structure include:
- Start anytime with individual time management
- Standard duration: 24 months, with a free extension of up to 12 additional months possible
- Workload: on average approx. 21 hours per week
- Examinations: monthly, flexibly online or in person at 10 examination centres throughout Germany
- Accompanying seminars: 6 attendance days in Hamburg and 5 online seminar days to deepen and apply the content
- Use of the AI learning assistant KILEA for support with learning
During your studies, you will complete a practical project, work on case studies and finish with a master’s thesis, which in many cases can also be related to your professional practice. Supervision is provided by professors as well as experienced tutors with practical expertise.
What career prospects does the Master's in Sustainability Management open up?
The degree qualifies you for demanding specialist and leadership roles in companies, public institutions and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). You can shape sustainable development processes, take on management tasks or establish new business models and strategies as an expert in sustainability. Typical fields of activity include:
- Managing, consulting or founding sustainable companies
- Change management and implementing sustainability initiatives in companies
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) officer or sustainability officer
- Project management, business development and innovation management with a focus on sustainability
- Specialist and leadership roles in organisations, associations, political parties or foundations – especially in the field of societal transformation
Depending on your chosen specialisation, you can prepare specifically for roles such as executive management, consultancy, strategic sustainability management, policy advising or organisational development.
Where does the course take place and how is the spatial organisation structured?
The course takes place predominantly online via the Euro-FH learning platform, supplemented by digital self-study modules and interactive formats (webinars, video conferences, online tutorials). You can take examinations flexibly online or at one of 10 examination centres in Germany. The mandatory seminar days are organised as follows:
- 6 attendance days: on site at the Euro-FH campus Hamburg (Doberaner Weg 20, 22143 Hamburg)
- 5 online seminar days: digitally via the online platform
This way, you can organise your studies almost entirely flexibly and combine personal encounters with digital learning if desired.
What are the costs and what financing options do you have?
The total tuition fees for the Master's programme Sustainability Management at Euro-FH amount to 12,504 €. The monthly cost is 521 € (based on a duration of 24 months). In a limited scope, prior achievements from other trainings or degree programmes can be credited, which may reduce your total costs.
- You can start your studies at any time; a free trial period of 4 weeks is offered.
- A free extension of the study period by 12 months is included.
- Euro-FH offers various instalment plans (on request) and accepts numerous funding opportunities such as scholarships, employer funding or state programmes (e.g. Aufstiegs-BAföG, education premium).
- There are regularly promotional discounts (e.g. limited-time price reductions).
If you provide proof of relevant prior achievements or professional qualifications, you can have it examined whether your study time and costs can be shortened by credit transfer.
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